For many homeowners, no summer is complete without using their grill at least once to entertain family and friends. But grilling safety should always be grill masters’ top priority regardless of their experience or skill level. The following tips will help keep you and your company safe while enjoying the grilling season.
Proper grilling maintenance
A properly maintained grill is much less likely to become a safety hazard. Some tips for grilling safety and maintaining your grill include:
- Checking hoses – Apply a bit of soap and water to your grill’s hose. Next, turn on the propane. If you see bubbles along the surface of the hose, a leak is present in this location. You will also see bubbles at the connection point if the hose is not attached correctly.
- Adjusting hoses – You should check hose attachments to the regulator, cylinder, and burner connections. Tighten hoses wherever needed.
- Clear obstructions – The tubes that connect the control valve to grill burners are known as venturi tubes. Spiders and other small insects love setting up nests and webs in those tubes. Obstructions are a fire hazard. You can keep venturi tubes clean with a pipe cleaner.
- Provide covering – Keeping your grill covered when not in use will protect it from bugs and inclement weather.
Proper placement
Make sure that there are at least ten feet of distance between a propane grill and any structure. You should also make sure you do not position a grill under a wooden overhang.
Insurance
Most homeowners wouldn’t place insurance at the top of the list of items they need for a summer cookout. But that doesn’t mean it should not be a top priority.
Possessing the appropriate level of coverage will protect you in case of an unfortunate event, like a fire burning out of control or a guest hiring a slip and fall lawyer after an ugly accident on your premises.
Use the right accelerants
Homeowners should never use gasoline, kerosene, or alcohol to soak coals. These accelerants are not intended for grilling and can quickly cause a fire to burn out of control.
Never grill indoors
Many homeowners feel there is no danger when using a small grill inside their homes or garages. Not only is this practice a fire hazard, but grills release carbon monoxide that can be deadly in closed spaces.
Dress appropriately
Grill masters should avoid wearing baggy clothes that can become exposed to flames. Oven mitts will protect your hands and forearms while working with a grill. A heavy apron and long-handle utensils will also help keep you safe.
Do not overload the grill
Grill masters should remain mindful of the amount of food they put on a grill at one time. Also, pay extra attention to the amount of fatty meat you place on a grill. A fire might grow out of control if too much fat drips into the open flames.
Prepare for fires
Never throw water on a grease fire. You will only cause the fire to spread. The best fire preparation strategy is to keep a fire extinguisher handy. If one is not available, baking soda can help put out a grease fire.
Proper cleanup
Close the lid and vents on your grill once you are through using it. Soak any remaining coals in water, so there is no chance of reignition. Once the coals are cool enough to handle, place them in an appropriate container. Use a brush to clean the grill and scrub tray so that the grill stays clean and prepared for your next grilling session.
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