Page 9 - jul-aug 2023

safety & education by: R DeWayne Whiddon

Propane Grill Safety
101
101

ummer has come to Alabama and with summer
comes grilling season. Hopefully all those grill-
ers are using propane fueled grills. As always,
Sit is good practice to inform your customers
of some facts and tips to keep them safe. This article
strives to be a resource to give them more informa-
tion. There are some safety precautions that should be If you do not have a properly designed shed, put them
adhered to regardless of which name is on the front of outdoors in a shady spot if they are not being used. Do
the grill. Several of these precautions will apply to fish not store tanks that are not being used (spare or extra
cookers as well. Always read the manual when you get tanks) in places where the temperature can get too
any new propane fueled appliance. hot, like a car in the middle of summer or under the
The first is to check the grill hose and fittings grill, not hooked up.
for leaks before using it for the first time each year and The grill should be placed well away from the
anytime the cylinder is refilled and replaced. Apply home, deck railings and out from under eaves and
a gas leak detect solution to the hose and fittings. A overhanging branches. The National Fire Protection
propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a Association recommends that your grill be placed at
gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there least 10 feet away from your house or any combusti-
is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If ble structures. Maintain proper clearance to allow for
the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional room to work and move around the grill preferably at
before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the least 36 inches in all directions. But please follow your
fire department and your propane supplier. grill manufacturer’s recommendation.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately Keep children and pets at least three feet away
get away from the grill and call the fire department. from the grill area. Children under five accounted for
Do not move the grill. If the fire goes out, turn the grill an average of 2,820 or 46%, of the contact-type burns,
and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-light- per year. These burns typically occur when someone,
ing it. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before often a child, bumped into, touched, or fell on the grill
lighting it. When lighting your grill, keep the lid open. or a grill part. Keep children away from the grill. And
This prevents gas from pooling within the grill box and above all, never leave your grill unattended while it is
under the lid, which could cause a flash fire. Speaking in operation. Also use long handled tools to reduce the
of fires, keep a class ABC fire extinguisher handy for risk of touching a hot surface.
any fires. A box or two of baking soda can help in a Keep your grill clean by removing grease or
pinch with a grease fire.
fat buildup from the grill and in any trays below the
Propane-fired grills should be operated in grill. Empty the drip tray and scrape out the drip pan
well-ventilated areas and follow all safe operating every 3 to 4 uses and give your grill a thorough clean at
practices listed in the owner’s manual. Propane fueled least twice per season. After you are done cooking and
grills should only be used outdoors. Propane cylinders have given your grill a little scrub, shut down the grill
should not be stored indoors or in the garage, even properly. Turn off the burners, then the gas at the tank.
portable garages. They should be stored in a well-ven- Ensure the grill is completely cooled before covering
tilated area away from the house or in a well-ventilated after cooking. Hopefully these tips will help your cus-
shed that is over 50 percent open around the bottom. tomers stay safe this summer.■

9 Alabama Propane Gas Association | July / August 2023