As we fire up our barbecues for the weekend, and are nearing the Fourth of July, here are some tips for proper maintenance and operation from Catherine Jones of Safety XChange.
Do:
- Operate BBQ outdoors only, 10 feet from house, garage and trees
- Maintain your BBQ by replacing rusted or worn hoses and fittings
- Test for leaks and check tubes for blockage
- Keep lid open when lighting gas grill, to prevent flash off from gas build-up
- Turn BBQ off if you smell gas and don’t attempt to relight until the leak is fixed
- Keep alcohol away from grills
- Use baking soda on grease fires – not water – and keep the proper fire extinguisher handy
- Cap lighter fluid immediately and place it a safe distance from the grill
Don’t:
- Leave an operating barbecue unattended
- Move an operating BBQ
- Wear loose or flowing clothing while tending to the BBQ
- Use gasoline or kerosene as a starter
- Store LP cylinders indoors
- Store spare cylinders near the grill or appliances