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Barbeque Grill Safety
Each year about 600 fires/explosions occur with gas grills, causing
injuries. Many of the accidents happen the first time a grill is ignited
for the season or after the grill's gas container is refilled and reattached.
Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, review these safety tips:
- Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes
and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or
tubing.
- Make sure your grill’s propane tank has three-prong
gas valve handle. As of April 1, 2002, the three-prong design
replaces a five-prong handle as the safety standard.
- Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces
and dripping hot grease.
- Always keep propane gas containers upright.
- Never store a spare gas container under or near the
grill or indoors.
- Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline,
near the grill.
- Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car
trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may
open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
- Make sure your spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could cause an explosion.
- Never bring the propane tank into the house.
- When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves.
- Keep children and pets far away from grills.
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Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
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Keep in mind that charcoal when burned in grills produces carbon monoxide
(CO). CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic
levels in closed environments. Each year about 17 people die as a result
of CO fumes from charcoal being burned indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
- Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents or campers.
- Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
- Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
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