Barbecue Safety

While propane barbecues are cleaner and cook faster than charcoal barbecues, they do present potential hazards. A little extra care along with these simple precautions should ensure the safe and enjoyable operation of your propane barbecue.

• Make sure burner ports are free of rust and dirt.
• Ensure that the burner orifice is clear of dust and cobwebs.
• Check that the hose is in good condition. A damaged or cracked hose can send out a jet of propane which could result in a flame several feet high if ignited.
• Place your barbecue away from combustible roof overhang and low trees. It is unlawful to operate a barbecue within ten feet of a combustible wall or a window of a building.
• When lighting your barbecue, have the match or taper already burning and the lid open before you turn on the propane.
• Control the flames on a barbecue grill by using a pint spray bottle of water mixed with one teaspoon of baking soda.
• Never move the barbecue while it is lit.
• Turn off both the appliance "on-off" valve and the cylinder valve at the conclusion of every use.

Always be sure to check your barbecue for leaks before you use it. Follow these easy steps:

1. Turn barbecue burner control knobs off.
2. Move the barbecue to an open, well-ventilated outdoor area prior to connecting the fuel supply.
3. Connect the fuel supply to the barbecue and check all connections for leaks. Do not use matches, lighters, or flame to check for leaks.
4. With the barbecue burner controls turned off, slowly open the propane cylinder service valve. Apply a 50/50 solution of soap and water with a small paintbrush to all connections. Expanding bubbles indicate a leak. Repair all leaks prior to lighting the barbecue.
5. If you find a leak, close the cylinder service valve and re-tighten the leaking connection. Leak test again.
6. If you cannot stop a leak by additional tightening of a connection, turn off the propane cylinder service valve. Disconnect the propane cylinder and call a Technical Standards & Safety Authority-certified fuel appliance repairperson.

For more information please call Central York Fire Services at 905-895-9222.