Barbecue Safety

Barbecuing is an enjoyable activity during the warmer seasons, but this enjoyment can turn to disaster unless proper safety precautions are taken. In Alberta, during the most recent recorded five-year period, there were 270 barbecue (propane, natural gas, charcoal) related fires causing 12 injuries and $1.4 million in property damages. The barbecue fuel used in 90 per cent of these fires was propane. The most common causes were wear, failure, break or leak (71 per cent), ignorance of hazard (21 per cent), arson/vandalism (3 per cent) and other causes (5 per cent).

• When purchasing a barbecue, select one that bears the CSA or ULC label. Follow manufacturers instructions and if needed, have it repaired by a trained professional
• Keep barbecues away from anything that can burn such as your home, car, dry vegetation, deck rails, wood balconies, etc.
• Use long handled barbecue tongs and brushes to put extra distance between yourself and the intense heat of the barbecue.
• NEVER allow children to use or play around a gas barbecue.
• Always have a fire extinguisher, baking soda and water available to put out an accidental fire.
• Do not wear loose clothing near a barbecue as flaming grease can ignite clothing.
• When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm.
• If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. DO NOT use butter or salve on burns — these products seal in heat and can cause further damage to the tissue. If you receive a serious burn, with charred skin, for example, seek medical attention immediately.
• Never use barbecues inside the home.

Charcoal barbecues

• Use only an approved fire starter fluid designed for barbecue grills. Do NOT use gasoline. Store the remaining fire starter fluid in a safe place.
• Be sure that fire starter fluids are not accessible to children as they are poisonous when swallowed. Special childproof caps are available at your local dealer. Solid fuel fire starters or electric fire starters are also available.
• Prevent fire hazards by keeping the barbecuing area free of twigs, dried leaves and paper products such as paper cups, plates and napkins.
• Place the charcoal barbecue in a well-ventilated area as poisonous gases, especially carbon monoxide are released from burning charcoal briquettes.
• Before disposing charcoal ash, ensure it is thoroughly extinguished. Live coals or hot embers can start a fire – be extremely cautious!
• Under the Alberta Fire Code, the use of Solid Fuel (charcoal or wood) barbecues is not permitted on balconies in buildings with more than two dwelling units.

Gas barbecues

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when fitting the gas cylinder to the barbecue. Use proper wrenches to tighten connections. Hint: Fittings on old style propane cylinders have left-hand threads and are tightened by turning in a counter-clockwise direction. New style propane cylinder fittings do not require a wrench and tighten in a clockwise direction.
• If your barbecue connection area has an "o" ring, check it every time you connect the cylinder. Replace missing, cracked or damaged "o" rings.
• After connecting the gas supply hose to the barbecue, open the propane cylinder or natural gas supply valve. Check for gas leaks by applying a soapy solution over the connections and hose. Soap bubbles will form if there is a leak.
• If a leak or fire occurs, turn off gas supply valve immediately.
• If using a match, always light the match before turning on the gas to prevent an excessive gas buildup. If the barbecue is equipped with an electronic igniter, follow directions on the control panel.
• Always ensure that the cylinder valves are fully open or fully closed.
• Propane cylinders MUST be retested every 10 years. If you are refused a refill, chances are your cylinder is past the retest date. Decertification of the tank can be arranged through most propane filling stations.
• Avoid a possible fire or explosion – NEVER light a gas barbecue with a leaking hose, a leaking connection or with the barbecue lid closed.
• Never store extra propane cylinders under your barbecue or inside any structure.
• Excess heat may overpressure the cylinder and cause it to release propane form the cylinder relief valve.
• When transporting a cylinder, secure it in an upright position with a safety plug (a POL plug) in place. Keep the trunk open to allow air circulation. A POL plug will prevent gas leakage when the valve is accidentally turned on, and is available through your local dealer.
• Prevent grease from dripping onto the hoses or cylinder, as grease buildup could be a potential fire hazard.
• Ensure all valves are turned off when the barbecue is not in use.