When you fire up the grill for a BBQ this weekend, make sure it’s safe to do so. Your propane grill could be a ticking time bomb. From faulty gas lines, grease build up, and distracted cooks, propane grills are potentially an accident waiting to happen. As reported by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), gas grills are involved in an average of 8,900 home fires per year, and account for 84% of home fires attributed to grills.
Before lighting up your grill for the first time, check the gas hose to ensure there are no leaks. 10% of gas grill structure fires and 22% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks (NFPA).
According to the NFPA, you can check for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, turn off the tank valve, immediately get away from the grill, and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
Here’s how you can make sure your next BBQ is a blast, in the right way:
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Gas powered grills are for outdoor use only.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it, and light it right away after turning on the gas.
- If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
In addition to these steps, the NFPA outlines additional steps and resources people should take before lighting up the grill. CED Technologies has experienced engineers who have investigated these kinds of fires in the past. Make sure you keep this simple safety steps in mind the next time you throw a burger on the propane grill.
