Propane BBQ Safety Tips
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In Canada, breaking out the barbecue is a sure sign of spring. Propane is an efficient and popular source of fuel for most outdoor grills, but if used improperly, it can be very dangerous.
The operator of the outdoor grill is usually the person most likely to get injured in a BBQ accident. We will cover you for any damages to your home and will offer liability insurance in case anyone is injured, but preventing accidents is the best way to avoid insurance claims.
Tips for the proper use of propane barbecues
Storage
Propane is stored as a liquid, but used as a vapour. The cylinder must be kept upright at all times to prevent leakage. Store propane cylinders outdoors only.
Set up and maintenance
Carefully follow the assembly instructions included with your barbecue. If you're not sure about something, take it back to the dealer for help or call a qualified propane technician.
Make sure the burner pots are free of rust or dirt and that the burner throat, where the propane enters the burner, is free of dust or cobwebs. All hoses and joints should be soap tested. To accomplish this, make up a solution of dish soap and water. Leave the barbecue valve off and the cylinder valve on. Spread the soapy solution generously on all fittings and the hose. If bubbles appear and become larger or increase in number, then you have a leak. Never check for leaks with an open flame.
The fitting that connects the barbecue hose to the cylinder has a left hand thread. Turn it counter-clockwise to tighten. If the fitting has an 'O' ring, check it every time you connect the cylinder. It should be replaced if it's bent or worn.
Use
Propane gas is not toxic. However, it can cause suffocation in a confined space. Use gas grills outdoors only. Even grilling in the garage with the door open does not allow for enough ventilation and could cause suffocation or an explosion if the gas builds up.
When lighting your barbecue, have the match or lighter already burning with the lid open before you turn on the propane at the barbecue.
After each use, turn off both the cylinder valve on the propane tank first, then the "ON/OFF" valve on the barbecue. This way, propane does not get trapped in the hose when the grill is not in use.