Gas Barbecues

Barbecued foods are a summertime delight. And with the convenience of gas barbecues, more people now enjoy outdoor cooking year-round.

Before you fire up the grill, consider the following practical safety tips.

Choosing a barbecue

Look for the CSA mark. This shows that the barbecue complies with recognized safety standards. In the U.S., look for the CSA Blue Star. In Canada, look for the CSA Blue Flame. (See the marks for details.)

Maintaining the equipment

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintaining your barbecue.
• Carefully inspect the barbecue, hoses and gas cylinder at least once a year and whenever the equipment has been left unused for a long period. Look for the following:
  • dirt, grease or bugs that might be blocking the burner tubes. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear the tubes.
  • cracked, brittle or leaking hoses. To test for leaks, spray the hose and connectors with a soap-and-water solution and look for bubbles. Never use a lit match to test for leaks. Replace any damaged hoses.
  • connectors that are scratched or damaged, which could eventually leak gas. Replace damaged connectors.
  • dents, excessive rust, or other damage on the barbecue or the gas cylinder. Repair or replace damaged equipment.

• If you repaint the barbecue shell, use a suitable heat-resistant paint. If you repaint a gas cylinder, use only white or off-white paint because darker colors absorb heat, which can cause the gas to expand dangerously. Don't paint the hose or connectors.

Handling gas cylinders

• Always carry gas cylinders in an upright position with the safety valve at the top.
• When transporting a gas cylinder, put it upright on the floor of the vehicle and open all windows. Never carry a gas cylinder in the trunk of a car.
• Never leave a gas cylinder in a parked car. Heat can build up very quickly inside the car, causing an explosion hazard.
• Before filling the cylinder, open the purge valve to get rid of any air and moisture.
• Never fill the cylinder more than 80 percent. It is important to leave some room for expansion. In the U.S., gas cylinders are filled by volume; in Canada they are filled by weight.
• When you reconnect the cylinder to the barbecue, spray a soap-and-water solution on the connectors to test for leaks. If you see bubbles, tighten the connectors.
• Always close the valve on an empty cylinder to prevent moisture from getting in.
• Store the cylinder outdoors in a shaded, cool area away from direct sunlight. Never store gas cylinders inside the house, even if they are empty.
• Do not use a gas cylinder that is more than 10 years old. In some places old cylinders can be re-certified, but it is usually more economical to get a new cylinder.

Grilling

• Always barbecue outdoors in a well-ventilated area at least 3 meters (10 feet) from any building. Never use the barbecue indoors, in a tent, trailer, garage, carport, covered porch or other sheltered area. In an enclosed area there is a much greater risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
• Make sure all connections are secure before turning on the gas.
• When lighting the grill, always keep the lid open to prevent a buildup of gas that could cause an explosion. First turn on the gas at the cylinder valve and on the grill, then light the burner using the igniter button. If there is no igniter button, use a long match or barbecue lighter, putting the flame through the burner hole.
• If a burner doesn't ignite: turn off the gas; keep the lid open; wait five minutes before trying again.
• If the burner goes out while you're barbequing: turn off the gas; open the lid; wait five minutes before trying to relight it.
• If you smell gas or find a leak, turn off the grill immediately and don't light it until the leak is fixed.
• Keep gas hoses away from hot surfaces and hot grease.
• Do not let grease drippings build up on the grill, cylinder or hoses. These drippings could ignite and cause a serious fire.
• Keep loose clothing away from the hot barbecue and wear flame-retardant oven mitts when adjusting hot vents.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Shut off the gas at the grill and at the cylinder as soon as you finish barbequing. Leaking gas is a major fire hazard.

In case of fire...

• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to smother the flames. Get immediate medical attention.
• If there is a fire in the barbecue unit and you can safely reach the burners and tank valve, turn them off and close the grill lid.
• If the fire involves the tank, LEAVE IT ALONE. Evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department. Don't delay!
• Never put water on a grease fire. It will only cause the flames to flare.

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