BBQ Safety

Submitted by Eric Tofte, Director of Training, Evergreen Safety Council

Summer grilling season starts this weekend and a lot of us will be going out to the backyard to cook up some BBQ. Before you do, take a look at these safety tips:

• Before using your grill, check it thoroughly for any leakages or any type of damage. Avoid using a cracked grill. Carefully check for any wear and tear of the tubes connected to the burners. Always be prepared for any fires with a fire extinguisher. If possible, keep a person in charge for the fire at all times. Don't wear loose clothing which might catch fire.
• Never barbecue inside your house, garage, trailer, tents or any type of enclosed area: grills are designed for outdoor use only. The carbon monoxide fumes may accumulate and kill.
• Read the manual carefully and follow all the safety restrictions. Grills (gas or charcoal) and smokers all have very specific ranges of operation. You need to know these before you light up.
• Keep the grill stable to avoid tipping. Place your grill over a plain surface; not over steep or sloping surfaces.
• Be sure that all electrically-operated accessories are properly grounded. Electrical cords should be placed away from walkways or anywhere people can trip over them.
• Never start a propane grill with the lid closed. Gas can accumulate and when the grill is ignited may cause an explosion. Always shut off the propane fuel at the grill and at the bottle after you finished barbecuing. Otherwise, this will lead to fire hazards, such as leaks and faulty regulators.
• Due to the production of carbon monoxide when charcoal is burned, charcoal grills should not be used inside homes, vehicles, tents, or campers, even if ventilation is provided. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless so you will not be alerted to the danger until it is too late.
• Only use a charcoal barbecue on a balcony or terrace if there is a ten foot clearance from the building and there is an immediate source of water.
• It is not advisable to use sauce at the beginning of your cooking. And always wait at least one minute before serving food to avoid burns.

Have a Safe Memorial Weekend everyone!