10 BBQ Safety Tips To Increase Your Grilling Season Pleasure
Warmer weather generally means the grilling season has arrived. The attraction of perfectly grilled choice cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and veggies bring everyday people into the fresh air for the best meals of their lives. But it’s essential for backyard chefs to follow through with appropriate grill maintenance and observe the following PGS BBQ safety tips.
1: Position Gas Grills at Safe Distance from Structures
A stainless steel gas grill must be placed at least 10 feet away from an existing structure, including a house, garage, shed, or carport, among others. To some, that distance might seem excessive. However, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), points out that gas grills contribute to upwards of 8,700 residential or commercial fires annually. These include an estimated 3,600 structures and 5,100 outdoor fires that can spread quickly.
2: Conduct Outdoor Gas Grill Due Diligence
The NFPA also points out that 34 percent of annual fires are the result of inadequate gas grill maintenance. Many fires are caused by leaks or breaks in the gas lines and other areas. Hoses tend to become brittle from direct sunlight, dry conditions and may be impacted by severe weather. It’s critical to check gas grill hoses to see if they have been compromised.
3: Make Certain BBQ Grill Stable & Secure
Outdoor grilling aficionados often select high-quality products, in part, based on space availability. While complete outdoor kitchens typically enjoy pro-level installations, grill owners would be well-served to pay close attention to the landscape. Placing a moveable gas grill close to stairs, inclines, or uneven footing can be a recipe for disaster.
For homeowners who opt for pedestal-mounted grills to improve space efficiency, it’s important to check footings to make sure they are secure. These can loosen over time due to weather and hard impacts. Regardless of where you decide to do your outdoor cooking, remember to look down and check your grill’s base.
4: Essential Grill Maintenance Measures
At the beginning, middle, and conclusion of your grilling season, consider investing time and energy into thoroughly cleaning and maintaining your stainless steel gas grill. This will help ensure a safe grilling season and likely add to the robust life of the unit.
Take a long look at tubes and hoses for any insect infestations of blockages after taking the BBQ grill out of winter storage. Check for old grease and grit accumulations inside and out. More than a few grill-lovers forget to clean out grease traps on a regular basis. Remove the grates for a seasonal dust-off and look closely at the burners for gas flow impediments. Remember, a clean unit is more likely to be a safe grill.
5: Check for Tight Gas Line Connections
Before lighting your stainless steel BBQ grill, use soapy water to identify any gas line leaks. This can be accomplished by making a soapy solution and applying it to the lines, especially the connections. It will likely bubble up if you have a leak or loose connection.
6: Properly Store Propane Tanks
You may have noticed that many outlets no longer allow customers to bring propane indoors when making a swap. Safety regulations widely require tanks to be stored outside buildings. Home and business owners are advised to follow the same protocol. Never store tanks in your home, business, or an attached garage. It’s in safety’s best interest to keep them in an outbuilding such as a shed or detached garage.
7: Supervise a Hot Grill at All Times
We all know the story about the kid whose parents told him not to touch the stove, even though it doesn’t appear hot. Some children heed that advice. Others require first aid. Outdoor BBQ grills are no different in this regard. If you do not monitor a hot grill, the likelihood of an unsuspecting child getting burned increases exponentially.
8: Be Prepared to Extinguish a Fire
Even when experienced grill enthusiasts are dedicated to following BBQ safety tips, unanticipated incidents can occur. That’s why many home and business owners keep a fire extinguisher nearby. It’s also worth noting that grease fires should not be addressed with water. This tends to spread them rather than put the fire out. Salt proves to be a reliable cure to grease-based flames, in a pinch. A more primitive method of putting out a grill fire is a bucket of sand.
9: Lean on Grill Accessories for Improved Safety
The PGS line of outdoor gas grills has leveraged technology to improve grill safety. While making a deliciously grilled meal requires creativity, experience, and a good recipe, safety calls for common sense and accessories. These are items that can help improve grill safety.
Shut-Off Timers: This safety accessory saves on fuel should you forget to turn off the grill. It also ensures that the unit won’t remain hot for extended periods of time.
- Matchless Ignition: This safety device allows grill owners to keep the lid closed while lighting. The alternative can be a burst of flame that singes hair, eyebrows, and causes significant skin burns.
- Moon Roks: These advanced technology briquettes help evenly disburse heat throughout a PGS grill. It reduces flare-ups, which minimizes the risk of fire.
- Temperature Indicators: This accessory allows users to know, with relative certainty, whether the gas grill is operating or hot.
While serious grillers are inclined to remain faithful to BBQ safety tips, leaning on technology and accessories to help others avoid injury - particularly children - often proves beneficial.
10: Follow Manufacturer Instructions
Every quality PGS grill comes with a user manual that outlines best practices and appropriate grill usage. Keep in mind that every high-quality stainless steel grill has unique aspects. By taking the time to read through the manual and following these BBQ safety tips, you are more likely to enjoy a grilling season without incident or injury.
Bonus: Dress for Grilling Success
Although many clothing products are flame resistant, loose-fitting sleeves, shirts, jackets, and other items can catch fire. The best way to avoid your attire making contact with grill flames is to wear short-sleeved and snug-fitting clothing whenever possible.
We wish everyone a happy barbecue season.