Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or
propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are
injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and
explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a
period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas
container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely
perform the following safety checks:
Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any
blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire
to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.
Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and
leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot
surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a
heat shield to protect them.
Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can
eventually leak gas.
Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions,
if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container.
If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to
light the grill until the leak is fixed.
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away
from a leaking grill.
Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10
feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a
garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the
appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair
person.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that
accompany the grill.
Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers.
Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near
the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near
the grill.
To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should
transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled
container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to
increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
Consumers should use extreme caution and always follow manufacturer's
instructions when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers. Post-1995 grills are required to have safety features to eliminate leak hazards: a device to limit the
flow of gas in the event of hose rupture; a mechanism to shut-off the grill;
and a feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and
the grill is not leak proof.
Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
Charcoal produces carbon monoxide
(CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to
toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are
injured as a result of CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside.
To reduce these CO poisonings:
Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents,
or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is
provided.
Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is
completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used
coals.
