When the time comes to pull out the grill and whip up your favourite BBQ treats, it is important to keep gas grilling safety tips at the forefront of your mind. When you take the time to be as safe as possible, you can cook up your meal without incident and move on to enjoying it. To help you get started, here’s a look at the top gas grill safety tips to keep in mind.
Keep the Best Tools on Hand
To reduce the risk of burns on your hands and arms, you need to always use long-handled utensils to flip and move your food as it cooks. You should also have several sets of heat-resistant mitts and use them whenever you are near a lit gas grill. Don’t forget the fire extinguisher either — and make sure it is always stored near the grill.
Remember to inspect all your tools before each grilling session to check for defects that could cause injuries. You should check for loose handles, for example, to make sure the tools stay intact as you work. Also, verify that the bristles are not loose to prevent injuries to your throat or digestive system.
Inspect and Clean Your Grill
Each time you fire up your grill, take a moment beforehand to inspect all its key elements for signs of wear and tear or damage. Also, verify that the burners and other elements are clean. Otherwise, the grease buildup could catch fire and stay lit long after you turn off the gas.
During the inspection, look at the:
- Burners
- Fuel tubes
- Hoses and fittings
You will need to check that all those parts appear to be in good condition and without any obvious defects.
You can check the integrity of the propane tank, lines, and fittings with a soap test. To complete this test, hook up the tank to the grill and turn on the valve, then spray the valve, hose, and regulator with a small amount of soapy water. If you see bubbles, then you have a leak and the grill is not safe to use.
Look for an Ideal Setup Area When RVing
Since flames can leap much higher than the lid on the gas grill, you have to choose a safe area to put it while you set up your campsite. Look for a spot outside the RV that is well-ventilated and far from any combustible materials, including trees with low-hanging branches. Avoid areas with nearby windows and doors that could let the smoke enter a living space. Then, verify that the ground is flat and even to keep the barbecue from tipping over unexpectedly.
Use Smart Ignition Practices
Once you have your grill inspected and placed in a safe area, you can fire it up. You should always follow your gas grill manufacturer’s directions when lighting the grill.
For most models, you will need to:
1. Open the lid
2. Turn on the valve to the propane tank
3. Turn on the burner connected to the igniter
4. Press the igniter switch to light the burner
If the grill does not immediately light, you should turn the burner switch to the off position and wait for the gas to dissipate before trying again.
Choose a Designated Attendant
Once the grill is lit, it cannot be left unattended for any length of time. For that reason, always choose a designated attendant if you have to move out of sight of the grill. Better yet, have everything set out in the immediate area, so you do not have to go anywhere else until cooking is complete.
Shut Down and Let It Cool
After you are done cooking, shut the valve on the propane tank and let the remaining gas in the lines burn. Once the flames go out, you can turn the burners to the off position and close the lid. You can then disconnect the propane tank and put it away in a well-ventilated space far from lots of foot traffic. Let the gas grill fully cool before putting it away as well.
When you follow these gas grill safety tips, you can cook up your meal without incident, quickly moving on to enjoying your tasty snacks. You can also teach everyone around you how to properly use the grill to spread this important knowledge.
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