Few things can match the fun and enjoyment of a barbecue with family and friends. Practice sensible, safe barbecuing and your summer get together will be a sizzling success.
SEASON OPENER
At the start of the barbecue season, do this three-step safety check of your BBQ:
- Clean: Use a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure the burner ports are free of rust, debris, spider webs or other debris.
- Check: Examine the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.
- Test: Find leaks by applying 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest.
SAFETY TIPS
Even a perfectly functioning barbecue needs to be handled with care. Here is a list of safety tips:
Do …
- keep loose clothing away from a hot barbecue.
- keep children and pets at a safe distance.
- when finished, turn the gas valve off first, then turn off the burner controls, so that no gas is left in the connecting hose.
- allow the barbecue to cool completely before closing the cover.
Don't …
- leave the barbecue unattended when in use.
- barbecue in an enclosed space, such as a garage or tent.
- allow grease to build up on the burners or at the base of the barbecue as this could cause a grease fire.
- throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the flame.
- position your barbecue too close to wooden fences or walls. Make sure the area behind your barbecue is free of combustible material, since this is where hot gases escape.