Too Hot to Handle: Gas Grill Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Summer and grilling go hand and hand, and you want to make sure you’re doing it safely. When grilling with a gas grill, things can get dangerous in an instant. Here are a few steps to ensure that your meal won’t come out smoking. 
         

Step 1 It is very important to read and follow the manufacture instructions that came with your grill. Often the instructions that come with the grill with have a few safety tips of their own and they can be very helpful.

Step 2 A well-maintained grill is key to having a safe and delicious meal. Cleaning and replacing any worn out parts are the best ways to maintain your grill. Cleaning your grill can make a huge difference when it comes to preventing a fire. Grease and left over food particles can ignite and cause a grease fire. Empty and clean out the grease tray in your grill regularly to ensure it never causes a fire. Cleaning your grill thoroughly once or twice a year is highly recommended. While cleaning your grill make sure all the major parts are working like hoses, burners, and valves. 

Step 3 Make sure you are using gas or propane correctly. While hooking up the propane tank make sure to connect all of the fittings while following the manufacturers instructions. It is important to check for leaks every time that you connect the propane. An easy way to test this is to coat the fuel line with soapy water and then turn on the propane.  Coat the fuel line again, and if you see any bubbles check for worn part or tighten the connections. Then repeat this process until you can’t find any bubbles.

Step 4 When lighting your grill keep the lid open. This will prevent the gas from building up and stop it from flashing off. Then turn on the gas, and open a valve. Then proceed to igniting your grill. If the burner doesn’t ignite close the valve, leave the grill open, and wait five minutes before trying to ignite the grill again. If your burners go out while you are cooking turn all of the burners off. Then shut off the gas and wait five minutes before trying to relight your grill.

Step 5 When grilling always keep a safe distance from the grill to avoid being burned. Grease can drip from your food and cause a flare up that can burn you. It helps to use grill utensils that are made for grilling. They will help prevent you from burning yourself. It is always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher close by, and incase of emergencies, have a burn kit close by your side. 

Step 6 Finally, now that you are done grilling, and you have made a delicious meal with out burning yourself it is time to close all the valves and turn off you propane.  Enjoy yourself! Have a wonderful time in the beautiful warm weather, and the great outdoors! 

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Lucas Wertish

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company