Propane barbeque safety tips

Backyard meals on the barbecue are just one of Canada's summertime passions. Propane is an efficient, economical and popular source of fuel for most outdoor grills. It's versatile, economical, and can be easily transported, and even though propane is generally considered safe, it needs to be handled with care.

Tips for the proper use of propane barbecues

Transporting and storing propane cylinders
In Canada, propane cylinders have to be replaced every 10 years, unless it is inspected and re-qualified. The date the cylinder was last qualified can be found on the collar of the tank. If your tank does not need to be replaced due to its age, remember to:

• Transport cylinders in an upright position
• Use a cap to cover the cylinder outlet, when transporting or storing
• Never transport or store a cylinder in a passenger or living area
• Store cylinders outdoors, off the ground on a fireproof base
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Never smoke near a propane tank
• Inspect the propane cylinder and replace if rusty or damaged

• Carefully follow the assembly instructions included with your barbecue. If you're not sure about something, take it back to the dealer for help or call a qualified propane technician.
• Make sure the burners and tubes connected to the burners are rust and debris-free, and that the burner throat, where the propane enters the burner, is free of dust or cobwebs.
• All hoses and joints should be carefully looked at to ensure there are no leaks where gas can escape. Leaks, if ignited can send out huge flames.
• Never check for leaks with an open flame.
• Remove lava rocks and grates to clean.
• Clean the grill and burners regularly to avoid grease build-up.

• Always open the lid before lighting so that gas does not build up.
• Open the cylinder valve first, then the burner. Immediately use the igniter switch.
• If you do not have a working igniter switch, have your barbeque lighter handy when you are preparing to light the grill.
• If the burner does not ignite, with the lid open, turn off the gas and wait five minutes before trying again.
• When finished using the barbeque, close the propane cylinder first followed by the burner controls. This way, propane does not get trapped in the hose when the grill is not in use.

• Use gas grills outdoors only. Even grilling in the garage with the door open does not allow for enough ventilation.
• Position your barbeque at least three metres away from windows, doors, wooden fences and walls, and branches.
• Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or other accelerants on the grill.
• Keep children and pets away from the barbeque especially when in use.
• Keep loose clothing away from a hot barbecue.
• Use long-handled tongs and brushes while grilling. It puts you at a safer distance away from the flames.
• Never move a lit barbeque.
• Make sure the barbeque is turned off, and completely cooled before covering.