Gas Grills: Safety Tips While Using Gas Grills

Insider tips for your gas grill safety

According to stats by NFPA, “Seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker*, which translates to a lot of tasty meals.

But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires. In 2014-2018, fire departments went to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outside or unclassified fires”

Facts are that most home fires are started by grills- gas, charcoal or electric.

So as gasgrill are becoming popular choices for outdoor kitchen owners by reason of their numerous possibilities, convenience and ease of use, educating users on the high need of safety consciousness when smoking with a grill has becomeanecessary task because the wrong approach to using it can put the whole house in flames.

This blog post puts together the basic insider safety tips to maintain while using your gas grill.

1. Your Grills are Meant for Outdoors Only: Going by the stats we quoted above, it validates how grills are highly prone to flare-ups.

It then means that using your gas or charcoal grill indoors can be fatal as it is morevulnerable to use in an enclosed or confined space.

Make sure to position them in a well-ventilated open space, away from building, trees and other combustible materials. You can check out our expert’s content on Ventilation and Fire Safety tips for outdoor kitchen here.

They are meant for outdoor use only, do not do otherwise!

2. Read Manufacturer’s Manual and Follow Due Process: Every grill type comes with a booklet that instructs on the usage.

Before you use your gas grill for the first time read the manufacturer’s manual and follow carefully every instruction therein. Read the manual to understand how to properly assemble, use and maintain your gas grill.

Strict compliance to the dos and don’ts is for your own safety.

3. Position Your Grills Properly: If the grill is not well positioned, you are probably going to get hurt when it tips over and spills steaming oil on your skin.

Make sure your grill stands sturdily on a stable and leveled surface.

4. Keep Children and Pets Far Away:

Underage children and pets barely know much when it comes to grilling safety. They just don’t want to feel lost in the delight that comes with grilling activities without compliance to grilling safety rules.

The best you can do for them is to keep them at as a few distance away from your grilling area to prevent them from bumping into the grill or falling on a grill part or hot coals.

5. Never Leave Your Grill Unattended To:

If your friends are around and you want to be in their company, never think of leaving that gas grill unattended just to be with them.

Pick your struggles. Either you turn off your gas grill and go hanging out with them or remain focused on your gas grill.

Remember, your gas grill is more like an open fire that you wouldn’t want to leave it burning idly or unattended.

6. Check Your Gas Connections:

I never cease to sound this in your ears in most of my previous articles.

Checking your gas connections to make sure they are secured and not leaking before using your gas grill should stick to you as the daily routine of brushing and bathing.

Check the connections between the propane tank and the grill to make sure they are not leaking. To be double sure about this, you can apply a soapy water solution to the connections and watch for bubbles.

If it bubbles, it means there is a leak somewhere and the gas is escaping. When this is discovered, turn off the propane tank and have the connections properly fixed before using the grill again.

7. Use Proper Fuel:

For your gas grill, propane is the only recommended fuel source for it.

Ensure it is properly connected to your grill before using it. Also, follow the manufacturer’s guide on this to avoid any issues.

8. Use the Right Grilling Tools:

To avoid sudden accidents, injuries and burns, it is important to use the right tool when grilling.

Use long-handled tongs, spoons, forks, and spatulas to handle food. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot items or adjusting your heated gas grill, rather than using your hands. Strict compliance with these precautions will help prevent minor burns and injuries.

9. Make Sure the Grill Top is Open Before You Light The Grill:

By opening the lid before lighting the grill, you make it possible for any accumulated gas to dissipate into the open air, thereby reducing the risk of an explosion or fire, because when the gas is turned on and the lid is closed, the gas builds up inside the grill, creating a concentration of fuel that can ignite suddenly and explosively

Additionally, it is easier to ignite the gas when the lid is open, as it allows for better airflow and can prevent the gas from getting trapped and creating a potentially dangerous situation.

So ensure to open the grill lid before attempting to light the grill because gas can accumulate in the closed chamber and create a potentially dangerous situation.

10. Light Your Grill in the Proper Way:

Most gas grills have an igniter button to light the grill. Use this button to start the grill instead of using matches or lighters.

However, Before using your gas grill for the first time, read the instruction manual carefully to understand the proper way to operate it.

11. Keep the Gas Grill Clean Always:

Cleaning your gas grill is a post grilling safety exercise that can help prevent fires and keep it in good working condition.

By cleaning it, you remove grease or fat buildup from the grill. Wipe out food debris from the grill grates and burners and clean the tray after each use.

12. Turn Off Your Grill Properly:

Completely shut down your gas grill after use. Monitor the shutting down process till you are sure it is turned off before leaving.

Also disconnect the propane tank and move it some distance away from the grill.

Conclusion:

Grilling can be an exciting exercise, but can turn into a dangerous tool when handled without attention to stipulated safety rules.

By following this safety tips here, you reduce the known risk of your gas grill while still enjoying the benefits.