Barbecue Safety Tips

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The Propane Gas Association of Canada is pleased to share the following barbecue safety tips.

Take Proper Care of Your Barbecue

Coming Out of Storage

When spring time rolls around and it’s time to get your barbeque in tip-top shape for the barbecue season, be sure to follow these steps:

• Inspect and clean your gas barbecue before using it for the first time each season.
• If the fittings, flex hose or burners are worn or rusted, replace them, and replace missing or worn “O” rings.
• Ensure that the burner’s venturi are properly seated over the barbecue’s gas valve orifices.
• Use a flexible brush (made for this purpose) to clean the tubes between the gas valve and the burner, as blockages can occur due to spiders or insects (in many cases, debris in the tubes is the reason barbeques start “blowing out” for no reason when they were formerly working well).
• Always check all cylinder connections for leaks before using your barbecue for the first time after an extended period or any time you replace the cylinder.
• Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks.

Everyday Use

When using your barbecue, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Some multi-storey condominium and apartment complexes do not permit the use of propane barbecues on balconies.
• Always use your barbecue outdoors in a well-ventilated area at least three metres (10 feet) away from windows or doors, clear of the house and far from anything that might obstruct the flow of air around the grill.
• Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for clearances from combustible walls, fences, etc.
• Store cylinders outdoors in a secure, well-ventilated area, upright (vertical) and off the ground on a non-combustible base.
• Never handle, store, or transport a propane cylinder near heat, or possible sources of ignition (e.g., flames, smoking materials, barbecues, spark-producing electrical tools).
• Keep the area clear of branches, leaves or other combustibles.
• Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or other accelerants on the grill.
• Never use a barbecue inside. 
• Keep children away from the barbecue.
• Ensure you have authorization to store or use a barbecue on your balcony.
• Ensure all lines not attached to the barbecue are closed and terminated with caps or plugs.
• Never modify or repair a barbeque or cylinder/tank parts, including connectors, regulators, valves, burners, and controls. Always contact a qualified service technician.
• If you suspect a leak, smell an odour, or hear a high-pitched whistling noise, turn off the cylinder valve immediately and contact a licensed professional.

See Also:

Know How to Change Your Cylinder

Get Your Cylinder Filled By Qualified Attendants

Outdated Cylinders

Filling Up

Lighting the Barbecue

• Always open the barbecue lid before lighting, so gas doesn’t pool under the lid while you take time trying to light it.
• With the lid open, use the service valve on the propane cylinder to turn on the gas supply. Next, turn on the burner and immediately use the igniter switch.
• When you finish using the barbecue, turn the service valve off first to ensure there is no propane left in the hose, then close the burner control valves.
• Make sure the gas grill is shut off and has completely cooled before covering it.
• Keep the burner controls turned off and the cylinder valve closed when not in use.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

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