There have been many news stories this season about grilling accidents involving fires and explosions. Propane gas is a convenient, clean-burning fuel for grilling. However, gas grill fanatics everywhere need to be aware that liquid propane is pressurized, highly flammable, and potentially dangerous if proper safety precautions and practices aren't used. Each year approximately 600 fires and explosions occur in the United States resulting in injuries to about 30 gas grill users. Don't be an unfortunate statistic. Learn how to use propane safely, and keep on grillin'!
Fires and explosions are most common when a grill is first used after a long period of storage and when a new propane tank is attached. However, it's also important to maintain vigilance with safe grilling practices to ensure that your grill continues to operate safely.
Safe Grill Usage Tips
- Always inspect your grill closely before its first use of the grilling season.Check the metal tubes that lead directly to the burner. Insects can block them during storage. Clean any blockages according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Every time you connect a propane tank to your grill, use a 50/50 mixture of water and liquid hand soap to check all connections for gas leaks. Bubbles forming at a connection indicate leakage. Avoid using dish soap or window cleaner containing ammonia as it will corrode brass fittings.After checking for leaks, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
- Never try to connect a propane tank to a grill unless they have matching connections.
- Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing. Replace any hose that appears to be damaged.
- Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.Residual grease may attract animals that can chew on hoses and damage them.
- Always keep the lid open when lighting a grill.
- Make sure your spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could explode.
- Always keep your grill on a level surface 10 feet from any building. Never grill indoors or under a carport or breezeway.
- Never move a grill that's in use.
- Never leave a hot grill unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
- Always keep your grill clean inside and out for safe and efficient operation and to avoid grease fires.
- Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on a propane grill.
- When finished grilling, turn off the grill's burner controls and close the propane tank's valve.
- Always make sure the grill is shut off and cooled off before covering after use.
- Never allow children to play or tamper with a grill or propane tank.
- When a grill is being stored or not being used regularly, disconnect the propane tank and cover disconnected propane hose fittings with plastic bags or protective caps. Never store a propane tank indoors.
- Always follow grill manufacturer's instructions and keep written materials accessible.
Proper Propane Tank Handling Tips
- Never store a spare propane tank or any other flammable liquids under or near the grill.
- Never use, store, or transport propane tanks near high temperatures or ignition sources.
- Never smoke while handling a propane tank.
- When not in use, the propane tank's valve should be turned off.
- Always keep propane tanks in an upright (vertical) position, whether full or empty.
- When transporting propane tanks secure them upright in your vehicle.Keep your vehicle ventilated.
- Be aware of safe transportation regulations for propane tanks, as they vary from city to city. Contact your local fire department for propane transportion regulations.
- Never keep a propane tank in a hot vehicle or trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
- When a propane tank is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust, and leaks.
- Never store or use a propane tank in your home or any other enclosed space, such as a garage, basement, or shed.
- Always cover valve fittings of disconnected propane tanks with plastic bags or protective caps to keep them clean.
- Never attempt to repair a damaged propane tank yourself. Return the damaged propane tank to a qualified propane supplier for repair or disposal.
- Make sure to read all warning labels attached to the propane tank
Emergency!
- If you smell gas before using your grill, turn off the grill and tank valve immediately. Don't use it again until the problem has been fixed. If you smell gas while the grill is in use, get away from the grill and call the fire department.
- If there is an uncontrollable release of gas or a fire, call the fire department immediately and move all people and pets away from the grill. Do not attempt to move the grill or put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. If you do, you may end up injuring yourself or spreading the fire to nearby objects.
You down with OPD?
An Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) is a safety device incorporated into the filling valve of a propane tank. An OPD shuts off the flow of gas after 80% capacity has been reached. This limits the potential for release of gas when the propane tank is heated. All new 20-pound consumer propane tanks manufactured after October 1, 1998 require an OPD valve. Since April 1, 2002, consumer propane tanks have been required to be equipped with OPD's before refilling to help avert fires and possible injuries from propane leaks. Obsolete tanks can be retrofitted with OPD valves by qualified propane dealers. You can also exchange an obsolete tank for a new one with an OPD valve at an exchange station for an extra fee.
Make sure your propane tank is equipped with an OPD valve. The unique triangular shape of the valve's hand wheel and the letters “OPD” can identify OPD-equipped propane tanks. Propane tanks with a round or star-shaped hand wheel are obsolete.
Also, in the United States any propane tank over 12 years old must be re-certified before it can be filled. The date of manufacture is usually stamped on the tank, often on the collar. Always have your propane tank filled by a trained, certified propane professional.
For those who think grilling with propane is more dangerous than using charcoal, beware. Charcoal grills also have risks associated with fire and pose a serious carbon monoxide risk if used without adequate ventilation. No matter what kind of fuel you use for grilling, always follow all safety recommendations to avoid potential injuries. Grilling is all about enjoying food and life, so play it safe and avoid the risks.
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