Propane And Barbecue Safety Tips
PROPANE INFORMATION & STORAGE
Propane is stored as a liquid, but used as a vapour. The cylinder must be stored outdoors and kept upright at all times to prevent leakage.
Propane, in its natural state, is a colourless odourless gas and is odorized at the refinery. The ethyl mercaptan which is added gives the propane a very strong boiling cabbage/burnt garlic smell which is detectable long before concentrations become dangerous.
An important thing to remember is that propane vapour is heavier than air and therefore, if a leak should occur, the invisible vapour will "pool" in low-lying areas. This is one of the main reasons that it is imperative that propane cylinders and tanks be used and stored outdoors only. Clause 9.5.1.2 of the Propane Installation Code (a national standard of Canada) states that "A cylinder which contains propane liquid, or vapour, shall not be stored or used inside any structure". Remember that a cylinder which seems empty is still full of propane vapour and still presents a hazard if it should leak.
PROPANE & NATURAL GAS BARBECUE MAINTENANCE
Make sure the burner holes 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 soap tested by using a solution of dish soap and water. Leave the barbecue valve off and the cylinder valve on. Spread the soapy solution generously on all fittings and the hose. If bubbles appear and become larger or increase in number, then you have a leak. Never check for leaks with an open flame. If you're not sure about something, take it back to the dealer for help or call a qualified propane technician.
The fitting that connects the barbecue hose to the cylinder has a left hand thread. Turn it counter-clockwise to tighten. If the fitting has an 'O' ring, check it every time you connect the cylinder. It should be replaced if it's bent or worn.
USE OF PROPANE BARBECUES
- Always use gas grills outdoors. Grilling in the garage with the door open does not allow for enough ventilation and could cause an accumulation of carbon monoxide.
- Only open your propane tank a quarter to one-half turn. That's all the gas your barbecue needs to operate, and if you have a problem, then it's much easier to shut off.
- When lighting your barbecue, have the match or lighter already burning with the barbecue lid open before you turn on the propane.
- Always 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 heat and flames.
- Make sure that the barbecue is at least 10 feet (3 metres) from the house, or any other objects that could catch fire. Never move a lit barbeque.
- After each use, turn off the propane tank cylinder valve first, then the "ON/OFF" valve on the barbecue. This way, propane does not get trapped in the hose when the barbecue is not in use.
- From the time you light the barbecue, until you finish cooking, stay with your fire - never leave a lit barbecue unattended.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the safe maintenance and use of your barbecue.
- At the start of the season, make sure the burner ports are free of rust or dirt and that the burner orifice is clear of dust and cobwebs.
- Transport a propane cylinder safely by placing it in a secure, upright position with the safety valve on top. It is preferable to transport it on the floor of the passenger compartment. Make sure the windows of the vehicle are open.
- Never use or store propane barbecues indoors or in any enclosed space, including a garage.
CHARCOAL BARBECUES
- Never use gasoline to get the coals going. Use only charcoal lighting fluid.
- Let the lighter fluid soak into the coals for a minute or so before lighting it. That gives the explosive vapours a chance to dissipate. Before you light the coals, make sure that you put the lighter fluid at a safe distance away from the fire.
- Stand back from the coals when you ignite them, and make sure you didn't accidentally spill any fluid on yourself, or on any area surrounding the grill. If the coals start to die out on you, don't spray lighter fluid on the hot coals. You could end up with explosive results.
- Always extinguish the coals when you're finished barbecuing. While wearing oven mitts, take the coals out of the barbecue with tongs, and submerge them in a metal pail of water.
- Always ensure you keep your children and pets away from barbecues and flames.
