Summer is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to get your Blue Rhino propane, and fire up your grill for the best barbecues of the season. But before you get too carried away with your backyard chef impression, you need to know the dos and don’ts of grilling safety. Here are a few tips to make sure you can enjoy your next cookout without any worries.
Grilling Safety Dos:
- Do keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. This includes garages, porches, carports, overhangs, and other flammable items, like porch railings. By maintaining a safe distance from all areas of your home, you ensure that no excess flare ups or other debris can spark a fire near any of your valuable items.
- Do clean your grill regularly. It’s important that you keep your grill in good shape, especially if you haven’t used it for a while. Grease and fat can build up the longer you let your grill stay dirty, which can lead to major flare-ups and fires. For the proper grill cleaning method, follow these instructions on how to tune up your grill.
- Do check for gas leaks. To do this, make a soapy water solution and apply it around an open propane tank valve and around the connections and hose leading to the grill. Make sure to do this while your grill is off. If bubbles start to appear on the area that you applied the soapy solution, that indicates the tank is leaking. If that is the case, close the valve, disconnect the tank from the grill and do not use that tank. For further demonstration on how to check for a leaking tank, follow these steps.
- Do follow the grill manufacturer’s lighting instructions. And with all grill models, keep the lid open and never lean over the grill when lighting it.
- Do plan ahead. Utilize your prep time efficiently. By knowing what you’ll be grilling and how long it will take, you’ll be able to spend less time in front of the heat. When grilling, be sure to keep a fire extinguisher close by in case of a fire.
Grilling Safety Don’ts:
- Don’t leave your grill unattended. Keep your children and pets a safe distance from the grill – not only while it’s lit, but also for an hour after you use it, as the grill will still be hot.
- Don’t wear loose clothing while grilling. Baggy or loose-fitting clothing can dangle over the grill and catch fire. Be sure to remove or tuck away clothing items like your shirt, sleeves, and apron strings.
- Don’t re-light the grill right away. If the flame goes out while using your gas grill, turn the grill and the gas off, then wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it.
- Don’t overload your grill with food. This is especially important if you’re cooking fattier meats. If too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up – turning your meal into toast.
- Don’t ever use a grill indoors or in any enclosed area. In addition to being a fire hazard, grills release carbon monoxide, which can be extremely dangerous for you, your family, and your pets.
Taking these measures to ensure your safety, and the safety of others is important whenever you’re at the grill. Follow these steps and learn more tips from our Grilling Tips and Techniques page.
Published: 2019.14.17 | Last updated: 2023.10.29