Gas Grill Safety

Grilling is a staple in American pastimes, as well as a healthy way to prepare our favorite foods. However, it’s important to make sure that individuals and families practice grilling safety, especially when using gas grills. When left unattended or used improperly, gas grills can pose a serious fire and burn injury risk. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) roughly 30 individuals are injured from gas grill explosions and fires each year.

Gas Grill Danger Facts

The following are facts and statistics from the National Fire Protection Association:

• From 2007 to 2011, gas grills were involved in roughly 7,200 home fires.
• Charcoal grills and other grills using solid fuel were involved in 1,400 home fires.
• Roughly 29 percent of home fires involved grills that were started on an open porch or exterior balcony.
• Roughly 27 percent of home fires involved grills that were started on a terrace, courtyard, or patio.
• Nearly half of these home fire incidents were caused by a combustible or flammable liquid or gas catching fire.

Gas Grill Maintenance

It’s important for gas grill owners to consistently maintain their grills and make sure all parts are in working order. This should be done routinely in between uses. Check burner tubes for blockages from food grease, spiders, or insects. Use a wire or pipe cleaner to push blockages through to the main component of the burner. Check hoses for brittleness, cracking, leaks, and holes. Also remove all sharp bends in tubing or hoses. Immediately replace nicked or scratched connectors, which may cause a gas leak. If there is any damage in the tank valve or grill, call a qualified repair professional instead of attempting to fix it yourself.

Gas Grill Safety Tips

Gas grill owners should adhere to the following safety tips for gas grill use:

• Always use propane tank cylinders in a vertical, upright position.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for using the gas grill.
• Move gas hoses from dripping hot grease and hot surfaces. If they can’t be moved, install a heat shield protector.
• Grill at least 10 feet away from a home or other building. Never grill indoors or in garages, carports, porches, or under flammable surfaces.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or detect a leak, do not use the grill until the issue is fixed.