Livingston, N.J. – Summer is the perfect time to put another shrimp kabob on the barbecue and enjoy succulently grilled foods in the company of good friends. Unfortunately, summer may also be a time for injuries caused by liquid petroleum gas or propane, which is used in gas grills and is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC reports that many of the fires and explosions associated with gas grills occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container.
Charcoal grilling also presents hazards because charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. A colorless, odorless gas, CO can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside.
“A burn is a devastating injury and any safety precautions that can prevent an accident should be followed,” says Chris Ruhren, R.N., Director of Critical Care and Burn Services for the Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. The state’s only certified burn treatment facility, The Burn Center is one of the largest in the United States and Canada. An integrated team of more than 90 professionals provide comprehensive care to patients, approximately 75 percent of whom are under age two.
The following grill safety tips are provided by The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and the CPSC:
PREPARING THE GRILL
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.
- Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and do not attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.
- Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects or food grease.
- Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
- Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
- Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
- Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.
- Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See a qualified appliance repair person.
USING THE GRILL
- Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your home. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that can catch fire.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill while in operation and until after the grill is cooled.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and know how to use it.
- Use proper long-handled utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance from grill while cooking.
- Do NOT wear loose clothing while cooking
- Always shut off valve to propane tanks when not in use.
IF YOUR GRILL CATCHES ON FIRE
- If the fire in the grill portion seems "out of control," simply close the lid and turn off the burners and gas valve.
- If the fire involves one of the hoses, and you can safely reach the propane tank valve, shut the tank valve off.
- If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911).
- If there is any type of fire that threatens either personal safety or property, call 911.
STORING/TRANSPORTING LIQUID PETROLEUM (LP) GAS
- Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
- Transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
- Use extreme caution and follow manufacturer's instructions when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers.
CHARCOAL GRILL SAFETY TIPS (in addition to those listed above)
- Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
- Do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
- Never apply charcoal lighter fluid after charcoal has been lit. The fire may return into the fluid container and explode.
For more information about Burn Education and Prevention programs, please call (973) 322-8071, or check out our web site at www.saintbarnabas.com . To reach The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas, please call (973) 322-5920.
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