Residential Real EstateAs Grill Season Opens, Don"t Get Burned
With Memorial Day just barely behind us and June just around the corner,
thoughts turn to outdoor get-togethers and those tasty grilled burgers and
barbecued chicken.
But before your heavy-duty grilling gets under way, be sure your grill is
ready for the season ahead. Whether your grill is fueled by charcoal, gas,
or propane, there are inherent risks.
Charcoal produces carbon monoxide - a colorless, odorless gas that can be
deadly in a closed environment. About 20 people die each year and about 400
are sent to the emergency room in connection with carbon monoxide poisoning
from charcoal, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
So, the safety commission warns never to burn charcoal inside under any
circumstances and never to store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
Meanwhile, gas grills - gaining in popularity - are also sparking more
deaths, injuries, and property damage.
The U.S. Fire Administration says that each year fire safety personnel
respond to some 6,500 grill fires. From those fires, fewer than five deaths
result; about 150 are injured, and about $27.6 million in property damage is
incurred.
Not surprisingly, grill fires occur most frequently in June and July and
then slowly decrease in August throughout the rest of the year. And the
leading cause of grill fires is mechanical failure - a part failure, a leak,
a break, or lack of maintenance.
The CPSC and the industry are working to reduce the number of fires and the
potential for danger.
As of April 1, all propane gas tanks sold to consumers for barbecue grills
must have a new safety device - an over-fill prevention part that helps
avoid propane leaks that can cause fires and explosions.
"CPSC worked with industry to develop this safety standard to help prevent
death and injuries," said CPSC Acting Chairman Thomas Moore. "As people
trade in their old propane tanks for newer ones, we will see fewer fires."
Now, only the new tanks will be sold or refilled. If you have the older
tank, you"ll need to get the newer, safer tank when you get a refill. Some
dealers are replacing the old tanks at no cost; others charge $10 to $20.
And, in 1995, industry standards required new safety features for grills,
hoses, and connections. The standard calls for a device to limit the flow of
gas if the hose ruptures; a mechanism to shut off the grill if it overheats;
and a device to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank
and the grill is not leak-proof.
In addition, the CPSC offers these safety tips to reduce the risk of fire:
Check the tubes that lead to the burner. Look for blockage from inspects,
spiders, or food grease. If you do find an obstruction, use a pipe cleaner
to remove it.
Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. And make
sure the hose and tubing don"t have any sharp bends.
Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot
grease. If you can"t move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.
Replace scratched or nicked connectors - they can leak gas.
Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer"s instructions. If you
find a leak, turn off the gas at the tank and don"t light the grill again
until the leak is repaired.
Keep cigarettes, matches, and open flames away from a leaking grill.
Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from any
building. Don"t grill in a garage, carport, porch or under a surface that
can catch fire.
Never try to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See a gas
dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.
In addition, always keep gas containers upright and never store a spare
container under or near the grill, or indoors.
Once you"ve inspected your grill and are practicing safe grilling
techniques, all you"ll have to worry about is not drying out those burgers.