Keefe in Touch - July 2011: Barbecue Safety

Greatings

Want to know more?

For more information on barbecue grill safety, go to
www.nfpa.org

DID YOU KNOW?

What is the biggest danger from gas grills?

The leading cause of injuries and fire from gas grilling is leaking fuel lines. Improperly connected hoses, cracked or broken hoses, and misaligned venturi tubes can release unlit propane that can quickly build up and explode. Review your owner's manual to be sure you have properly set up your tank and for procedures on how to check your grill's connections.

What should I do if the grill catches fire?

First, identify the source of the fire. If the fire is in the grill itself, carefully turn off the control knobs and let the fire die down. If the fire is under the grill and you can safely get to the fuel tank, turn off the tank. If you can't safely approach the grill, move everyone away from the grill and call the fire department.

Should I use a hose or a fire extinguisher on a barbecue fire?

A fire extinguisher is preferable because of the danger from grease fires. Water from a hose can spread the grease or can even cause the grease to explode. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and read the directions for its use in advance.

What is the 10-5 rule?

If your gas grill doesn't start in 10 seconds, turn off the gas and let it sit with the lid open for 5 minutes before attempting to light it again. This will allow the propane cloud to dissipate.

How do I check the lines for leaks?

Brush soapy water over the hoses and connectors. If you see bubbling, you have a leak. Replace the part before attempting to use the grill.

Is there any truth to the story that grilled foods cause cancer?

Cooking red meats or chicken at high heats by any method can create HCAs, a cancer causing substance. If you eat a lot of grilled meats this could be a concern. A couple of things you can do to lower this risk is to marinate meats which breaks down the HCAs, avoid overcooking meats, use thinner or smaller cuts of meat like kebabs, and keep the temperature of the grill under 600 degrees.

For more information on barbecue grilling safety, visit About.com

Quick Links

Mass RMV online

Family barbecues with hot dogs, burgers and kebobs simmering on the grill are indeed a summer delight. But fire on the grill can turn into fire in the home without proper precautions according to the National Fire Protection Association (NPFA). We hope this barbecue safety advisory gives you several ideas you can use to keep your family safe this summer. Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable summer season!

Grill-related home fires

grill1

The NFPA Web site cites the results of a 2005 national study: gas and charcoal grills caused 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties. The combined direct property loss was $137 million.

The NFPA study reported that the placing of grills on exterior balconies, unenclosed porches, and under eaves were leading causes of house fires caused by barbecue grills. Others: Use of gasoline to ignite a charcoal fire; gas grills with leaks or breaks; and placing combustibles too close to heat.

Grill-related injuries

The Consumer Safety Council's study revealed that over a 5 year period 145 out of 231 reported grilling accidents were burn/scald injuries. This was more than all other types of injuries combined. The two most vulnerable groups in the study were male children under age 7 and adults males between 20 and 35. Injuries were most likely to the arms, hands and face requiring outpatient attention.

What you can do to improve safety

woman grilling

Never leave your grill unattended.
Use proper starter fluid for charcoal.
Designate your grilling area a "No Play Zone" for kids and pets.
Position your grill at least 3 feet from the house, shrubs, branches, play objects and other flammable objects in the yard. Make sure the grill is stable on a level surface so it won't easily tip over.
Check the gas grill connection line between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking.
Don't keep a spare tank near the grill. Only use the standard 3 prong tank, NOT the old 5 prong type tank.
Do not use a match to check for gas grill leaks; if you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas, and don't use grill until it is fixed.
Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and splatters.
Consider placing a grill mat or splatter pad beneath the grill to catch grease that misses the drip pan.
Wear safe clothing. Clothing that has loose shirt-tails, frills, floppy sleeves or apron strings can catch fire. Use flame retardant oven mitts to pick up hot items, open the lid or adjust vents.
Do not bring your lit barbecue grill indoors or into any unventilated space; it will become both a fire and carbon monoxide hazard!
Never try to move a hot grill. It is easy to drop it or tip it over and serious burns could result.

If you are planning on doing significant entertaining this summer and fall season, ask us to provide a quote on an umbrella policy. This extra protection for liability over and above your homeowners policy limits can protect you from accidents and incidents caused by guests on your property.

Call or email us for coverage details and a quote. Call 508-528-3310 or 888-528-3310.

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