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Safe Summer Grilling

Here are some interesting statistics about grilling [compiled by the Underwriter's Laboratories]

• In 2002, gas and charcoal grills caused 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $30 million.
• The popularity of gas-fueled grills nearly tripled between 1982 and 1993 (up 193 percent from 9.4 million to 27.5 million).
• Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.
• Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 home outdoor fires in 2002.
• Charcoal grills have a higher risk than gas grills of death due to fire or unvented carbon monoxide; most of these deaths do not involve fire.
• Charcoal-fueled or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 300 home structure fires and 300 home outdoor fires in 2002.
• Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home structure fires.
• Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.
• Gas fuel is the leading item first ignited for home outdoor gas grill fires.
• Structural member or framing, wall coverings, exterior trim, and plants are the leading items first ignited in home structure or outdoor charcoal grill fires.

These grill safety tips come from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Propane Education & Research Council and Underwriters Laboratories Inc.:

General safety

• Never use the grill inside. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from any structure that can catch fire.
• Never leave the grill unattended.
• While the grill is hot, keep all children and pets away from it until it cools.
• Have easy access to a fire extinguisher.
• Use longer utensils instead of tableware to keep yourself at a safe distance from the flames.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and contact the manufacturer or look up the Website if a manual is missing.
• If a fire erupts from a tank or endangers personal safety or property, call 911.

Charcoal grills

• Never use gasoline or kerosene to light charcoal fires—use only lighter fluid.
• Do not restart a flame by adding additional starter fluid on hot coals, as this may cause a flare up.
• Coals can reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees, so dispose of them away from children and pets and cool them with water.
• Never use charcoal inside because it produces carbon monoxide gas when it burns. CO fumes from grills kill an estimated 30 people a year and injure about 100 when people grill inside.

Gas grills

• Never pour lighter fluid or any other accelerants on a gas grill.
• Check hoses from the gas supply for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks.
• Make sure the hose and tubing have no kinks in them.
• Inspect tubes leading to the burner for any blockages from yard debris, bugs or grease. Use a pipe or wire cleaner to clear the blockage.
• Keep the grill top open when igniting because fumes can build up in a closed grill and cause an explosion.
• Never use a match or lighter to check for leaks.
• Do not light a grill until a leak has been fixed.
• Immediately turn off the gas in the case of a leak.
• Move gas hoses or install a heat shield to protect them from hot surfaces and dripping grease.
• Always replace scratched or nicked connectors, which could possibly leak gas.
• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and other open flames away from a leaking grill.
• While refilling the cylinder have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.
• Buy grills that have the following safety features: a device to limit the flow of gas in the event of a hose rupture; a mechanism to automatically shut-off the grill; and a feature to prevent the flow of gas if the connection between the tank and the grill is not leak-proof.
• Always see a gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person to fix a leak instead of trying to fix it yourself.

Propane dangers

• Keep containers in an upright position.
• Never store a spare gas container under or near a grill or indoors.
• Transport gas containers in a secure and upright position.
• Do not keep gas in a hot car or trunk, as the heat will cause the pressure to increase—possibly opening the relief valve and allowing gas to escape.