Barbeque Safety Tips

Sedgwick County > Fire District 1 > Barbeque Safety Tips

Every year, thousands of burn injuries result from the careless use of outdoor gills. These injuries occur primarily due to the use of unapproved lighter/starter fluids or gasoline and the misuse of approved fluids. These injuries are preventable!

Charcoal Grills

Grill with flames Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in enclosed environments. Each year, approximately 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside.

To protect your family from CO poisoning, follow these safety tips:

Never burn charcoal inside your home, vehicle, tent, or camper. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.
Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany the grill.
NEVER use gasoline as a starter fluid or accelerant for charcoal grills.
ALWAYS use an approved lighter/starter fluid for charcoal grills.
After soaking your coals with lighter/starter fluid, wait for a minute before lighting the coals. This allows the heavy concentration of explosive vapors to disperse.
When using lighter/starter fluid, place the container well away from the grill before attempting to light the coals.
Be careful not to spill any fluid on your clothing or in the area surrounding the grill.
Wear an insulated, fire retardant barbecue mitt when lighting presoaked coals.
Never add lighter/starter fluid to hot or even warm coals. An explosion can result.

Propane & Natural Gas Grills

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany grill.
When using a gas grill, check all connections leading from the fuel source to the inlet connection of the grill for leaks.
Never use a match, candle or flame source to check for a gas leak.
Open the valve only a quarter to one half turn before lighting.
Always shut off the valve to a fuel source when it is not in use.
Never start a gas grill with the lid of the grill closed.
The propane or natural gas may accumulate inside and, when ignited, blow the lid off causing injury.
Periodically, clean the grill. Use the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.
Have a fire extinguisher located in the grilling area.
Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that can catch fire.
Store propane bottles away from potential sources of flame, such as furnaces, water heaters or any appliance with a pilot light.
Store full or empty propane tanks in a well-ventilated shed away from the house or any habitable structure.
Wear tight-fitting or short-sleeved clothing while cooking on a grill.
Keep children and pets away from grilling areas at all times.