Safety Tips: BBQ Season

Fuel Safety

A little caution when handling fuel can prevent loss of life, personal injury, and property and environmental damage. By safely transporting and storing propane we can avoid serious problems and injuries.

• if you need to transport propane, it should only be carried in approved containers, certified by agencies such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada(ULC)
• Containers should never be filled to the top, avoid other sources of ignition  Transport containers in the trunk of a vehicle, with the trunk popped open at least10 cm. for adequate ventilation
• propane cylinder tanks should be stored safely and out of reach children

Cleaning:

• clean thoroughly before using the first time in the season
• BBQ’s require frequent cleaning. This should be done monthly and check for leaks
• burners most be removed for cleaning
• clean the BBQ with soap and water
• inspect the BBQ each time before use and check for leaks brushing soap and water at all line connections
• use a stiff brush to clean a cast iron burner, use a cloth and soapy water to clean stainless steel use a thin wire to open clogged burners

Safety Check

• carefully check for any obstruction (i.e. spider webs or nesting places of other insects) burner tubes and ports each time before using
• ensure the burner is seated properly at the gas valves when replaced
• if there is no flame or poor flame at the burner ports, immediately turn of the propane at the cylinder valve. There may be an obstruction.
• other signs of blockage include a flame in the lower part of the burner assembly, a propane smell, or a high pitch whistling noise. Turn of propane immediately and contact a licensed professional to come take a look.
• check at every use for any possible leaks.

Checking for Leaks

• To verify that fuel is moving safely through the BBQ leak checks need to beperformed through the following bubble test process
• Make a soapy solution with liquid dish soap and water
• Paint this mixture over the connections of the hose
• Open BBQ lid, Leave the BBQ valve closed and turn on the cylinder valve
• If bubbles form at the connections then there is a leak
• Close cylinder and tighten all connection and test again
• If leaks persist call a qualified person

The Propane Cylinder

• Take a propane cylinder to an authorized dealer for retesting every 10years (the manufactures retest date is on the collar of the cylinder)
• check the condition of the rubber “O” in the cylinder connection
• if it is cracked or worn it will need to be replaced and the BBQ should not be used until this has been done BBQ Time
• once safety inspections have been completed and it is safe to BBQ you may begin.
• When you are ready to grill open the lid to the BBQ before the fuel is turned on
• When you are finished Barbecuing turn off the propane tank before you turn off the BBQ flame controls

Never use a BBQ – indoors

• within a meter of an open window or other potentially combustible or flammable surfaces
• propane BBQ’s should not be used with in 10 feet of a building
• propane BBQ’s and cylinders should not be stored within a building, unless special provisions have been made to do so with the approval of the local fire department
• propane BBQ’s and cylinders should not be stored within 10 feet of any opening (doors, windows, ventilation shafts) on a building face

BARBECUING TIPS— FOOD SAFETY AND FACTS

Keep it sanitary – do not allow raw meat and fish to come in contact with other foods

• use separate cutting boards and clean thoroughly with hot soapy water
• use two separate sets of plates and utensils, one for raw meat and another once the meat is cooked and ready to serve
• when handling and preparing fresh meat and other foods, always wash your hands and clean the preparation surfaces regularly Marinades – use only glass, ceramic, stainless steel or zip lock bags. Do not use Aluminium items

TIPS AND FACTS

• Direct cooking, grilling this method involves placing food directly over the heat source. Recommended for food that requires short times to sear or lock in the juices before cooking indirectly
• Indirect cooking, food is cooked away from the direct source of heat. This method works well for delicate foods and when a longer cooking time is required.
• Get your cooking grills hot, Set the burners on High for at least 1 min. before you start cooking. By preheating the meat will be seared and will not stick to the grills
• Cooking with the lid down, is recommended as much as possible
• To prevent food from sticking to the warming rack, you can spray or brush on oil before lighting the BBQ, or spray food with oil before placing it on the grill
• To keep the BBQ looking and cooking like new, clean and tune it up at the start of the season
• When the BBQ is not in use keep the lid down to prevent rain or water form getting into the BBQ
• Check the propane tank for leaks weekly or any other time the line has been disconnected and then reconnected, after periods of storage or non use
• Store propane tanks in up right position in the shade away form any combustible materials
• Use long handled utensils for safe reach when cooking. These should be at least 12 inches, and will allow you to reach any item safely
• Keep it grease free and clean, this will allow the BBQ to work most efficiently and can prevent possible grease fires
• When shutting down the BBQ turn off the propane tank first. This sequence prevents residual from being left in the system
• If a burner falls to light or if the flames go out. Turn off the gas and the BBQ. Wait about 5 minutes for any accumulated gas to dissipate fore lighting the BBQ. If this does not work you may need to clean, or replace parts
• Clean off grills after each use when they are still warm so they are ready for the next use
• If you are using wooded skewer, soak them in water first for at least an hour, this way they will not burn
• Have an instant read thermometer to accurately determine when meat has reached safe internal temperature. Take extra care when cooking pork and chicken
• Remember that BBQ remain hot for some time after use and caution is required