Barbecue Safety Tips

BEFORE USING YOUR BARBECUE 

1. Make sure that the barbecue has been put together and installed according to the instructions in the owner’s manual. Read the manual before using your new barbecue. Store the manual in a safe place to have as a future reference. 
2. Propane is not natural gas, and MOST barbecues are made to use natural gas OR propane. Some, not all, barbecues can be adapted to use the other fuel. Check with a barbecue specialty outlet for information and names of qualified service companies. 
3. Clean and check your barbecue, especially if it hasn’t been used for some time. A buildup of grease can be a fire hazard. See our information on How To Maintain Your Barbecue for more information. 
4. Store all propane tanks outside, away from the barbecue, even when they are empty or not in use. 

WHILE USING YOUR BARBECUE 

1. Only use a barbecue outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Do not use it in a garage or tent, even if well ventilated. When you open the lid of your barbecue, it should not touch the fence, the deck railing, the house or any other objects.  
2. Check for gas leaks every time you disconnect and reconnect any gas fitting or propane tank. For the correct disconnect and reconnect procedure and to check for leaks at the connection, see our video playlist. 
   
3. Have a fire extinguisher nearby. 
   
4. The barbecue lid must be open when lighting the barbecue.  
   
5. If the burners do not light or they go out while barbecuing, turn all gas valves off, open the lid and wait for five minutes before attempting to re-light. 
   
6. Should a grease fire occur, leave the lid open and turn burners off, if you can do so safely. If not, turn gas off at the quick-disconnect fitting or shut-off valve. 
   
7. Do not leave food unattended on the barbecue. Barbecuing involves a certain amount of fat dripping onto the heat source, which causes flaring. A small amount of flaring is acceptable as the smoking will contribute to a barbecue flavour. If there is too much flaring, your food may burn. Move food to another spot on the grid and reduce or turn off the heat. To prevent too much flaring, trim fat from meat cuts and drain fat from frying pans or griddles. 
   
8. To prevent burns, always use proper tools and oven mitts when barbecuing. Avoid wearing long loose sleeves or clothing that can catch fire easily.  
   
9. Use bristle brushes with caution! Bristles can come off and may get into your food. Ingesting metal bristles is extremely dangerous. Check bristle brushes often and replace them regularly. Non-bristle metal brushes and wooden scrapers for barbecues are available and recommended. 
   
10. A rotisserie unit is connected to an electrical outlet and should not be operated in damp or wet weather. Read the owner’s manual carefully before operating. 
    

AFTER USING YOUR BARBECUE 

1. Always turn the control knob to the off position when the barbecue is not in use. For propane barbecues, also turn the valve off at the propane tank. 
2. Make sure the barbecue has completely cooled before placing a cover on it.