Nearly two-thirds of grill owners (63%) use them year-round, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. Here, two experts – Leslie Anderson, president and CEO of the Propane Gas Association of New England, and Emily McGee, director of communications for the HPBA – answer questions and share recommendations for enjoying a safe grilling experience.
Gas grills
Family Safety & Health: Let’s start with location. Where should grills be placed?
Leslie Anderson: Position your grill in a safe location outdoors, at least 5 feet from your house. You want a nice, level surface that is clear of outdoor furniture. Make sure there are no tree branches that could catch fire or power lines overhead. Also, be sure that flags or lights that may be hung up in the area are away from the grill.
FS&H: Propane leaks are a concern. What’s the best way to check?
Anderson: Check your grill for leaks by using a soapy water solution to spray on all the connections – where the hose connects to the tank and where the hose connects to your grill itself. After turning on the gas, you shouldn’t see any bubbles. If you see bubbles, turn the gas off and tighten up your connections, then test it again. If there are still bubbles, have a professional service the grill.
FS&H: Can a propane tank’s appearance indicate if the tank needs replacing?
Anderson: Your tank should not have any rust. That could be a sign of corrosion. If your tank is 20 or more years old, you might not have an OPD (overfill protection device) valve. It’s a triangular-shaped valve that has an automatic shutdown and makes it safer for filling and storing the product. Have the valve checked out when getting propane dispensed to make sure it is up to standards. Your local hardware store and convenience store tank exchanges will all have the updated valves.
FS&H: What are some precautions for lighting a gas grill?
Anderson: Make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s lighting instructions. Don’t lean over the grill when lighting it, and keep the lid open to let it air out. If the grill doesn’t light, give it about 15 minutes to let the gas disperse before trying again. Make sure there are no pets or children around so you can concentrate on what you’re doing.
FS&H: What can people do to ensure a safe grilling environment?
Anderson: Try not to leave your grill unattended. Keep children and pets away while you’re putting on meats or items that may flare up. Be present when your grill is on if you do have pets or small children.
Charcoal grills
FS&H: Lighter fluid can definitely be a safety hazard. What precautions should be taken?
Emily McGee: The most important tip about lighter fluid is that it should never be applied to already-lit coals or any fire. Once you’ve applied lighter fluid to the unlit coals, securely close the bottle and place it well away from the grill – then light the coals. Don’t put any food on the grill until the charcoal is all covered with a white layer. That means the chemicals in the lighter fluid have burned away.
FS&H: For the non-lighter fluid fans, what should people know when using an electric starter?
McGee: An electric starter is a good way to start your charcoal fire without using lighter fluid. This will take some time to get your coals ready, so plan in advance. Once the coals are going and you remove the starter, spread out the coals and you’re ready to go. Remember, the starter is very hot and needs a safe, noncombustible area with no foot traffic to cool down.
FS&H: Another option is a chimney starter. How should one of those be used?
McGee: As with any charcoal grilling, it will take time for the charcoal in the chimney to be fully ready to use. Be careful, because the chimney will be very hot. Use tongs or flame-retardant gloves to handle the chimney. Make sure you have a safe place to set it down, away from foot traffic or any flammable material. Once you’ve removed the chimney, spread out the coals.
FS&H: The fire’s going. How can people keep it under control?
McGee: Keep your grill clean. Before and after use, scrape off all of the cooked bits, which will help avoid future flare-ups and improve the flavor. To avoid flare-ups, make sure the coals are spread evenly to lower the temperature of the grill. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to spritz down flames.
FS&H: The burgers are done, but the coals are still hot. What steps should people take to keep it safe?
McGee: Once you’re done cooking, stir and spread out the coals. Put the lid on the grill and close any vents or openings. Just like during the grilling process, monitor foot traffic and make sure children don’t get too close. Hot coals should be left alone until the next grilling event. Once you think the fire has gone out completely, stir the coals to ensure there are no hidden hotspots. When cold, scoop them into a nonflammable bucket for disposal.
