Spring Propane Grilling Safety Reminders

Written on: April 19, 2021

National Barbecue Month is just weeks away – but that doesn’t mean you can’t fire up your propane grill right now!

As you prepare for the outdoor living season ahead, it’s smart to review some important safety reminders for your propane grill. Here are eight things to remember as you fire up for the coming season.

1. Keep your grill at least six feet away from your home on level ground.
2. Never leave your propane grill unattended.
3. Check hoses and connections for leaks before operating the grill.
4. Never light a gas grill with the lid closed – to light your grill, open the lid before turning on the gas at the tank. If the grill doesn’t light after a couple of clicks, turn off the burner, turn the gas off at the tank, and wait 5 or 10 minutes before attempting to light it again.
5. Make sure to keep your grill lid accessible to extinguish small flare-ups. It’s also a good idea to portable fire extinguisher on-hand.
6. Never attach or disconnect a propane cylinder or adjust fittings while the grill is operating. If you run out of gas while grilling, turn off all the burners, reconnect the new tank, and re-light. When you finish grilling, shut the gas valve and disconnect the LP couplings before storing the grill.
7. When transporting your 20-lb OPD tank for re-filling, always:
   • Transport it upright (with the valve on top) in a secure position to prevent rolling
   • Close and plug the cylinder valve
   • Place the cylinder in a well-vented area inside the vehicle
   • Refrain from leaving the cylinder alone in a hot vehicle; go straight to your propane dealer and straight home when you pick it up.
8. Always practice food safety:
   • If you can’t wash your hands, use antibacterial wipes before eating or handling food – especially raw meat, poultry, or fish.
   • Separate raw meats from cooked and prepared foods. Store raw meats in a separate cooler, place raw meat on its own plate, and use different utensils to handle uncooked and cooked food.
   • Always cook meats to temperatures that ensure your safety.

Still using a charcoal barbecue? Make the switch to propane today and enjoy instant start-ups, no chemical fumes, and precision temperature control! Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more about propane grills, propane cylinders, and outdoor kitchen installations in PA today.