Condo Media - June 2018 - 16

Homeowner's Corner

Hot Stuff
Stay Cool with these
Grill Safety Tips
When firing up your grills this summer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) reminds you to
barbecue safely, whether you use gas
or charcoal.
GAS GRILLS
Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane,
used in gas grills, is highly flammable.
Each year, people around the country
are injured as a result of gas grill fires
and explosions. Many of these occur
when consumers first use a grill that has
been left idle for a period of time or just
after refilling and reattaching the grill's
gas container.
To reduce the risk of fire or explosion,
consumers should routinely perform
the following safety checks:
n Check the tubes that lead into the burner
for any blockage from insects, spiders, or
food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to
clear blockage and push it through to the
main part of the burner.

n Replace scratched or nicked connectors,
which can eventually leak gas.
n Check for gas leaks, following the
manufacturer's instructions, if you
smell gas or when you reconnect the
grill to the LP gas container. If you
detect a leak, immediately turn off the
gas and don't attempt to light the grill
until the leak is fixed.

To avoid accidents while transporting
LP gas containers, transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never
keep a filled container in a hot car or car
trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to
increase, which may open the relief valve
and allow gas to escape.

n Keep lit cigarettes, matches, and open
flames away from a leaking grill.

CHARCOAL GRILLS
Charcoal produces carbon monoxide
when burned. Carbon monoxide is
a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 30 people
die and 100 are injured as a result of
carbon monoxide fumes from charcoal
grills and hibachis used indoors.
To reduce carbon monoxide poisonings, never burn charcoal indoors, in
vehicles, tents, or campers, even if
ventilated. Since charcoal produces
carbon monoxide fumes until the
charcoal is completely extinguished,
do not store the grill indoors with
freshly used coals.

n 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.
n Do not attempt to repair the tank
valve or the appliance yourself. See an
LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance
repair person.

n Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there
are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

n Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill and
when connecting or disconnecting LP
gas containers.

n Move gas hoses as far away as possible
from hot surfaces and dripping hot
grease. If you can't move the hoses,
install a heat shield to protect them.

n Consumers should use caution when
storing LP gas containers. Always keep
containers upright. Never store a spare
gas container under or near the grill or

CONDOMEDIA

indoors. Never store or use flammable
liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

For more information, visit the
Consumer Product Safety Commission
website at www.cpsc.gov.

Condo Media - June 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Condo Media - June 2018