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"It's extremely important to check barbecues to ensure that
components are clean and in good working order before the
grilling begins," says Toronto Fire Chief Bill Stewart.
Below are seven tips to help you get started safely.
- Before you begin grilling, make sure your propane or
natural gas barbecue is in good working order. Clean any
dirt and debris from your barbecue, including cobwebs
and dust in the burner tubes that have built up over the
winter. Remove the grates and lava rocks, cleaning them
in warm, soapy water. Replace any defective parts.
Ensure that the barbecue hose is free of cracks or
holes. Rusty and damaged propane cylinders, or cylinders
that are more than 10 years old, must be replaced. Call
a certified fuel appliance repair person if you do not
feel comfortable making safety checks yourself.
- When lighting your barbecue, open the lid before
lighting. Turn the propane cylinder valve to the open
position and then open the individual grill controls.
Light the barbecue by pressing the igniter button. If
your barbecue does not have an igniter button, insert a
long match or lighter into the side burner hole. Always
have the match or lighter lit before you turn on the
grill controls.
- Take your time when replacing an empty cylinder,
securing it properly before you open the tank. Check for
leaks before lighting your barbecue. If your barbecue
connection has an "O" ring, check it for fractures and
cracks every time you replace your cylinder.
- Keep children and pets far away from a hot grill, and
never leave them unsupervised in the area of an ignited
barbecue.
- Barbecue only in an open outdoor space. Keep the
barbecue at least three metres from windows and doors
and away from wooden fences, walls, combustible overhead
roofs -- and away from trees with low-hanging branches.
- Clean your grill and burners of grease to minimize
the chance that you will have a serious grease fire.
- When grilling, use long-handled tongs and brushes
that put an extra bit of distance between yourself and
the flames. Wear oven mitts and a heavy apron to protect
your skin from fire. If you burn yourself, run the
affected area under cool water for five minutes. If your
burn is serious (with charring or blistering), seek
medical attention right away. For more information,
visit this website:
www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention/safe_barbecuing.htm
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest
government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6
million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of
the greenest and most creative cities in North America.
Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and
efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th
anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a city. Toronto's
government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and
liveability for all its residents.
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