TOPIC: BBQ Grill – Proper Use

During the spring and summer months many residents may choose to use their barbeques to prepare hamburgers, steaks and other food items. Having a properly working barbecue grill is just the start! It is so important that anyone who operates this type of equipment is aware of proper use and how to prevent a possible fire while using the grill. Listed below are some simple barbecue safety tips, which have been provided to the Sun City Fire Department on behalf of the U.S. Fire Administration.

Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
Do not overfill the propane tank.
Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame cans flashback up into the container and explode.
Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention

DID YOU KNOW???

Per the National Fire Protection Agency, here are very important statistics, which can be accessed through the NFPA, website: www.nfpa.org

Almost 90% of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas fires in homes between 1994-1998 involved ignition by some form of equipment. The most common types were open-fired grills, hot water heaters and stoves. In the United States, LP-gas for residential use is almost exclusively propane; however, butane is also an LP-gas.

Facts & Figures*

In 1998, there were 1,600 LP-gas fires in U.S. homes, resulting in 41 deaths, 260 injuries and $30.8 million in direct property damage.
The leading cause of LP-gas fires from 1994-1998 was part failure, leak or break.

*From NFPA's U.S. Home Product Report: Forms and Types of Materials First Ignited in Fires, December 2001

Safety Tips:

Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside of the home.
Never store or use propane gas cylinders larger than one pound inside the home.
Never operate a propane-powered gas grill inside the home.
Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.
Carefully follow the manufacturers instructions when lighting a pilot.
If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home.
For more information visit, the Propane Education and Research Council Web site.

Propane cylinder Overfilling Prevention Devices (OPD)

An Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) is a safety device incorporated into the filling valve of a propane cylinder (i.e., those used on gas grills, RVs, etc.). The device shuts off the flow of gas to a cylinder after 80% capacity has been reached. This limits the potential for release of gas when the cylinder is heated, averting a fire or possible injury.

Facts & Figures

As of April 1, 2002, OPDs are required on all propane cylinders between 4 and 40 pounds propane capacity, per the 1998 edition of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Cylinders of this size manufactured after September 30, 1998, were required to have an OPD. A typical gas grill cylinder holds about 20 pounds of propane.
Propane cylinders with OPDs can be identified by a triangular hand-wheel (pictured right). Some earlier model cylinders were produced with a round hand-wheel but "OPD" is stamped on the brass valve body.
After April 1, 2002, propane cylinders not equipped with an OPD must be retrofitted with the device before refilling can occur or properly disposed of and replaced with an OPD-equipped cylinder.
Many propane dealers will retrofit older cylinders with an OPD. As there is a charge for this, it may be more economical to replace the entire cylinder, especially if it is rusty. In many parts of the U.S., exchange cylinder racks can be used to swap an empty cylinder without an OPD for a full cylinder equipped with an OPD, for a nominal fee, eliminating the need to dispose of the cylinder or to have it retrofitted.
Dispose of propane cylinders safely. Local fire departments, hazardous waste collection sites, or propane refillers should answer questions about safe disposal.
The 2001 edition of NFPA 58 modified requirements to exempt horizontal cylinders manufactured before October 1, 1998, from requiring OPDs. Also exempt are cylinders used for industrial trucks, industrial welding and cutting gases (these cylinders must be labeled with their use).

All of us at the Sun City Fire Department whishes the happiest and safest of summer grilling seasons! If you have questions about safely using your barbeque or would like additional information about our other various community programs, please call us at (623) 974-2321.