Outdoor Cooking


Each year, thousands of burn injuries result from the careless use of outdoor grills.  These injuries occur primarily because of the use of unapproved lighter/strater fluids or gas and the misuse of approved fluids.  These injuries are preventable!  Here are a few safety tips to remember when around grills.

Charcoal Grills
  • NEVER use gasoline as a starter fluid or accelerant for charcoal grills.
  • Always use an approved lighter/starter fluid for charcoal grills.
  • After soaking your coals with lighter/starter fluid, wait for a minute before lighting the coals. This allows the heavy concentration of explosive vapours to disperse.
  • When using lighter/starter fluid, place the container well away from the grill before attempting to light the coals.
  • Be careful not to spill any fluid on your clothing or in the area surrounding the grill.
  • Wear an insulated, fire retardant barbecue mitt when lighting pre-soaked coals.
  • Never add lighter/starter fluid to hot or even warm coals. An explosion can result.
Gas Grills
  • When using a gas grill, check all connections leading from the fuel source to the inlet connection of the grill for leaks. Never use a match, candle or flame source to check for a gas leak. A leak can be detected by spraying soapy water at the connections. If bubbles surface, there is a leak. SHUT TANK VALVE OFF and tighten connections. If the connections continue to leak, have a certified dealer check the grill before using it again.
  • Open the valve only a quarter to one-half turn before lighting.
  • Always shut off the valve to a fuel source when it is not in use.
  • Never start a gas grill with the lid of the grill closed. The propane or natural gas may accumulate inside, and when ignited, could blow the lid off, causing injury.
  • Periodically, clean the Venturi tubes that displace the gas under the grill. When tubes become blocked by insects, gas is forced out somewhere else within the system. Use the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.
  • Have a BC type fire extinguisher located in the grilling area.
  • Always store full or empty propane tanks in a well-ventilated shed away from the house or any habitable structure.
  • Always store propane bottles away from potential sources of flame such as furnaces, water heaters or any appliance with a pilot light.
  • Wear tight-fitting or short-sleeved clothing while cooking on a grill.
  • Keep children and pets away from grilling areas at all times.

(Adapted from the American Burn Association, Preventing Gasoline Burn Injuries Campaign Kit for Burn Awareness Week 2001.)