Yorkregion.com - Whitchurch-Stouffville - Three steps to safe BBQing: Stouffville Fire
Three steps to safe BBQing: Stouffville Fire
Whitchurch-Stouffville
May 08, 2008 11:36 PM
By: Hannelore Volpe
Before heading out to your barbecue laden with sausages, steaks and veggies, take a few moments to make sure it’s safe for summer grilling.
“Check and clean your propane barbecue, following the manufacturer’s instructions,” said Jeff Bignell, a fire prevention officer with Whitchurch-Stouffville fire and emergency services.
Remember barbecues are for outdoor use only.
If used in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide, an odorless, colourless, poisonous gas, can accumulate and reach dangerous levels, which can lead to serious illness or even death.
Make this three-step safety check part of your spring cleaning routine.
• CLEAN: use a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure the burner ports are free of rust, dust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.
• CHECK: examine the hose leading from the fuel supply to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.
• TEST: find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to all fuel and hose connections.
If bubbles appear, tighten the connections and/or replace the damaged parts and always re-test.
Visit the Technical Standards and Safety Authority at tssa.com for more information and safety tips about propane barbecues.