TORONTO, May 16, 2024
/CNW/ - As Ontarians prepare to marshal in the unofficial start of
the summer season, with BBQs leading the march, make sure to light
it right when you light it up this May '2-4' long weekend…..and
beyond.
Get Ready. Get Set. Get Sizzling…safely by keeping these
fuel-burning BBQ safety tips in mind:
Clean It, Check It and Test It
- Clean all burner ports and tubes. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to
ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other
debris.
- Examine the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace
if cracked or damaged.
- Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap
to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, it
could mean gas is leaking out. Tighten the connection and/or
replace the damaged parts and retest before using your BBQ.
Light it Right
- Place your BBQ or grill on a level surface in a well-ventilated
area.
- Make sure there are no combustible materials near your
BBQ.
- Never lean over the grill when you are lighting it.
- Open the hood and keep it open until the BBQ is lit.
- Turn the gas release valve on. Turn on the burner controls or
heat settings.
- Take a step back.
- Push the igniter button or use a barbecue lighter.
- If it does not ignite right away, turn the gas off and wait
five minutes, keeping the lid open before you try again.
Keep It Outdoors
- Always barbecue outside in a well-ventilated area – BBQs are
approved for outdoor use ONLY. They emit carbon monoxide, a
poisonous gas that can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
- Don't position your BBQ too close to wooden or vinyl fences or
walls. Make sure the area behind your BBQ is free of combustible
material, since this is where hot gases escape.
- Don't use or store propane cylinders inside any structure.
Stay Safe
- BBQs are intended to be attended.
- Never leave your grill unsupervised while it's in use.
- Keep kids and pets away from the BBQ. Position a fire
extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
- Keep any flammable items/liquids away from the BBQ. This
includes the use of hand sanitizers.
- Never lean over a grill when it's in use.
- Don't allow grease to build up on the burners, lid or at the
base of the BBQ as this could cause a grease fire.
- Never throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the
flame.
BBQing on a Balcony
Ontarians living in apartments and condominiums should be aware
of additional safety restrictions and potential hazards related to
BBQ use on balconies. Barbecues may be prohibited by the
municipality or in the Condominium bylaws of your building
or prohibited by the building owner or property manager, so be sure
you are aware of any restrictions in place for your building.
IF permitted to BBQ on your balcony:
- Your balcony must be open, with no enclosures or walls that
could restrict airflow.
- You must keep your propane cylinder on the balcony and
connected to your barbecue.
- Keep your barbecue clear of any combustible material.
- Make sure the propane cylinder's relief valve is at least one
metre from any building opening. Also make sure it is three metres
from any mechanical air intake.
- When transporting a propane cylinder to your apartment or
condo, you must use a service elevator. If your building has no
service elevators, you may use the passenger elevator, but you must
be alone in the elevator.
For additional BBQ safety tips, download a copy of our BBQ
Safety Tips brochure or check out and share our animated
safety videos
For more information on barbecue safety visit us at
www.tssa.org.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial
safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the
safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels,
elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its
range of safety services include public education, certification,
licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections,
investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support,
enforcement and prosecution activities.
PARTNERING FOR A SAFE ONTARIO
SOURCE Technical Standards and Safety Authority - Research and
Education