7 safety tips to avoid a barbecuing accident

Backyard barbecuing is a warm-weather tradition, but unfortunately it’s rife with opportunities for accident and injury. Some accidents result from using the barbecue improperly, and others from a lack of maintenance and preparation. Let’s take a look at seven barbecuing safety tips to help you avoid a costly and potentially dangerous accident.

Kevin Busch, vice president of operations for Mr. Handyman, reminds barbecuing aficionados to inspect the barbecue before using it, especially if it’s been sitting idle for the winter. “The bugs, leaves and leftover food residue that builds up during the off-season are a leading cause of barbecue fires,” he says. So don’t light that fire before you thoroughly clean the barbecue.

Learn how to clean the barbecue properly.

If you’re using a gas barbecue with a propane tank, “habitually check for leaks and breaks in the gas hose,” says Busch. Tighten the connections between the tank, the gas hose and the barbecue before you ignite.

If the barbecue has been out of commission for a while, check the hose for leaks by spraying soapy water on the length of the hose. Then turn on the gas. If bubbles appear on the hose, you’ve got a leak and the hose needs to be replaced.

Here are 13 more items that are a fire hazard if you don’t clean them enough.

Your gas or charcoal barbecue should always be kept a safe distance from your home, and away from overhanging trees, deck railings and other structures. Three metres of distance is recommended. When your outdoor space doesn’t allow for that, extra diligence is required.

Busch recalls clients setting their patio barbecue too close to vinyl cladding. The barbecue didn’t start a fire, but it did get hot enough to melt a big ugly hole in the cladding, which meant a costly repair job.

Learn how to install a built-in barbecue.

Gas barbecues are a fast, convenient way to cook outdoors. But they’ve also been known to cause the vast majority of home fires caused by barbecues. You may be safer sticking with charcoal, especially if can’t keep the barbecue a safe distance from structures and trees.

Learn the 20 hidden things in your home that may be a fire hazard.

The coals are dwindling, the burgers are raw and your family is hungry. No matter how tempting it is, don’t squirt lighter fluid or other liquid fuel onto the fire. It’s dangerous — the fire could flare up into your hands or face. Instead, try giving those sluggish coals a boost with a solid, food-safe fire-starter, and break out potato chips for your hungry kids while they wait for dinner!

Check out our ultimate guide for cooking on the barbecue.

Your backyard barbecue may be the focal point and natural gathering area of your backyard or patio, but it shouldn’t be in anyone’s way. Make sure there’s a clear path for people to come and go past or around the barbecue, with no one getting too close.

Don’t set the barbecue close to a swing set or anywhere kids play. And when everyone’s done eating and it’s time for a game of touch football, make sure the barbecue isn’t on the try line!

Check out our 11 best tips for planning patios, decks, outdoor kitchens and bars.

Better safe than sorry. Although propane tank explosions are extremely rare, why risk a potentially deadly accident? Turn off the gas at the propane tank when you’re done cooking. Let the barbecue — and embers, if you’re cooking with wood or charcoal — cool off completely before you clean it. A charcoal barbecue can take up to two days to cool down.

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Source: Family Handyman