pAfter a colder and longer than normal winter New Yorkers arenrsquot waiting for Memorial Day theyrsquore firing up their grills now. According to the Propane Education amp Research Council PERC cooking on outdoor grills has become as mainstream as cooking on the stove top. ldquoIf something tastes good baked fried or sauteacuteed it probably tastes even better grilledrdquo said Steven Raichlen host of Primal Grill on PBS and author of The Barbecue Bible. ldquoYou can cook a meal the whole family loves quickly and with little clean up which is great for busy families during the week.rdquo And propane is the barbecuing fuel of choice according to a 2008nbspsurvey from About.com of more than 700 respondents. Furthermore it is environmentally friendly. The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes propane as a clean-burning gas that releases 105 times less carbon monoxide than charcoal. The New York Propane Gas Association reminds everyone even the most seasoned outdoor cooks to beef up on safety first. ldquoItrsquos great that so many Americans have incorporated grilling into their everyday lives so as the warm weather arrives we like to remind people about the importance of gas grill safetyrdquo says Barbara Roach executive director of the New York Propane Gas Association. ldquoBy following some basic precautions grill owners can ensure that each cookout is safe and enjoyablerdquo she adds.ppTo reduce any risk of an unwanted fire or burns from propane consumers should routinely follow some key tips for the safe operation and maintenance of their grillsnbsp Ventilation bull When lighting a grill keep the top open until you are sure that it is lit.nbspnbsp bull Keep the grill in a well-ventilated area.Recommended clearances are at least ten feet away from the housemdashand at least three feet away from trees and shrubs.nbspnbsp bull Be sure to set the grill on a non-flammable surface like concrete or asphalt. bull Never use a grill indoors or in any unventilated space. This is both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.nbspnbsp bull Always use and store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright position. Never store propane cylinders indoors.nbspnbsp bull After filling or exchanging a cylinder take it home immediately. While transporting the cylinder keep your vehicle ventilated and the valve closed or capped. Never transport your propane cylinder in the trunk of your vehicle.nbspnbsp bull Never use store or transport propane cylinders near high temperatures. New York Propane Gas Association Gas Grill Safety Page 2 Firing Up The Grill Safelynbspnbsp bull Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks. Never use starter fluid with propane grills.nbspnbsp bull Before you grill check all fittings to ensure that there are no propane leaks. When the grill is cold turn on the cylinder valve or gas and spray the connections with a leak-detection solution a 5050 mixture of water and liquid soap to check for tightness. If bubbles appear then you have leaks so tighten the connections where the bubbling occurs.nbspnbsp bull Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.nbspnbsp bull Keep all flammable materials away from the grill. If you detect a leak immediately turn off gas and do not attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.nbspnbsp bull If the grill does not ignite within ten seconds turn off the gas keep the lid open and wait five minutes before trying again.nbspnbsp bull When refilling the cylinder always have the supplier check for dents damage rust and leaks.nbspnbsp bull Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.nbspnbsp bullnbspTrim excess fat and drain off excess marinade or oil from meats replace greasy lava rock or ceramic briquettes and keep the grill clean to minimize flare-ups.nbspnbsp bull Regularly check the tubes that lead into the burner for blockage from insects or food grease.nbspnbsp bull Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage pushing it through to the main part of the burner. General Safety Tipsnbspnbsp bull Designate the grilling area a ldquoNo Play Zonerdquo keeping kids and pets away from the equipment.nbspnbsp bull Always have one person in charge of the fire at all times. Never leave a hot grill unattended.nbspnbsp bull When your grill is not in use cover the disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep them clean.nbspnbsp bull Always follow grill manufacturerrsquos instructions and keep written materials on hand.nbspnbsp bull Never attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See a propane gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person. Be sure to locate your model number and the manufacturerrsquos consumer inquiry phone number and write them on the front page of your manual.nbspnbsp bull If you smell gas and you are able to safely turn off the cylinder valve turning it to the right clockwise. Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department. Before you use the grill again have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder.ppPropane is a safe clean versatile and highly efficient fuel that can be used for other outdoor products to help extend the summer season. In recent years propane has become more than just an energy source for outdoor grills. Did you know that it is also the fuel of choice for other consumer friendly products such as pool and patio heaters and mosquito magnets For more information on the value and uses of propane visit www.nypropane.com. About the New York Propane Gas Association NYPGA NYPGA is a trade organization providing services that communicate educate and promote the propane industry in New York. The association formed in 1948 offers training peer networking opportunities and assistance with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry.p
