Light Your BBQ Right This BBQ Season

Always open the lid of your BBQ and have your match or lighter ready before you turn on the fuel for safe outdoor cooking this May long weekend. If you don’t, you may end up with more than well-done steaks.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority, the organization responsible for regulating fuels safety in Ontario, says never light a propane or natural gas barbecue with the lid closed. The build up of gas and air could blow the lid off and cause personal injury. Also, hot gases normally escape out of a specially designed slot at the back of the BBQ lid so make sure your BBQ is positioned well away from windows and flammable surfaces.

Every year, propane and natural gas barbecue fires and explosions occur in Ontario as a result of a lack of maintenance and improper lighting techniques. TSSA delivers the StartSmart public education program to reduce the numbers of BBQ-related fires and explosions by informing people about the importance of barbecue maintenance and how to operate their grills safely.

Follow these important steps before starting your BBQ:

1. Test your barbecue for leaks

With the barbecue burner controls off, turn on your gas supply apply a 50/50 solution of soap and water with a small paintbrush to all connections; expanding bubbles indicate a leak; repair all leaks prior to lighting the barbecue.

If you find a leak, close the cylinder service valve and re-tighten the leaking connection; test for leak again. If you cannot stop a leak by additional tightening of a connection, turn off the propane cylinder service valve; disconnect propane cylinder and call a certified fuel appliance repairperson.

2. Check for insect nests and spider webs

Spider webs and insect nests can clog the 'venturi' tubes that extend under the burners in your BBQ and cause a fire. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions on how to remove, clean, and reinstall the burner venturi tubes

3. Replace worn and rusted parts

Your barbecue needs to be free of dust, rust, and dirt; if there are old or corroded burners, they should be replaced.

4. Clean everything thoroughly:

Clean any blockages and replace any missing or worn 'O' rings (small, rubber-like washer found where the regulator connects to the propane cylinder valve).

5. Open the lid before lighting:

Open the lid and have the match or lighter ready before you turn on the fuel. Follow barbecue manufacturer’s lighting instructions.

And don’t forget

* Always barbecue outside.

* Transport propane cylinders in an upright position and in a ventilated area (never in the trunk of your car!)

* Keep children at a safe distance.

* Never leave a lit BBQ unattended.

* Close the valve when you’re done.

* Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Also see: Steak and Lobster

About The Author:

Tara Jackson is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-steaks.com. Great tips on buying top quality meats, steaks and seafood from the finest ranchers and butchers.