American Safety Zone - Gas Barbeques

Gas Barbeques

Most of the time, gas barbeques are a much cleaner alternative to charcoal barbeques. Some people think they're safer, too. But in reality, some of the same safety issues apply.

Barbeque Safety

If you're considering gas barbeques over charcoal because they're cleaner, easier and safer, realize that there are safety issues to consider. Yes, gas barbeques are easier to use, and they're somewhat faster because you don't have to wait for the coals to be ready. You simply turn on the gas, light the grill and you're good to go. But when it comes to the safety of gas barbeques, consider the following:

Make sure the hoses from the propane tank to the grill are tight and in good condition. This is especially important after the grill hasn't been used for a long period of time or you just got a new tank. Leaks can cause explosions, so you want to make sure no gas is escaping from the hose or connections.
When you light the grill, make sure the spark igniter is actually puts out a spark. Otherwise, the propane could be escaping and an explosion could ensue.
Don't store propane tanks in the house or in a very warm area. If you store it inside and something causes it to explode, your home and family are at risk. If you store it in a very warm are or near something hot, it could cause an explosion.
If you store your propane tank on the deck or patio, make sure it's far enough away from the house that if it did explode, your house wouldn't catch on fire.
Don't smoke near the propane tank
Always store propane tanks in an upright position

Another convenience about gas barbeques is the fact that you can buy porcelain "lava" rocks that can be easily cleaned when too much grease builds up. (Too much grease buildup can lead to a fire you can't control.) Whereas, when you have a charcoal grill, you have hot ash to contend with. When it cools down, you can just throw it out, but to follow the rules of BBQ safety, make absolutely sure they are completely cool first. And if you keep your charcoal grill on a deck, make sure you move it to a patio before you start grilling. This is particularly true on a windy day--if the wind blows the grill over when it's on a deck, it can cause a huge fire. This is even true when the coals are cooling when the grilling is done. A basic rule of fire safety is not to grill on a deck or inside. (Hopefully, that goes without saying!)