Barbeque Safety

Gas Barbecues

• Make sure the burner holes and tubes connected to the burners are rust and debris free and that the burner throat, where the propane enters the burner, is free of dust or cobwebs. 
• Soap test all hoses and joints regularly. Leave the barbecue valve off and the cylinder valve on. Spread the soap and water solution generously on all fittings and the hose. If bubbles appear and become larger or increase in number, then you have a leak. Never check for leaks with an open flame.
• Always use gas grills outdoors. Grilling in the garage with the door open does not allow for enough ventilation and could cause an accumulation of carbon monoxide.
• When lighting your barbecue, have the match or lighter already burning with the barbecue lid open before you turn on the propane.
• In order to prevent propane from getting trapped in the hose after each use, turn off the propane tank cylinder valve first, then the “ON/OFF” valve on the barbecue.
• Never leave a lit barbecue unattended.
• Make sure your barbecue is at least 1 metre (3 feet) from your house or other combustible objects. 
• Never move a lit barbecue.

Charcoal Barbecues

• Never use gasoline to get a charcoal barbecue started. Use only charcoal lighting fluid.
• Wait for at least a minute before lighting fluid, soaked coals in order for explosive vapours to dissipate.
• Never spray lighter fluid on hot coals. You could end up with explosive results.
• Always extinguish the coals when you’re finished barbecuing. Submerge coals in a metal pail of water while using tongs and wearing oven mitts.
• Always keep children and pets away from a hot barbecue.
• Always use the lid provided with charcoal barbecues.

Note: Solid fuel BBQ’s are prohibited for apartment use.

For More Information

Fire Prevention

Telephone	780-496-3628
Email	publicsafetyandeducation@edmonton.ca