Summer is here, and we are ready for our outdoor barbeques! After this pandemic, where we spent most of our time inside, alone or with family, we have reached the point where we can safely gather with our trusted and loved friends and family. The summer of parties and get-togethers has come back. The best way to finish this scene is to turn up the music and do some outdoor grilling!
Although outdoor grilling is such a fun time, we must always be cautious. Propane grilling can have a tremendous danger associated with it. With the potential for an explosion, chemical inhalant inhalation, and gas leaks, it is important to be aware of how to safely use your propane grill. It is important, however, to recognize that when used safely, propane grilling is a super fun way to make food, spend time with your family and friends, and enjoy gorgeous weather.
We are Lawn & Leisure care about your safety, and we want to ensure that you enjoy any product that you purchase from our showroom. If you have any questions about safely using your propane grill, please know that you can always reach out to us, and we will happily answer any questions for you. Propane grilling is an American staple, and we want you to have the best time with your propane grill!
Safety Tip #1: Ventilation is Critical
Proper propane grilling starts with understanding the importance of proper ventilation for a propane grill. Regardless of the type of gas or electric appliance, adequate ventilation is crucial in ensuring safety. With propane grills, this becomes even more critical due to the potential risk of carbon monoxide.
The optimal place to station your propane grill is not inside your home, not even your garage, but right outside your backyard. No amount of home ventilation, whether through open windows or a high-functioning ventilation system, can match the natural air circulation provided by the great outdoors. Propane grills need plenty of fresh air to operate safely.
In setting up your grill, choose a spot that’s spacious and safe from your house and other structures. A secluded corner, away from low-hanging branches, garden furniture, and children’s play areas, is ideal. This placement ensures that any flames or hot splatters are kept well clear of potentially hazardous situations.
Safety Tip #2: Proper Propane Storage
Never store your propane tanks in an enclosed space. Sheds, garages, and certainly the interior of your home are all inappropriate places to store a propane tank. The reason for this is twofold: First, propane is a highly flammable gas, and any leak in an enclosed space can cause an accumulation of gas, increasing the risk of fire or explosion. Second, propane tanks can leak carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can cause severe health issues, including carbon monoxide poisoning, when inhaled in large amounts.
While it might seem convenient to keep the propane tank close to the grill, remember that you can store the grill indoors, but the propane tank must be stored outside.
When it comes to the position of the tank, remember this golden rule: Store propane tanks upright, never sideways. Storing a propane tank sideways can cause the safety valve to be under liquid propane instead of gas, which may prevent it from functioning correctly. If the safety relief valve cannot function, pressure can build up within the tank, leading to a dangerous situation.
Furthermore, do not store your propane tank on or near another grill or a heat source. Heat can increase the pressure inside the tank, potentially causing the safety relief valve to release propane gas, creating a fire hazard. It’s also crucial to avoid storing propane tanks near any source of ignition, including matches, lighters, or any device that produces sparks.
Safety Tip #3: Make Sure the Tank Isn’t Stored in the Heat
Propane, like other gases, expands when heated. Therefore, it is imperative that your propane tank is stored in a location that does not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 49 degrees Celsius). Exposure to such high temperatures can cause the pressure inside the tank to rise dramatically, which may lead to dangerous situations.
When propane gas becomes too pressurized within the tank, the safety valve is designed to release some of this excess gas to reduce the pressure. However, if the tank is in a high-temperature environment, this could result in continuous gas release, creating a significant fire risk. Moreover, if the tank’s safety mechanisms fail under extreme pressure, the result could be a catastrophic explosion, endangering lives and property.
So, while the previous tip emphasized storing propane tanks outdoors, it’s important to clarify that it doesn’t mean anywhere outside. The tank should be kept away from areas that get excessively hot, such as next to the air conditioning unit or in direct sunlight.
Safety Tip #4: Grill Away from the House
Your house, whether you realize it or not, can be a potent source of different ignition points. Electrical outlets, appliances, candles, lighters, and even static electricity can all be potential sources of a spark. By placing the grill far away from your house, you are reducing the risk of any household ignition source inadvertently coming into contact with the grill or the propane gas.
Moreover, grilling close to your home poses another significant risk – damage to your property from the heat generated by the grill. The heat damage the siding of your house.
Keeping a safe distance from the house also allows for better airflow around the grill, which aids in maintaining appropriate gas pressure inside the propane tank. Inadequate ventilation can increase pressure in the tank, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
Safety Tip #5: Check for Tank Damage When Refilling
Maintaining a propane grill doesn’t stop at cleaning grates and greasing up grill pans. An often-overlooked but essential aspect is the proper handling and inspection of propane tanks, particularly during refills.
One of the most critical steps in the refilling process is checking the propane tank for any damages. If you don’t know how to, some propane suppliers and grilling equipment stores offer refilling services where they will perform a check for you.
To learn more about Lawn & Leisure’s propane refilling services, you can either come into the showroom or call us.
Safety Tip #7: Make Sure the Grill is Off and the Cylinder Valve is Closed When Not Using
One critical safety measure must not be overlooked: ensuring that the grill is off and the propane cylinder valve is closed when not in use.
To correctly shut off your propane grill, turn off the burners first. This step will stop the gas from flowing into the grill. Once the burners are turned off, the next crucial step is to close the propane cylinder valve. The cylinder valve, often found at the top of the tank, is the primary control for the propane gas. Turning it to a closed position effectively seals off the propane supply, ensuring no gas can leak out.
A propane tank is a perfect solution to a summer of grilling and barbeque, after a era of COVID-19. Bring together your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the outdoor breeze and weather, cooking and grilling together. Propane tanks are very safe to use, as long as you follow these seven simple steps to safe propane grilling. We, at Lawn & Leisure, want to help you go on this journey to loving your propane grill. Visit us in our showroom to figure out the best propane tank for you, to understand how to safely use it, and to learn about our propane refilling services!