Lights, Camera, Action for Safety




As the sun rose over Bethesda, Maryland, last month, Steven hit the airwaves for a good cause—propane safety. Roughly 70 percent of American grillers use propane. The advantages are obvious: push button ignition, fast lighting, turn of the knob heat control, and quick cool down and clean up. Gas grills are easy to use, but it’s important to follow some simple safety tips from the Propane Education & Research Council:


• When the cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.

• After filling or exchanging, take the cylinder home immediately. Keep the vehicle ventilated and the cylinder valve closed and capped.

• Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position. Do not use, store, or transport cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).

• Never leave the grill unattended. Always follow grill manufacturer’s instructions on lighting the grill and make sure the grill top is open.

• Before connecting or lighting a propane gas grill, use a leak-detection solution to check connections for tightness. Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.

• If you suspect a gas leak, and are able to safely turn off the gas supply valve, do so immediately and call the fire department.

• Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.

• Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.

• Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
• When a grill is not in use, shut off cylinder valve, cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep clean.

• When not in use, grill burner controls should be turned off and cylinder valve closed.




In addition, adds Steven:

Always have the grill lid in a raised (open) position when you light the grill. (This is very important.)

Once the grill is lit, hold your hand 2 inches over the grate for a few seconds to make sure you can feel the heat. (This lets you know the grill is really lit.)

In the unlikely event you smell gas when your grill is off, test the system for leaks by brushing the couplings and hoses with a half and half mixture of dish soap and water. Bubbles will form where you have leaks. If the coupling is a problem, disconnect and reconnect the fittings. If gas line or hoses have a leak, shut off the cylinder valve at once, and contact the manufacturer.


For further information, visit www.usepropane.com