Barbecue

Barbecue Safety tips

Many Canadians love to barbecue all year-round, especially when the weather starts to get warm. Propane is a clean energy source and is one of the most popular ways to heat the grill. It is portable, efficient, and emits half the carbon dioxide emissions of a charcoal barbecue.

It is important to regularly maintain your barbecue and ensure it is in good working order. Follow these important barbecue safety tips for proper operation of your barbecue and safe grilling.

Fact sheet for Barbecues

Taking Your Barbecue Out of Storage

At the start of the barbecue season or when you change the propane cylinder, complete this three-step safety check:

1. Clean: Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.

2. Check: Examine the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.

3. Test: Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest. Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks. If you have concerns about a leak, contact a qualified service technician.

Follow these steps when igniting a barbecue

  1. Open the lid.
  2. Open the propane cylinder service valve.
  3. Turn on grill/burner valves or heat settings.
  4. Take a step back.
  5. Push the igniter button. If there is no igniter button, insert a long match or barbecue lighter through the side burner hole first, then turn on the heat control knob.
  6. If the burner does not ignite right away, turn the propane off and wait five minutes, keeping the lid open, before repeating the procedure.

Follow these steps when you are finished barbecuing:

Turn the valve off first when finished, then turn off the burner controls, so no propane is left in the connecting hose.

Allow the barbecue to cool completely before closing the lid or covering.

Keep it Outside!

Barbecues are approved for outdoor use only. They emit carbon monoxide (CO), a colourless, odourless gas that is dangerous in enclosed spaces, and can lead to unconsciousness and even death. Never barbecue in a garage, tent or other enclosed space. Always use and store your barbecue and propane cylinders outdoors, upright, in a stable, well-ventilated area.

Barbecue Do's and Don'ts

Do...

  • Keep loose clothing away from a hot barbecue.
  • Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
  • If you suspect a leak or the barbecue is not working correctly, contact a qualified service technician.
  • Position your barbecue away from wooden fences or walls.
  • Ensure the area behind your barbecue is free of combustible material.

Don't...

  • Leave the barbecue unattended when in use.
  • Allow grease to build up on the burners or at the base of the barbecue, as this could cause a grease fire.
  • Throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the flame.
  • Use lighter fluid or accelerants on the grill.
  • Store or place spare cylinders near the barbecue, or near sources of heat or ignition.
  • Store or use a barbecue on your apartment balcony, unless authorized.

Weather Safety

There are a few things to consider to keep your family and your home as safe as possible, whether you are experiencing an icy storm, a devastating flood, a rare tornado or a fierce wildfire. The key is to be prepared.

Learn more

Monthly tips

We are quickly heading into winter, but propane heaters can help take the bite out of the cold. Follow the CPA’s safety tips to help ensure comfort and safety in the open air.

Learn more