NEWS >> Barbecue safety during summer

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Barbecuing has become a favorite pastime of many Americans during the fun summer months.  Because many people enjoy barbecue, certain precautions must be taken when attending to the grill. Accidents occur without notice and being aware of surroundings and knowing the appropriate safety precautions to take will benefit everyone, from the novice to the master griller.

Many safety measures must be taken in order to enjoy grilling. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as the grill warms up, it can reach temperatures in excess of 450 degrees. While grillers must take care to make sure little hands and paws stay away from the grill, they must also make certain the grill is placed in an area that will not pose a fire or gas hazard to anyone around it and that they have the proper emergency equipment on hand in the event of a fire.

“If you are going to barbecue, the grill must be at least 10 feet away from all structures,” said Ricky Myers, 19th Airlift Wing, ground safety manager. “You also do not want to barbecue in a garage or breezeway, overhangs or porches and low hanging trees, especially with the weather being dry the last few years and the burn bans that are in effect.”

Staying in a designated barbecue location will also help decrease the safety risks that accompany the grill. Local lakes and picnic areas often have built in grills available for people to enjoy.

Another safety risk that many people face when grilling with charcoal is neither fire nor heat. Grilling with charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes. These fumes are odorless and invisible. All grills that use charcoal as a fuel source produce this toxic gas and could potentially be fatal if the grill is not located in a well-ventilated area.

Grilling indoors, such as a house, tent or garage can cause carbon monoxide to build up in intense amounts in the area. Myers said that according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission an average of 30 people die every year and 100 are injured due to the carbon monoxide fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis. Because carbon monoxide cannot be detected without special equipment, extra preventative measures should be taken when the gas plays a factor in your outdoor activities.

Cleaning the grill is also an important step in barbecue safety. A clean grill safeguards against any grease fires and flare ups that could potentially occur. Scrubbing the grill rack and cleaning out the plate after every grilling session ensures a safe experience every time.
In the event of grease fire or flare up, spreading the coals on a charcoal grill or adjusting the controls on a gas grill to lower the temperature is the first step to successfully put out the fire. If necessary, using an approved fire extinguisher with the correct distinguishing agent or baking soda will distinguish the fire. Using a simple kitchen extinguisher with the “K” symbol will help in this situation.

Properly disposing of charcoal is one of the most important safety precautions anyone can take in order to prevent fires and safety mishaps.

“We had one serious fire about a year or so ago that was the result of charcoal being poured into a plastic trashcan,” said Myers. “To properly dispose of charcoal, you must let the coals cool down completely and place them in a metal container afterwards.”

Safety is important to a successful and enjoyable summer. Because so many people grill outdoors, creating the safest environment possible when grilling promotes the practice while providing a relaxing atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. For more information on grilling and other summer-time safety, visit www.cpsc.gov or contact the base safety office at 987-3599.