A propane powered grill when in good condition is absolutely safe, when used properly. Plus, It’s more convenient and easier on the environment than charcoal. However, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that a full propane tank contains a lot of energetic and flammable gas under pressure. Here are some tips to ensure that your time spent grilling on the deck is always enjoyable and safe.
Safe Grilling Technique
Before turning on the gas, always have you’re grills cover up. This prevents a dangerous gas buildup beneath the cover which can explode if you delay too long before hitting the igniter. Some believe that leaving the cover down protects them when the gas is ignited, but a flimsy cover is no protection from a gas explosion. If you’ve been doing it this way without mishap, a distraction before igniting the gas is all it takes. So don’t risk it, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Another way that gas can build up is when the igniter fails to light the gas. With each failed attempt, more gas builds up until there’s enough to cause an explosion. Allow the gas to dissipate before re-igniting the grill.
Always turn the gas off when it’s not being used. If you smell a bad odor, immediately turn off the valve and avoid lighting a match, using other ignition sources, or turning on electrical equipment or appliances, because they could spark, which can cause and explosion.
Never use the grill next to the wall of your house. To prevent a grill fire from spreading, allow several feet of space.
Proper Equipment Care
The weakest part of your gas grill is the hose. Keep it clear of hot surfaces and hot grease. Always keep an eye on the hose for signs of weakness or leakage. These include sharp bends, cracking, and other indications of damage. If you see any of these signs, don’t wait until it leaks. Replace the hose.
Check for leaks on the hose and its connections by spraying them with soap water. Bubbling indicates a gas leak. Replace the leaking hose and tighten loose connections.
Clean-up after grilling on the deck is the least enjoyable part of the experience. If stubborn smudges or stains on your deck are becoming an eyesore, our deck products will clean them off. Contact us today for more information.
