Propane

Safe Grilling

  • Keep Your Family Safe

    This module provides basic information about safe outdoor grilling practices using small propane cylinders. Following these instructions will help ensure the safety of you and your family.

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  • Before Starting a Grill

    • ALWAYS follow grill manufacturer’s instructions and keep written materials accessible.
    • ALWAYS keep the top open when lighting a grill until you are sure that it is lit.
    • NEVER pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
    • DO NOT allow children to tamper with the cylinder or grill.

  • Before Starting a Grill

    • NEVER use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
    • ALWAYS use a leak-detection solution or thick soapy water to check connections for tightness before connecting or lighting a propane gas grill burner.
    • NEVER store or place a spare cylinder under or near a barbecue grill. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to heat.

  • When Finished Grilling

    • Turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve.
    • When grill is not in use, cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep clean.

  • Storing and Handling Small Cylinders

    • NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
    • ALWAYS use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position.
    • DO NOT smoke when handling a propane cylinder.

  • Testing for Propane Leaks

    It is important to inspect your cylinder and outdoor gas appliances for leaks. Do this before using them for the first time each season, as well as on a regular basis. This can be accomplished with a simple “bubble” test.

    1. Apply leak detector solution or thick soapy water to the connection(s) between the cylinder valve and the regulator outlet. These connections are marked with an “x” on the diagram to the left.
    2. Slowly open the cylinder valve and watch for bubbles.
    3. If bubbles appear, close the cylinder valve, tighten the connection, and repeat the process. If bubbles still appear, call your propane retailer immediately.

  • Repairing Small Cylinders or Outdoor Appliances

    • DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER CYLINDER OR APPLIANCE PARTS. Propane cylinders incorporate special components such as valves, connectors, and other parts to keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. Damage to any component can cause a gas leak.
    • DON’T RISK IT! Call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician for assistance.

  • If you smell gas at any time:

    • 1. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames.
    • 2. If you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
    • 3. Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department.
    • 4. Before you restart the appliance, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder and appliance.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Drag the appropriate word to fill in each blank.

    NEVER ALWAYS NEVER ALWAYS NEVER ALWAYS
    •   pour an accelerant, such as lighter fluid or gasoline, on the grill.
    •   keep the top open when lighting a grill.
    •   follow grill manufacturer’s directions and keep them nearby for quick reference.
    •   store a spare propane cylinder indoors or near a grill.
    •   use matches or a lighter to check for propane leaks.
    •   use a leak-detection solution or thick soapy water to check connections for tightness.

  • What Have You Learned?

    When using the bubble test, which of the images below indicates that your propane cylinder may have a leak?

  • Make Time for Safety

    Thank you for making time for propane safety. To learn more, download our brochure ‘Propane Safety for You and Your Family’ or visit: propane.com

  • Thank you for completing the e-Learning Module: Safe Grilling

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