Expert tips to enjoy barbecue season safely

Are you hungry for the barbecue season to begin? Here’s some useful barbecue safety tips advice to chew on!  

The secret of safe grilling: location!

  • If you live in an apartment or condo, first check that you have permission to use a barbecue on your balcony.
  • If you live in a house, set it up outdoors in a well-ventilated area on a stable surface.
  • The clearances are as follows: at least three metres away from doors and windows and at least one metre from the house.
  • Avoid placing it near any flammable objects (trees, plants, logs, patio furniture, plastic chairs, etc.).

Be careful while using the grill

  • When you get your barbecue out of storage after a long hibernation, check the general condition of its fittings, hoses, burners, grates, etc.
  • A good spring cleaning is necessary to prevent fires that can be caused by grease deposits, insects, birds’ nests, or any other animals that can clog the pipes. But watch out how you clean your barbecue! The safety of metal brushes has recently been put into question following a number of incidents. Look for signs of wear and damage on your brush, or pick a safer alternative to the stainless steel version!
  • Turn it on in the usual manner: open the lid, then open the valve on the propane tank, and finally, turn on the main burner and press the barbecue’s automatic ignition button.
  • If the burner does not light, immediately shut off the tank, keep the burner open a few seconds and then close it; this will give any gas that has collected in the pipes time to evaporate.
  • To light the barbecue when the automatic ignition button does not work, follow these steps: lift the lid, open the tank, then insert a lit barbecue lighter or long match in the side port of the grill, provided for this purpose, and turn on the main burner.
  • If you hear a hissing sound or an unusual smell, immediately shut off the tank and come up with another menu plan. Contact a professional to identify the problem and fix it before you try again.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • The tank and barbecue lid can remain hot for a long time, so it is advisable to keep children away.
  • If you store your grill indoors during the winter, or if you have a second gas tank, remember that it is illegal to store a tank containing fuel in an enclosed area (house, garage, vehicle, etc.).

Tips for safely handling food

  • Food can be contaminated when handled outside in hot weather and you need to be especially careful with ground beef, sausages, steaks, poultry and pork.
  • Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
  • Make sure the meat is well cooked, using a thermometer if necessary.
  • Afterwards, clean all surfaces that have come in contact with meat using warm water and soap.

Have yourself a smoking hot grilling season!