Safety in Your Sizzle this May Long Weekend

Posted Thursday May 14, 2020

Posted By: Elizabeth Leal

Category: Safety Matters,Fuels,Safety Exchange Blog,TSSA News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, ON, May 14, 2020) – While the weather may still have a bit of catching up to do, the May long weekend traditionally signifies the ‘unofficial’ opening of the summer season and heralds certain social practices of many outdoor activities including hauling out the BBQ and enjoying a savoury meal.

And, while this year is notably different as we cope with these ever-evolving, challenging and unprecedented times and modify our lifestyles accordingly by spending increasingly more time in and around our homes, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) wants to remind residents of important BBQ safety tips as we head into this long weekend.

For a sizzling success this season-opener, practice sensible and safe barbecuing by starting off with this FOUR-STEP CHECK:

Test for Leaks

• Clean burner ports and tubes; Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.
• Check the hose leading from the gas tank to the burner and replace it if cracked or damaged.
• Test for leaks with a 50/50 water/dish soap solution on propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, it could mean gas is leaking out so tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest.

Light it Right

• Before lighting, make sure the BBQ is on level ground, far away from any flammable material, with the lid/hood open. Turn the tank’s gas valve on, then the grill controls or heat setting, take a step back and push the igniter button, or if there is no igniter button, insert a long match or BBQ lighter through the side burner hole first,  then turn on the heat control knob. If the burner does not ignite right away, turn the gas off and wait five minutes, keeping the lid/hood open, before repeating the procedure.

Keep it Outdoors

• Always barbecue outside in a well-ventilated area – BBQs are approved for outdoor use ONLY. They emit carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can lead to unconsciousness and even death. Propane cylinders may not be used or stored inside any structure.

Stay Safe

• BBQs are intended to be attended.
  • Never leave your cooking/grill unsupervised;
  • Keep kids and pets away from the BBQ.

• Keep any flammable items/liquids away from the BBQ. This includes the use/application of the much sought after and utilized hand sanitizer these days, whose 60-80% alcohol-based content makes it highly flammable. While hand sanitizer is safe when used correctly it can be a dangerous combination when barbecuing. Keep this in mind, exercise caution and opt for thorough hand washing when getting ready to grill. The only flames you want to see are those grilling your goods.

• Never throw water on a grease fire.

BBQing on Apartment or Condo Balconies:  YES or NO?

• Ontarians living in apartments and condominiums should be aware of additional safety issues and restrictions regarding the use of barbecues on balconies. Barbecue use may be prohibited by the municipality or the Condominium bylaws of your building or prohibited by the building owner or property manager, so ensure you have determined what restrictions are in place for your building.

DON’T BBQ on a Balcony IF:

• Prohibited by the bylaws of your municipality and/or condominium.
• Prohibited by the building owner or property manager of a rental property.

DO BBQ on a Balcony but Only IF:

• Permissible by the bylaws of your municipality and condominium.
• Permissible by the building owner or property manager of a rental property.
• The balcony is open (no enclosures or walls have been erected).
• A propane cylinder is transported in a service elevator; when there are no service elevators, you may use the passenger elevator, but you must be alone.
• The cylinder is kept on the balcony and connected to the BBQ.
• The BBQ is kept clear of combustible material as listed on the BBQ’s rating plate or in the certified instructions.
• The propane cylinder relief valve is at least one (1) metre horizontally from any building opening below it, and three (3) metres from a building air intake.

For additional BBQ safety tips check out, and feel free to share, our animated safety videos:

• TSSA BBQ Safety Tips - Your BBQ Needs Your Full Attention
• TSSA BBQ Safety Tips - Make a Clean Start - Test it!
• TSSA BBQ SAFETY TIPS - LIGHT IT RIGHT
• TSSA BBQ Safety Tips - NEVER BBQ in an Enclosed Space
• TSSA BBQ Safety Tips - Taking Your Propane Tank for a Ride

For more information on barbecue safety and several other safety topics, visit TSSA’s safety website at www.safetyinfo.ca

About TSSA

Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement and prosecution activities.

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For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Campbell

Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations

Technical Standards and Safety Authority

Telephone: 416-734-6227

email:media@tssa.org

For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org