23 Tips to Barbecue Safely at Home

Summer is prime barbecuing season—although Canadians are known to fire up the outdoor grill in all weathers. While barbecuing is a wonderful way to produce tasty food, barbecues and other outdoor cooking equipment come with hazards. These hazards include:

Fires
Smoke
Carbon monoxide
Fuel leaks (propane, natural gas, et cetera)
Burns
Food-related illnesses

Follow these tips to minimize your risk and barbecue safely at home.

Tip #1 – Follow manufacturer instructions for installation and operation of your grill.

Tip #2 – Position your grill on a flat surface.

Tip #3 – Ensure your grill has adequate free space around it and isn’t next to your home, fencing or plants nor placed under an overhanging roof. Never barbecue indoors!

Tip #4 – Always use the correct type of fuel for your cooking equipment.

Tip #5 – Never use flammable solvents to start grills. For example, if you have a charcoal grill, use a chimney and fire starter block rather than lighter fluid.

Tip #6 – Don’t overload the grill (this can cause excess fat and trigger a flare up).

Tip #7 – Cook meat and vegetables in separate areas of the grill.

Tip #8 – Don’t move a lit barbecue.

Tip #9 – Never leave your barbecue unattended when in use.

Tip #10 – Wash hands frequently, especially before and after handling raw meat.

Tip #11 – Never reuse utensils or plates if they’ve been used for raw meat. Use different dishes or wash them before using again.

Tip #12 – Cook meat properly (look up the proper cooking temperatures and check with a meat thermometer) and avoid charring your meat. Marinating meats and barbecuing at lower temperatures can help minimize charring.

Tip #13 – Use long-handled grilling tools to help prevent burns.

Tip #14 – Keep a spray bottle with water and a fire extinguisher handy. Make sure you know how to operate the extinguisher and it is in good working order.

Tip #15 – Wear appropriate barbecuing clothes. We recommend leather or treated canvas aprons.

Tip #16 – Keep children and pets away from the grill.

Tip #17 – Clean your barbecue regularly to stop grease buildup.

Tip #18 – Choose a non-metal bristle grill brush. If you do clean with a bristle brush, wipe down the grill afterwards. This helps prevent bristles from getting into food and causing internal injuries.

Tip #19 – Ensure the grill fuel is turned off after you’re finished cooking. If there are ashes, make sure they are cold before they are disposed of.

Tip #20 – Don’t let food sit out. Refrigerate within two hours and discard cooked food that has sat out for longer.

Tip #21 – Check regularly for gas leaks, blocked burners, and damaged or leaking fitting and hoses.

Tip #22 – Fuel cylinders should be stored upright, outside and away from any ignition sources. These should be replaced if damaged or rusty and re-certified or tested as per the date on the cylinder.

Tip #23 – Don’t store your utensils in the grill portion of your barbeque. You might forget they’re there and accidentally start a fire when you light your barbeque!