Indoor Safety | General Safety Guidelines

Storing Gas Grills
Propane gas grills should be cleaned before storage. You will need worm soapy water, a brass-bristle brush, a soft cloth, toothpicks, sandpaper, a bottle brush and your grill owner's manual. First clean the briquettes and cooking grids. Flip the briquettes over so the greasy side faces the burner. Replace the grids, light the grill, close the lid, and set the flame on high for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, and remove any remaining grease with the brass-bristle brush and soapy water. Next, turn off the burner controls and cylinder valve and disconnect the cylinder from the regulator assembly. Clean the burner unit with a soft cloth and soapy water. Then dry it and clear out each gas port on the burner with a toothpick. Clean the tubes with a bottle brush and set the entire assembly aside to dry. Check the tank for dents and rust, and replace if necessary. Finally, wrap the gas orifices under the control panel with aluminum foil to keep them dry while you clean the grill housing with the brass-bristle brush and soapy water. Leave the foil in place to keep out insects and debris during storage. For outdoor storage, keep the tank hooked up and cover the grill. Make sure the supply valve is closed. If you store the grill housing indoors, disconnect the tank and leave it outside in an upright position away from dryer or furnace vents and children's play areas.

Gas Grilling Tips
1. Do not use a propane gas cylinder if it shows signs of external damage, such as dents, gouges, bulges, fire damage, corrosion, leakage, or excessive rust.
2. Before grilling, make sure the propane cylinder is secured to the grill as directed by the manufacturer.
3. After grilling, the cylinder must not be stored indoors or within any enclosed space.
4. Always open the grill hood before lighting, and light according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Never use gasoline or kerosene to start the fire.
6. Always grill in a well-ventilated area. Do not grill indoors or close to the side of a building.
7. Use foil or a drip pan to catch juices and help avoid grease fires.
8. To see how much propane is left 'in your cylinder, run a wet finger down the side. The wet streak will evaporate faster over the empty part of the cylinder.
9. Since a hot grill is easier to clean than a cold grill, clean with a wire brush or scraper immediately after cooking, then wash off.
10. To turn the cylinder valve on or off, remember 'Rightie, tightie/Lefty, loosey.'

Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
RVs should be checked annually by a Railroad Commission-licensed propane gas supplier or licensed RV dealer. The technician will check the system for leaks and proper regulator settings, inspect the valves and fittings, and inspect the propane tanks for excessive rust and dents. If the tank passes inspection, any minor rust touch-ups can be performed by RV owners. Replace seriously dented or badly rusted tanks immediately. Install the propane tank in the proper position. Arrows indicating the correct position are stamped in the metal of the tank. A horizontal tank must never be used in a vertical position, and vertical tank must never be used in a horizontal position. The technician should also check all your appliances, including the air intakes and exhaust vents. A common mistake is to forget to remove the access door and vent covers that were put on to prevent insect infestation during storage. When refilling on-board propane cylinders, turn off the RVs engine, all appliances, and electronic re-igniters. Railroad Commission rules require all passengers to exit the RV during refueling. If you smell gas, exit the RV without using electric switches or appliances. Leave the door open to air out the vehicle. Close the supply valve on the propane tank, and call a propane gas supplier or the fire department from a nearby phone.

Pools and Spas
Propane pool, spa and hot tub heaters must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and in accordance with state or local building or fire codes. Learn and follow local regulations for the safe connection, use and storage of propane equipment. When lighting or re-lighting the pilot or turning the heater on or off, refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the name and rating plate, which should be attached to the heater inside the control compartment. Do not place or drape towels, swimsuits or T-shirts on or near the heater or attempt to use it as a dryer. Inspect your heater periodically to make sure it burns cleanly, is well-vented and is free of leaks. Contact your local propane gas supplier to schedule a safety check on your heater and other propane-fueled home appliances. If you smell gas, whether the heater is operating or not, exit the pool or spa area immediately without touching electrical switches, lighting matches or using the phone. Before you leave, close the valve on the tank that feeds gas to the appliance. The valve is located under the dome or protective cover of the tank. To close it, turn the wheel or handle to the right as for as it can go. Then call your propane supplier or the fire department from a neighbor's telephone.

Camping Equipment
Inspect your propane camping equipment carefully before you leave home. Check for leaks by soaking each fuel cylinder connection with soapy water or leak solution and look for telltale bubbles. If you detect a leak, call your propane supplier. Make sure your shelter, tent or camper is adequately ventilated. Never turn in at night with a stove, cooker or lantern still burning. Do not store propane cylinders in temperatures above 120° F. Use propane stoves or fish cookers on a level surface in an open, well-ventilated area away from shrubs or dry wood. Before connecting the stove or cooker to the propane cylinder, make sure the valve is set at OFF. If ignition doesn't occur immediately, turn off the gas, wait for it to dissipate, then try again. When lighting, keep your hands and fingers to the side of the burner, not over it, and keep hair, sleeves and shirttails away from the flame. When repacking, storing or transporting a cooking appliance, remember to disconnect it from the fuel cylinder and let it cool down. Cover and store in a clean, dry place. On lanterns, check the cylinder, valve connections and mantle before each use, and make sure no dirt has lodged in the valve. Never operate a lamp or lantern without a mantle or with a damaged mantle.

 

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