BUREAU OF FIRE

Fire Safety

Liquefied Petroleum Gas and the Home Barbecue

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) when used to fire a home barbecue, is contained under pressure in a steel cylinder. The contents of an LPG cylinder, vaporized and in a confined area, have the explosive fore of several sticks of dynamite. Therefore, the wise user of LPG will be aware of the dangers involved and the precautions that must be taken to avoid accidents.

No LPG burner should ever be ignited until the following steps are taken:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure you thoroughly understand them.
• Do not transport LPG cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle. A filled cylinder should always be transported in an upright position on the floor of a vehicle with all windows open. Remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible. Never leave a cylinder in a parked vehicle.
• Using the proper size of wrench, make sure that all connection are tight. Remember that fitting on flammable gas cylinders have left-hand threads, requiring effort in a counterclockwise direction to tighten. To make sure that connections are tight, apple a soapy solution to detect leaks. If any bubbles are produced the connections must be tightened further.
• Make sure that grease is not allowed to drip on the hose or cylinder.
• Never allow children to use a gas-fired barbecue.
• Never use a gas-fired barbecue inside any structure.
• Never store any LPG cylinder—attached to the barbecue, or spares—inside any part of a structure, including porches and balconies.
• Store cylinders, including those attached to barbecues, outdoors in a shaded, cool area out of direct sunlight.
• Follow these precautions and enjoy outdoor eating in health, happiness and good weather. Don’t be tempted by a rainy day to use outdoor cooking equipment inside—net even in a garage or on a porch or balcony.