If you are like we are, you fire up the grill on the first warm Saturday or Sunday in springtime. What’s better than a backyard picnic with the smell of meat cooking on the grill. If you are grilling with propane this spring and summer, we invite you to review some simple tips which will provide you with safe grilling all season long.

Checking for Leaks

After a long period of sitting idle, such as through the winter season, a grill and its propane tank and hose should be checked for leaks. You should also check for leaks each time you change out a new propane cylinder.

• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
• Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose.
• If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.

Getting Started

• Don’t ask the propane supplier to overfill the cylinder. A 20 pound cylinder should be filled only to 80% of its capacity, leaving room for expansion.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s procedures for lighting, cleaning and maintaining your grill.
• When lighting a gas grill, always keep the lid open to prevent a flash off from gas build-up.
• Do not lean over the grill when igniting the burners or cooking.

Good Grilling

• Be present when grilling. Do not leave an active grill unattended.
• Never use a propane cylinder if it shows signs of dents, gouges, bulges, fire damage, excessive rust or other forms of visual external damage.