TORONTO—Health Canada Ontario region, (HCO) knows how that Canadians enjoy using their BBQ all year round, but more so during the summer season.
In an effort to help provide Canadians with useful safety tips to help keep them safe, HCO shared some key barbecue and portable butane stove safety tips.
The tips cover topics from setting up your BBQ to maintaining a BBQ, and butane propane stoves.
HCO reminds the public that when barbecuing it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Beyond that, here are some of the other safety tips offered:
When setting up your barbecue, make sure it is:
- outside and in a well-ventilated area
- far away from combustible materials and windows and doors
- on an even surface to reduce the risk of it tipping over
Other tips:
- never leave a lit grill unattended
- use long-handled cooking utensils and heat-resistant mitts to reduce the risk of burns
- inspect your barbecue brush and the barbecue grill before each use:
- the metal bristles on the brush can become loose over time and stick to the grill.
- the bristles can stick to food and could be accidentally swallowed, possibly causing serious throat or digestive injuries.
- replace your brush regularly to help avoid problems associated with wear.
- alternatives that do not have metal bristles are also available for you to purchase.
Portable butane stove safety tips
Portable butane stoves with enclosed, disposable gas canisters can pose significant safety risks. These stoves are commonly used for camping and outdoor activities. If the butane gas canister overheats, extra gas can suddenly vent from the canister, creating a flash fire.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. The instructions will tell you how to use, clean and maintain your stove.
- Make sure to install the disposable butane gas canister in the correct position to avoid gas leaks.
- Portable butane stoves should never be used indoors or in confined spaces. The disposable butane gas canister can produce carbon monoxide, which has no smell or colour and can cause symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, and death.
To avoid flash fires from the gas canister overheating:
- Always use the stove with the cooking grate the right-way up, with pot supports facing upwards, the stoves are often packaged and stored with the cooking grate upside-down
- Never place a stove near other sources of heat or place additional stoves side-by-side
- Only use pots and pans that fit the size of the cooking grate on the stove, so they do not cover the gas canister
- Avoid using the stove for long periods of time
- Allow adequate air-flow around the stove
- Never leave a portable butane stove unattended
For more information: Barbecue and portable butane stove safety - Canada.ca