Propane Barbecue Safety

Is there anything more Canadian than a backyard barbecue? Spring, summer, fall or winter, we love barbecuing.

But before you get out there and grill up your favourite meals, keep your family and friends safe by making sure you know every one of our barbecue safety DOs and avoid the DON’Ts at all costs.
Photo of a barbecue on a home patio

Do

  • Get an annual safety check to ensure the tubes are clear and in good repair. Insects often buildnests in the tubes that can cause serious blockages. If the fittings, flex hose or burners are worn or rusted, be sure to replace them.
  • Before lighting your barbecue for the first time in the season and any time you replace the tank, check the cylinder connections for leaks. A leak-detection solution of equal parts liquid soap and water is a handy way to check all connections for tightness.
  • Use your grill only outdoors in a well-ventilated area clear of the house or other combustibles.
  • Always open the barbecue lid before lighting. And remember to turn the gas valve on first.
  • Keep gas hoses away from hot surfaces and hot grease.
  • Keep children away from the gas valve and the grill.
  • Turn the valve off first when you finish to allow the gas in the hose to be burned off, then turn off the burner controls so no gas remains trapped in the hose.
  • Allow your barbecue to cool completely before covering it.
  • Invest in a barbecue cover to keep moisture, snow and UV rays from deteriorating your barbecue.
  • Use a good barbecue grill cleaner once or twice a year to for a really good clean and degrease.
  • Choose a new barbecue that passes recognized Canadian Safety Standards.

Don't

  • Don’t use matches or a lighter to check for leaks.
  • Don’t leave the barbecue unattended when in use.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing while operating the barbecue.
  • Don’t allow grease to build up. Clean the burners and grill regularly to minimize the risk of a serious grease fire.
  • Don’t put water on a grease fire. It will only cause the flames to flare.
  • Don’t barbecue in an enclosed space, such as a garage. For ventilation and safety reasons, move your barbecue into the open at least three metres away from windows and doors.
  • Don’t place your barbecue near wooden surfaces, beneath a combustible overhead roof or even under a tree with low branches. Be extra careful about the area behind the barbecue where hot gases escape and could create a fire hazard.
  • Don’t use your barbecue as a source of heating.
Experiencing a propane emergency? Call us at 1-87SUPERIOR (1-877-873-7467) for immediate assistance. For all other inquiries, please contact us.

PROPANE SAFETY DATA SHEET

For your safety, know how to use, store, handle and transport propane.
Download Propane Safety Data Sheet

For technical specifications of butane, download the Butane Safety Data Sheet.