Protecting against fire hazards when using a barbecue

Propane or natural gas barbecues are safe appliances, but the devices and their fuel can lead to injuries, explosions, or fires if they are not properly installed, used, and maintained.

All gas-fired equipment that is sold in Québec must be approved by an organization recognized by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) . 

To be operated safely, a barbecue must be:

• used outdoors in a well-ventilated area, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning;
• installed on a solid, stable surface well away from traffic or play areas;
• kept a safe distance from objects or combustible materials such as walls, doors, and trees;
• properly connected to the gas bottle.

With each use, you must:

• open the barbecue lid before fully opening the gas bottle tap;
• open a gas control knob and activate the integrated lighter or use a long-neck lighter or a long match in the opening near the open burner;
• avoid leaning over the appliance when you light it;
• constantly keep an eye on the barbecue when it is operating;
• never move the barbecue when it is lit;
• close the gas bottle tap;
• when the flame is extinguished, close all the gas control knobs and the barbecue lid.

Attention: If your barbecue does not light immediately, close the gas control knobs, and wait several minutes before you try again.

Every time you connect a gas bottle to your barbecue, you must:

• check the hoses for leaks;
• clean all the burners, supply lines and other components of the barbecue;
• check that the flame is blue;
• refer to the suggested maintenance fact sheet in the appliance’s instruction manual.

An accumulation of gas poses an explosion hazard. To facilitate the detection of gas leaks, an odorant similar to rotten eggs is added to propane.

Whether propane cylinders are full or empty, follow these basic rules.

Before you transport a propane cylinder in a vehicle, make sure that the tap is fully closed and that a sealing cap or a dust cap covers it. In the vehicle, keep the cylinder fully immobilized and upright, and open a window to provide ventilation.

Ensure that the person responsible for filling the cylinder at the supplier’s premises possesses a certificate of qualification to fill propane cylinders and vehicles.

Always store cylinders upright and outside, year round. Never store them in a closed space such as a shed or garage.

Store cylinders away from shocks and sunlight or any other potential heat source to avoid raising the recipient’s internal pressure.

Never throw away a propane cylinder. It could contain enough gas to cause an explosion.

Return all empty and defective cylinders and those more than 10 years old to the propane supplier.

Despite these tips, in the event of an accident, immediately evacuate the site and call 911. If you can safely access the gas bottle tap, close it.