Take advantage of the barbecue safety tips listed here and ensure you and your family practise safe barbequing!
The information on this page is intended for barbecues used on private property only and does not pertain to use of barbecues on City of Barrie properties. With the exception of community-use barbeques at Tyndale Park and Centennial Park, barbecues and other cooking appliances are prohibited at waterfront beaches, parks, and trails.
Buying a Barbecue
When buying a barbecue, choose one that bears the CSA, ITS or ULC label. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and have it repaired by a trained professional when necessary.
Getting Started Each Year
- Propane cylinders must be inspected and re-certified every 10 years. Check your propane cylinder for date of manufacture.
- Place your barbecue outside, on level ground, at least one meter (three feet) away from the house and away from wind and combustible materials.
- Barbecues should be inspected and cleaned at least once each year, preferably prior to the first use annually.
- Make sure burners are in good condition. Burners that are rusted or damaged should be replaced.
- Check the flexible hose. If you find cracks or damage replace the hose before using the barbecue.
- Clean the tubes underneath the burner – insects and debris can accumulate inside these tubes.
- If your barbecue connection area has an “o” ring, check it every time you connect the cylinder. Replace missing, deformed, cracked or damaged “o” rings.
Checking for Leaks
- After connecting a propane cylinder, check for leaks using a solution of equal parts soap and water.
- With the appliance turned off, brush the solution over all connections – open the cylinder valve and bubbles will form when there is a leak.
- If you find a leak, close the cylinder valve and contact a certified gasfitter. After repairs are completed, repeat the leak test until there are no leaks.
Using your Barbecue
- When using a match, always light it before turning on the gas to prevent excessive gas build-up. If the barbecue is equipped with an electronic igniter, follow the directions on the control panel.
- Both propane and natural gas flames should be mostly blue with yellow tips. If the flame is mostly yellow, do not use the barbecue. Contact a qualified gasfitter.
- Prevent grease from dripping onto the hoses or cylinder. Grease build-up is a fire hazard.
- Never store extra propane cylinders under or near your barbecue. Excess heat may overpressure the cylinder and cause it to release propane from the cylinder relief valve.
- Make sure children stay away from the barbecue.
- Never use a barbecue indoors; doing so causes a build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide gas.
- After barbequing, make sure the barbecue is turned off and the burner flames are out. Also make sure the gas supply is turned off and the lid is closed.