BARBECUE GRILLS

A GUIDE TO USE AND SAFE STORAGE

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR USING A BBQ GRILL?

The New Jersey State Fire Code States:

“Propane cooking equipment such as barbecue grills shall not be stored or used on any porch, balcony or any other portion of a building, within any room or space of a building, within any room or space of a building, within five (5) feet combustible exterior wall, within five (5) feet vertically or horizontally of an opening in any wall such as a window or door, or under any building overhang.” (This does not apply to single family dwellings.)

“No person shall operate or use or maintain any open fire or other device, including but not limited to a barbecue, in or on any R-2 use that is three (3) or more stories in height as designated by the Construction Official in a valid Certificate of Occupancy. This restriction shall also apply to porches, balconies, patios, or any other private area of any multi-family unit, within this designated use category.” The term “R-2” refers to all multiple family dwellings having more than two (2) dwelling units, including dormitories and rooming houses. This means that condominium developments of one (1) or two (2) stories may use charcoal or electric, but may not use propane grills.

 It is strongly recommended that all grills that are permitted in your development be used at least fifteen (15) feet away from the dwelling.

 HOW DO I CHECK MY GRILL FOR SAFETY?

 All components of a propane gas grill should be thoroughly inspected and cleaned before each use and especially after storing for the winter months.

  1.      Check all hoses and fittings for cracks and tightness.

  2.      Check all propane gas burner assemblies for clogs and blockages such as dirt, debris, grease and insect webs or nests.

  3.      Inspect the propane gas supply cylinder or tank for rust and corrosion, condition of valve assembly, and condition of the gas regulator assembly.

  4.      When lighting a propane fired or charcoal grill where a starter fluid is used, always start the fire with the lid in the open position. This will prevent a buildup of flammable vapors which could cause an explosion and failure of the lid.

  5.      Never apply additional charcoal lighter fluid to an already hot or burning charcoal fire.

 HOW DO I STORE MY PROPANE CYLINDERS SAFELY IF A PROPANE GRILL IS PERMITTED?

Never store full or partially full cylinders inside your home. If a leak develops, there are many sources of ignition that could cause a fire or explosion.

 Some of these ignition sources are heaters and furnaces, hot water heaters, electrical appliances, and use of smoking material.

 At the end of the cooking season, try to use all of the propane in the cylinder to help eliminate the fire hazard.

 Whenever possible, propane cylinders should be stored outside of dwellings, or is a shed away from the dwelling.

  1.      Call 9-1-1 first. Activate the 9-1-1 system or have someone call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire starts.

  2.      If you have a propane-fueled barbecue and the fire involves the grill, hoses, regulator, fittings, tank connection, or the cooking surface itself, it is recommended that you do not attempt to fight this fire. Propane gas is heavier than air and is extremely dangerous. Your attempt at extinguishment could result in serious injury.

  3.      If the flame from a propane barbecue grill fire is making direct contact with the propane tank, it is imperative that you immediately evacuate the area to a safe distance away and call for help. A propane tank can fail if heated and the resulting explosion and shrapnel from the failing propane gas tank can be deadly.

  4.      if you own a charcoal-fired grill or electric grill, a fire extinguisher can be used from a safe distance of about 10 feet. Remember that the fire extinguisher discharges under pressure and can blow the contents of the grill out of the cooling area, causing the fire to spread.

 All outdoor barbecues should be equipped with as ABC-Type Dry Chemical fire extinguisher. A minimum 1A10BC is recommended. These can be purchased at home improvement centers, hardware stores, and most department stores. Make sure that the fire extinguisher you choose has a UL listing and a pressure gauge to determine the fire extinguisher’s condition.