Pellet Grill Safety

Pellet grills are one of the fastest growing trends and can add a variety of flavors to your creations using different types of wood pellets. Whether you choose hickory, pecan, cherry, or any other of the flavor-gracing wood pellet options, you should keep a few safety tips in mind before grilling or smoking.

• Keep your wood pellets dry and do not use your grill or smoker in the rain.
• Although wood pellet grills and smokers are prized for their ability to achieve a steady and precise temperature, be sure to check on your grill or smoker every once in awhile during use.
• Make sure not to expose cords to water or other liquid and visually inspect them for damage and wear before you start grilling or smoking.
• Only use your pellet grill in a properly ventilated area with the grill chimney open.
• lean your grill when it has cooled down completely and remember to unplug it before cleaning or examining electronics.
• Make sure electrical cords are secured and connected to a ground fault interrupter while your meal is cooking to avoid tripping or damage to your grill or smoker. 
• The control knobs should be turned to the off position before plugging in or unplugging the cord.

Gas Grill Safety

• Propane Cylinders are Safe and Easy to Use - Each year propane cylinder exchange companies recycle millions of propane cylinders through state-of-the-art production processes that include multiple steps to insure a safe backyard grilling experience. It is required that each cylinder is inspected, tested and leak-checked by professional staff trained to identify propane cylinders that may have been used in methamphetamine or other illegal production. Unfortunately, these companies cannot stop the illegal use of propane cylinders, but the exchange programs are equipped to catch any tanks used for illegal purposes and never allow them into the consumer mainstream markets.
• Do not force too much propane into an LP cylinder. By law, a 20 pound cylinder should be filled only to 80% of capacity. This leaves some room for the liquid to expand.
• Once the LP cylinder is connected, the grill must be kept outside in a well-ventilated space. When not in use, the LP cylinder valve must be turned to the OFF position (clockwise).
• If storing the gas grill indoors, the LP cylinder must be disconnected, removed, and stored outdoors. Never store an LP cylinder indoors.
• The cylinder valve outlet must be plugged whenever the cylinder is not connected to the grill or is being transported unless it is a quick close coupling or quick connect type of cylinder valve. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for handling of cylinders.
• Always store LP cylinder upright and in areas where temperatures won’t exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Never store a spare LP cylinder on or near a grill or any other appliance.
• Always check for gas leaks every time you disconnect and reconnect the regulator to the LP cylinder.
• Never attach or disconnect an LP cylinder, or move or alter gas fittings when the grill is in operation or is hot.
• Never use an LP cylinder if it shows signs of dents, gouges, bulges, fire damage, corrosion, leakage, excessive rust or other forms of visual external damage; it may be hazardous and should be checked by a liquid propane supplier.
• After a period of storage or disuse (such as over the winter), the gas grill should be checked for gas leaks, deterioration, proper assembly, and burner obstructions before using.
• Clean and perform general maintenance on the grill twice a year. Watch for rust, paint the LP cylinder to make it more rustproof, and check the regulator, hoses, burner parts, air shutter, and valve section carefully. Always turn off gas at the source (tank or supply line) prior to inspecting parts. Check owner’s manual for any additional maintenance requirements.
• Visually inspect hose(s) for abrasion, wear, and leaks before each use. A soap and water solution may be used to test for leaks. Never use a flame to check for gas leaks. Replace faulty hose(s) using a parts replacement kit before operating.
• When lighting a gas grill, always keep the lid open to prevent a flash off from gas build-up.
• Do not lean over the grill when igniting the burners or cooking. 
• If a burner doesn’t ignite, turn off the gas. Keep the grill lid open and wait five minutes before trying to light it again. If the burners go out during operation, turn all gas valves to OFF. Open the lid and wait five minutes before attempting to relight, using lighting instructions.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• When using charcoal briquettes or wood chunks, form a pyramid and douse with lighter fluid. Wait until fluid has soaked in before lighting. 
• Cap lighter fluid immediately and place a safe distance from grill.
• Never add lighter fluid to coals that are already hot or warm.
• Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other highly volatile fluids as a starter. They can explode.
• As an alternative to lighter fluid, use an electric, solid, metal chimney or other starter specifically made for lighting charcoal briquettes or wood chunks.
• Unplug and remove a hot starter with caution and be careful where you put it. Always cool starter completely before storing.
• Never use an electric starter in the rain and/or when standing on wet ground.
• When using instant light briquettes, do not use lighter fluid, electric, solid, or metal chimney-style starters. Do not add more instant light briquettes once the fire has been lit. Add only regular charcoal briquettes if more are needed.
• Once the grill is lit, do not touch briquettes or wood chunks to see if they are hot. Keep grill uncovered until ready to cook. 
• Keep vents open while cooking. Charcoal briquettes and wood chunks need oxygen to burn. 
• Allow coals to burn out completely and let ashes cool at least 48 hours before disposing. 
• Dispose of cold ashes by wrapping in heavy-duty aluminum foil and placing in non-combustible container. Be sure no other combustible materials are nearby. 
• If you must dispose of ashes before completely cooled, place them in heavy duty foil and soak with water completely before disposing in non-combustible container.

Electric Grill Safety

• Basic safety precautions should be used when operating this or any electrical appliance.
• Never immerse or expose cords, plug, or heating element in water or other liquid.
• Visually inspect cord, plug, and all connections for damage and wear before operation. Replace or repair prior to operation.
• Before plugging or unplugging an electric grill, turn control knob(s) to OFF position.
• Unplug electric grill from outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
• Electrical cords should always be secured during operation to protect against product damage or personal injury.
• To prevent risk of shock, electric grill should be connected to a ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlet in accordance with local codes.
• Do not use an electric grill in the rain.
• Do not use an electric grill near combustible or flammable materials.