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CAMPUS POLICE - BBQ Safety |


Fire in the grill, under hot dogs
and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else
can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Because gas and charcoal grills cause an average of
1,500 structure fires and 4,800 outdoor fires in or on home properties, the NFPA
(National Fire Protection Association) offers these sensible outdoor grilling
tips to help you keep your cookout safe and fun.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Grilling Information
The following regulations apply to the use of
portable charcoal and gas operated cooking grilles on or within a building or
structure and includes balconies, fire escapes, porches, and roofs as a part
thereof:
Charcoal Grills
The Bedford Fire Department recommends against the
use of portable charcoal cooking grilles on or within a building or structure
for the following reasons:
 | Improper use of starter fuel
resulting in burns to individuals. |
 | Numerous fire safety
complaints by persons within or near the building. |
 | Wind velocity affecting open
flame. |
 | Fire hazard conditions high
or extreme. |
 | Fire Department response due
to persons observing assumed building fire from a distance and/or reports of
smoke odor from an assumed building fire in the area. |
 | Lack of attendance resulting
in unwarranted smoke pollution. |
 | Danger of explosive gas
build up. |
Gas Operated Grills
State regulations prohibit the use or storage of
liquefied petroleum gas containers used for barbecue cooking inside or on
balconies above the first floor of any building or structure used for
habitation, including small propane containers attached to portable cooking
grills.
NFPA guidelines state propane containers should be
located in areas where there is free air circulation, at least 3 feet from
building openings (such as windows and doors), and at least 5 feet from air
intakes of air conditioning and ventilating systems.
Under no circumstances shall gas or charcoal grills
be used on fire escapes or fire escape balconies!
General Safety Tips
It always pays for consumers to be aware that
following a few simple safety precautions will help ensure that their outdoor
cooking remains trouble-free and enjoyable.
 | LP Grills are not permitted
inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building or structure
used for habitation. |
 | Always locate a barbecue
away from any combustible wall. |
 | Set up grill in an open area
away from buildings, dry leaves or brush. Be aware of the wind blowing
sparks. |
 | Propane and charcoal BBQ
grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed
spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing
occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation. |
 | Place grill on a level
surface away from low hanging trees, deck railings, siding or any
combustible materials. |
 | It’s a good idea to keep a
fire extinguisher within handy reach. |
 | Use long handled barbecue
tools and flame retardant mitts. |
 | Do not wear loose clothing
and watch for dangling apron strings and shirt tails. |
 | NEVER leave children or
pets unattended near a hot grill. |
 | Place the grill a safe
distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. |
 | Declare the entire grill
area a "kid-free zone" until the grill has completely cooled off.
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 | Put out several long-handled
grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames
when flipping burgers. |
Gas Grill Safety
Gas grills are safe and convenient appliances when
assembled and used properly. Gas grills bring into play another element, Liquid
Propane (LP). LP gas is pressurized and requires special handling and storage.
These few tips will make all of your barbecues safe and enjoyable.
 | Before having an LP cylinder
filled, check it for dents, gouges or other signs of disrepair. |
 | When having a cylinder
filled, it is important to make sure that the cylinder is not overfilled.
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 | Check and make sure all
connections are tight BEFORE turning on the gas. Leaks can be detected by
dabbing the connections with a solution of soapy water and turning on the
gas momentarily. If bubbles occur, there is a leak and it must be fixed
before the grill is used. |
 | Never store a spare LP
cylinder under or near a barbecue, heat source or open flame. |
 | Never ignite a gas grill
with the lid closed. The propane may accumulate inside, and when ignited,
the lid could blow off. |
 | Store extra cylinders
outdoors in a shaded area. |
 | ALWAYS insert the POL safety
plug into the LP cylinder valve outlet when not hooked up to the grill.
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 | When the LP cylinder is
connected, the grill must be kept outside in a well-vented space. Never use
gas grills inside a house, garage or any enclosed area, because carbon
monoxide may accumulate and could cause serious injury or death.
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 | If you have a propane grill,
check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it. A light soap and
water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by
releasing bubbles. Have leaking fuel lines repaired before using.
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 | All propane cylinders
manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD).
OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the
potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are
easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel. |
 | When finished with the
grill, turn off the barbecue burners and the propane cylinder. |
The pressure relief valve will release propane if
the pressure inside the cylinder becomes too great. Pressure varies according to
temperature, regardless of the amount of propane inside.
Visitors |
EMERGENCIES ON CAMPUS DIAL 4444
Quinsigamond Community College Police
Department
"Reducing Crime and
Promoting Safety"
508-854-4221 Non Emergencies.
508-854-4444 Emergencies from
off campus & from a cell phone.
508-854-4200 Chiefs Office.
670 West Boylston Street Worcester, Ma 01606
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