BBQ season is upon us
You can tell what season it is just by going outside and taking in the environment for a bit. No, it’s not about summer in general. It’s all about the smell of burning charcoal in the air, plumes of smoke sprouting from your neighbours’ decks, the sounds of laughter and the occasional fight over the last burger ... yes, you’re right ... it’s barbecue season!
The beautiful, glorious time of the year when we take our Muskoka chair out into the backyard of the family cottage, light the charcoal grill, sip an ice cold Pinot, and think of little else other than the outcome of whatever we’re cooking and what music to play next. It’s a time of relaxation, good friends, and full stomachs for all.
To ensure your barbecue is ready for grilling season, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority recommends making this three-step safety check part of your spring-cleaning routine:
- CLEAN: Use a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure the burner ports are free of rust, dust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.
- CHECK: Examine the hose leading from the fuel supply to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.
- TEST: Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to all fuel and hose connections. If bubbles appear, tighten the connections and/or replace the damaged parts and always re-test.
Remember that barbecues are for outdoor use only. If used in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide—an odourless, colourless, poisonous gas—will gather and reach dangerous exposure levels, which can lead to serious health effects or even death.
