Great tips.... I found these on Lab Safety Supply, while looking for safety meeting topics.

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Improper grilling can be a recipe for disaster

Barbecuing. It’s a rite of summer virtually as old as the season itself. Every time we slap a processed sausage on the grill we’re reconnecting with our carnivorous forefathers who began roasting animal carcasses over hot embers in response to their frustration with the tapeworms, salmonella and E. coli bacteria typically associated with a predominately raw meat diet. Our ancient ancestors found that cooking over an open flame alleviated their post-meal intestinal turbulence, while the charred, soot-covered flesh tickled their primitive palates. In fact, their fear of fire was the only thing that tempered their enthusiasm for the new-found process.

While many modern humans still possess that same primitive craving for charbroiled flavors, we’ve progressed a long way in terms of safe practices for preparing food over an open flame. Modern barbecue safety can be viewed as a triangle in which protective equipment, safety guidelines and maintenance all play vital roles.

Protective equipment

Just like a hockey goalie would never line up in the crease without donning a variety of safety apparel, no outdoor chef should ever step up to the barbecue grill without certain essential pieces of personal protective equipment. Barbecue mitts or hot pads and preparation utensils with long, heat-resistant handles are the outdoor chef ’s primary defense against painful burns. An apron is also a good idea in order to protect clothing from unsightly splatter and ash stains.

Equally as important as what to wear is what not to wear. Shirts or blouses with loose or flowing, long sleeves are a no-no for the safety-conscious outdoor chef. Baggy sleeves can easily stray down into the flames or onto hot coals and instantly transform a festive backyard cookout into a surrealistic nightmare complete with ambulances, sirens and dour-faced emergency room technicians.

Safety guidelines

Whether charcoal or gas, barbecue grills must only be operated in well-ventilated areas. Using grills in enclosed areas such as breezeways, basements or even garages could lead to a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide gas. The result could be irreversible injury or even death for those exposed to the gas.

When igniting a charcoal grill, gasoline and other highly volatile fluids should never be substituted for a commercially prepared lighter fluid. Lighter fluids are specifically formulated to penetrate the briquettes and ignite in a slow, controlled fashion. Gasoline is formulated to power engines and, under the wrong conditions, can ignite the charcoal briquettes, the outdoor chef and the outdoor chef ’s residence all at the drop of a match.

Other safety guidelines include: never operate a barbecue grill on a wooden deck or patio, never move a barbecue grill when it’s operating, never leave a barbecue grill unattended (especially if children or pets are present) and never operate a grill under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

In addition, according to the Weber Charcoal Cookbook, the intensity of the heat on a charcoal grill should be controlled by adjusting the bottom vents. The vents on the lid should always be in the full open position during cooking.

Maintenance

In order to ensure efficient operation, Weber prescribes a thorough, annual cleaning for its grills. The company suggests removing the ashes and using a spray-on type oven cleaner to remove built-up grease, followed by washing the cleaner off with detergent and water. Removing the grease will not only make the grill perform more efficiently, it will also eliminate the possibility of a grease fire.

Owners of gas grills should refer to their owner’s manuals for specific maintenance procedures. The venturi tubes on gas grills must be cleaned periodically. Insects and spiders can build nests inside these tubes. The nests could block gas flow and cause a fire in and around the operating valve.

While following these basic measures will not guarantee culinary acclaim for your favorite barbecue dish, ignoring them could be a recipe for disaster.