Tag Archives: grilling

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

HOW TO KEEP SAFE AND AVOID INJURY THIS 4TH OF JULY (GUEST POST)

Independence Day celebrations generally mean getting together with families and friends for backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, and of course, fireworks. Although that may sound like a lot of fun, these activities can also bring dangers of fire, water, food, and heat.

To avoid injuries and make the most out of this annual holiday, here things to take note of:
Watch a professional fireworks show
Instead of setting off fireworks in your own backyard, leave it to the pros. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by watching professional shows. There are many fireworks shows you can watch. Do remember to stay at least 500 feet away. Putting it in your own hands can lead to possible blindness, severe burns – even death.
However, if you really must set fireworks at home, have a fire extinguisher available and ready. Light only one firework at a time and make sure the person lighting it wears eye protection Never point the firework toward people, animals, vehicles, and flammable materials and never attempt to relight. Fires and burns to to fireworks can lead to losing private possessions or lives.  
Grill with caution
Never grill indoors, in a tent, camper or on any surface that may catch fire. Instead, stay at least 10 feet away from your home or any building. Always supervise a grill when in use and don’t forget to use long-handled tools for cooking to keep the chef safe from burns. Before starting the fire, check the tubes that lead to the burner for any blockage from insects or grease. Avoid playing games with flying objects like frisbee, as it may knock candles, torches, and the grill itself. Last but not least, keep children away from the grill area. Use items like lawn chairs to prevent children from entering the area.
Swim safely
Since summer is here, swimming is the most popular activity for the family. To stay safe in the water, you first must know how to swim. If you already do, swim only in designated areas where lifeguards are available. Next is to have a swim buddy, even at a public pool. If you have children, never keep your eyes off them and don’t entrust his life to another child. Inexperienced swimmers should always wear swimming jackets. Also, don’t swim under the influence of alcohol. The same goes for driving…
Don’t drink and drive
According to statistics, the number of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths rise significantly on the fourth of July. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that Independence Day was the deadliest day on the road from 2006 – 2010.
Drinking alcohol – even just one cocktail – can impair your senses and judgement. So if you must drink on this holiday, make sure to have a designated driver to take your home. If you don’t have a driver, call a cab. If you had a lot to drink, consider staying in your host’s place for the night.
Better yet, stay at home. You don’t need to go out on the 4th of July to have fun. Play host to a neighborhood party instead.
Have a safe and injury-free fourth of July!
 
About the author: Based in California, Melissa Page is a professional writer with over four years of professional writing experience. Despite being a safety-conscious health buff, she still believes in the importance of health insurance, (iCan). She also loves travelling and bowling.
General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

FIRE IT UP SAFELY!

Someone hasn’t told Mother Nature that it’s not summer yet!   The first official day of summer is June 21st!  With the blazing hot days we have already experienced, there’s no telling how hot this summer is going to be.  One of the things that millions of Americans enjoy doing during warm (hot) weather is firing up the barbecue grill.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to check their grills and “fire it up safely” to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.  Before lighting a grill, do a safety check. 

  • First of all, check SaferProducts.gov to be sure that your grill has not been recalled.  If it has been, contact the manufacturer and don’t use it until you get it repaired or replaced.
  • Inspect the hoses on a gas grill for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks.  Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing and that all connections are secure.  Replace them if necessary.
  • Check for propane gas leaks.  Open the gas supply valve fully and apply a soapy solution with a brush at the connection point.  If bubbles appear, there is a leak.  Try tightening the tank connection.  If that doesn’t stop the leak, close the gas valve and ask a qualified professional to repair it.
  • Be sure the grill is clean.  By regularly cleaning the grill and grease trap, the risk of flare-ups and grease fires will be reduced. 

Now that you have checked the grill, be sure to operate it as safely as possible.  Here are some tips:

  • Place the grill on a level surface away from yard games and other foot traffic.
  • Cook outside only. 
  • Never leave a grill unattended. 
  • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
  • The outside surface of a grill can get hot and burn when touched.
  • Check the grill legs for stability.
  • Keep a garden hose nearby for use in the yard, in case of fire.
  • If a flare-up happens, adjust the controls on the gas grill or spread out the coals on a charcoal grill to lower the temperature.  If a grease fire occurs, turn off the gas grill and use baking soda or a kitchen fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing.
  • Use long utensils.
  • Use gloves or mitts to protect hands.
  • Be sure the grill is completely cool before anyone gets near it after you have finished cooking. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, June and July are peak months for grill fires.   Fire departments responded to fires started in hibachis, grills, or barbecues,  resulting in an annual average of 3,200 structure fires and 4,500 outside fires. These 7,700 fires caused an annual average of 13 civilian deaths (to the nearest ten), 120 civilian injuries and $70 million in direct property damage.   More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 7% started in the kitchen.  Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 49% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 56% of the outside gas grills, and 39% of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire. 

Anytime you are dealing with fire, there may be a risk.  Take precautions during grilling season.  Have a plan; be organized.  Get out those ribs, burgers, veggies, and other tasty treats and enjoy!  Just be careful.