Barbecue safety 101

  • Published
  • By Fire Chief Bob Hildreth and Fire Prevention Capt. Dale Smith
  • 66th Mission Support Group
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Summer, also known as barbecuing season, has finally begun in earnest. As cookouts heat up, the Hanscom Fire Department reminds the base community of the part each individual plays in the 101 Critical Days of Summer and urges all to keep safety in mind while cooking outdoors.

An important element of safe barbecuing is the grill's actual location. Outdoor cooking should take place a safe distance -- the fire department recommends at least 15 feet -- from any building structures or combustible materials, such as trees or shrubs. Individuals should never barbecue in garages, gazeboes, porches or under overhangs.

When a grill is in use, it should never be left unattended. Children and pets must be closely supervised and kept a safe distance from the barbecue area.

Finally, individuals who service their propane tanks via propane tank exchange should be advised that barbecuers are not these services' only customers. The National Propane Gas Association has alerted the fire service and hazardous materials industries that pressurized propane cylinders can be used in the manufacture of methamphetamines. Manufacturers of this illegal substance use propane cylinders for the storage and use of anhydrous ammonia. When the propane tanks are empty, they are exchanged as new.

Those who use cylinder exchange services should watch for indications that a tank could have been in contact with anhydrous ammonia. Signs include a blue-green stain on any brass portion of a service valve or stem of the tank and the pungent odor of ammonia on or near the cylinder.

Individuals who suspect that a propane cylinder contains or has contained anhydrous ammonia should exercise extreme caution, as it can be very dangerous to move the cylinder due to the unknown integrity of the tank's service valve. Once access to the area has been restricted, immediately contact the local fire department.

For more information call (781) 377-3330.