Summer Safety Tips for BBQs

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS…with SWAPnGO the No 1 BBQ Gas Company in Australia

Did you know that the leading cause of BBQ fires in Australia is equipment failure, leaks or breaks - causing over 60% of outdoor fires?*

SWAPnGOs safety and operating standards are industry-leading and every bottle is checked, tested and inspected by trained technicians in factory controlled conditions. All bottles are cleaned and refurbished if they are not up to their high standards, and are then precision filled and leak tested.

By observing industry-leading operating standards and conducting mandatory and extensive staff, contractor and customer training in the safe handling of LPG, SWAPnGO maintains an enviable record of excellence in safety and that is why they can confidently say theres no better bottle for your BBQ.

Now that the weather is warming up and we are preparing for another long hot Summer, it is imperative that we follow a few important steps when using and maintaining our BBQs and transporting our SWAPnGO gas bottles to ensure not only Summer safety, but safety all year round.

Where your BBQ should be placed;
Many people store the cylinder in use as well as a spare, in homebuilt shelters directly under the BBQ. The latest Australia standards require these storage areas to have the following;
* Adequate ventilation - essential when using LPG to allow the gas to burn and burnt gases to dissipate.

* BBQs should also never be used indoors because of the risk of toxic fumes and smoke. A fire can easily be started if used incorrectly.


Transporting your gas bottle;

* Avoid putting the gas bottle inside the passenger compartment of the car.

* A gas bottle should never be transported loose or lying down on its side.

* Always keep a gas bottle cool and away from flames, sparks and heat.

* Do not leave LPG bottles in enclosed vehicles unnecessarily.

* Ensure valves are turned off firmly when not in use.

* A maximum of two bottles only should be carried in enclosed vehicles.


Checking your BBQ;

The cylinder hose and regulator are often left unchecked for many years and hose cracking or leaks from the regulator connection point are the most common source of incidents. Cylinder hoses have a limited safe life, so it is important to contact your local BBQ shop for their advice about when to replace these. It is also important to consider the following;

* Use the correct type of hose. Do not make temporary connections and keep the hose gently curved to prevent kinks and damage.

* Check hoses to make sure they have not perished by brushing or spraying on soapy water and checking for bubbles. If bubbles appear, turn off the cylinder immediately, then reconnect the cylinder and leak test again...safety first!

* Check hoses for blockages such as spiders, which might have nested inside during winter.

* Check connections to make sure that they are clean and fitting snuggly.


Operating your Gas Bottle;

* Always read the BBQ manufacturers operating instructions.

* Keep the gas bottle upright and on a stable base.

* Turn off the gas bottle valve when youre not using your BBQ.

* Remember, adequate ventilation is essential.

* Shut off the bottle valve before disconnecting the bottle from the BBQ.

* A safety valve is fitted to the vapour space to allow automatic relief of any excess pressure due to overfilling, or in the event of a fire.

* Never tamper with the safety valve or other gas bottle fittings.

* Do not use undue force to open or close the main cylinder valve. If in doubt, always consult the supplier.


Emergency procedures;

* If any leakage from the valve of a small cylinder is detected or suspected move the cylinder to a safe location at least 20 metres from any source of ignition.

* Keep flames and sparks away.

* Check valve is turned off. Hose with water.

* If it is not possible to stop the leak, keep the leak uppermost so that only gas and not liquid escapes. Keep hands and face clear of any escaping liquid.


In an emergency dial 000 for Fire Brigade or Police.

Follow the SWAPnGO safety tips and have yourself an enjoyable Summer!



*Source NFPA Journal 2003

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