My propane gas barbecue grill is about eight years old, and, with spring coming, I want to be able to use it for my family gatherings this year. What do you suggest to help make sure it’s working properly and safely?
— Cindy N., Pittsfield Township

The days of spring are upon us. Many of us will be uncovering our gas grills as thoughts of the sweet aroma of scrumptious tasty ribs, hot dogs dripping with chili, or flavorsome barbecue chicken wings consume us. As we enjoy this time with our families and friends, we must keep safety in mind, as gas grills can be dangerous, as most appliances can be, if not maintained or used correctly.

MSNBC reports that a 42-year-old woman in Kingwood, Texas left her grill for two minutes last June. When she returned, the whole grill was engulfed in flames, with exploding white fire balls of magnesium! The fireballs shooting out of the grill burned her legs.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends never leaving your grill unattended. It estimates that more than 18,000 barbecue-related injuries occurred in 2009. Most injuries were gas-related due to poor maintenance and improper lighting procedures.

Here are a few tips on how to have a safe and fulfilling barbecue season.

Inspect: Mother Nature can play havoc on the gas connections, fittings and valves of a grill during the winter. Be sure the gas lines and connections are clear of debris, rust and insects. Replace any heavily rusted burners. If a burner is badly rusted, remove it and take to the hardware store for a comparable replacement.

Test connections: Apply one part dish soap and one part water in a spray bottle and spray over any gas connections and lines. Open the lid and turn on the fuel supply. If soap bubbles are forming, immediately turn off the burner and correct the issue before proceeding. These tests must be performed whether you are using propane or natural gas-fueled barbecues, and the grills should be tested on a regular basis.

While using: The CPSC estimates that a third of barbecue grill injuries are due to improper lighting. Unfortunately, I can relate. A few summers ago, I thought that I ignited the burner. I closed the lid and waited a few minutes, then opened the lid only to notice a smell of gas. The burner was not lit. Being outside, I assumed the remaining gas was drawn away from the light breeze. I re-lighted the grill and — BOOM — a huge fireball exploded into the air about three feet and singed my hair.

Besides ensuring your burner is properly lit, below are a few tips to help ensure you have a safe spring:

• Use in a well-ventilated area outdoors.
• Ensure no explosives are nearby.
• Position grill away from railings, siding, campers, etc.
• Clean any grease and fat buildup.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by, as grease fires are fueled by water.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing around the flames while cooking.

While there have been many safety standards for barbecue grills, I suggest verifying that there is not a recall on your product. You can check your manufacturer’s website at the CPSC. In addition, be sure to check your manufacturer’s product manual.

I hope you safely enjoy the succulent taste of your barbecue cuisine this spring. Eat hardy!

Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as president and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland counties. www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It”  WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.