On average there are about 8,700 fire cases caused by outdoor grills and barbecues in the US; as stated by the National Fire Protection Association. Many people love outdoor grilling in the summer, and it is a very popular way of cooking now. But while following this cooking method, it is very important to maintain proper safety measurements and take proper precautions.
Many people are doubtful about whether it is safe to grill in a garage. In this article, we will discuss this topic and hope our detailed research will help them to make the right decision.
For proper safety, it is important to have properly maintained equipment. You need to maintain proper hygienic methods to store and handle the raw food materials that you are going to cook. And the most important thing is to keep the entire grilling setup far away from any flammable materials.
Is Grilling in the Garage Safe?
No, it is not safe to grill in the garage. But it is not impossible either. You need to take multiple safety measurements to secure maximum safety. You must monitor some important aspects, like – the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and smoke and ventilation issues.
The two most common fuels for grills are propane and charcoal. And when these fuels burn, they produce carbon monoxide (CO). It is a colorless and odorless gas and has a very adverse impact on our health. The effects of CO buildup can be severe when a grill is used in an enclosed space, such as a garage.
This can result in symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and some severe cases of death. Most garages lack proper ventilation. Due to the absence of ventilation in garages, fumes from grills can quickly build up. Such a situation can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. So people can feel uneasy and sometimes can face severe health diseases.
Grilling in a garage can cause several fire hazards. In the garage, if there are any flammable materials such as wood, gasoline, or any flammable chemicals, then these can easily ignite themselves when they come in contact with the heat and flame that comes from the grill. A poorly maintained or misused grill can also cause a fire hazard. Fumes and smoke can also cause a fire if the ventilation in the place is inadequate.
When you grill in a garage, you need to keep a special eye on the generated smoke and the ventilation of the place. Smoke and fumes generated by these processes are extremely harmful to our health. If the place has proper ventilation, then the chances of inhaling these poisonous gasses are very low. When fumes build up in a closed space like a garage, they result in poor air quality. It can cause major respiratory problems and other severe health issues.
Carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and smoke and ventilation issues make grilling in the garage very risky. Whenever grilling is being done outdoors, ensure that the area is well-ventilated to ensure safety. If you are planning to do grilling inside the garage, it is always a smart idea to have a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher available and placed in an easily accessible area.
Tips for Safe Grilling in the Garage
Taking a few precautions can make grilling in the garage safe. You can grill safely in the garage by following some simple tips.
1. Proper ventilation
Having proper ventilation in the garage is one of the most crucial considerations when grilling. Carbon monoxide and other harmful gasses cannot build up if there is proper ventilation. For this, you can open the garage’s gate. It will ensure adequate fresh air circulation. By any means, you need to avoid grilling in any closed or poorly ventilated garage.
2. Carbon monoxide detectors
The combustion of fuels, such as propane or charcoal, produces carbon monoxide, a harmful, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide detectors are essential in the garage to prevent severe carbon monoxide poisoning. If CO levels reach a certain level, these devices will start to alert you by activating the alarm. In such a situation, it is wise to leave the area.
3. Fire extinguishers
Whenever grilling in the garage, make sure you have placed a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Fire extinguishers should be kept near the grills. Most of the people present there should know its proper position and they should know how to use it.
4. Properly maintained equipment
The grill, as well as all related equipment, should be properly maintained to ensure safe grilling in the garage. The grill should be cleaned regularly. Check the hoses and connections frequently for any type of leak. The grill should be very stable and secure to avoid any type of mishap.
5. Using a grill designed for indoor use
Nowadays some unique grills are specially made for indoor use. This type of grill has some extra safety features. Compared to other grills, this type of grill is safer to use in a garage or any closed area. This type of grill has advanced features like a built-in ventilation system and auto shut-off valves that prevent gas leaks.
If you need to grill regularly in your garage, then it is a wise decision to invest money in this type of grill. In short, by following these simple steps mentioned above you can easily minimize the chances of any severe accident. And always prioritize safety over convenience.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to gas grill in the garage?
In general, it is not safe to grill inside a garage. The generated fumes and smoke are very dangerous and these can cause fatal accidents. While grilling inside a closed area, the carbon monoxide level of the place increases a lot.
This gas is very harmful to our health. So it is good to find an open place to grill any item. The area must be well-ventilated and it has to be far away from any residential building and there should be no inflammable items near the grill.
Where should you not put a grill?
You should avoid placing the grill in any closed area. You need to avoid any closed areas such as a garage, or any indoor places. It is good to maintain at least a 10 meters gap between your grill and any residential buildings. And please ensure there is no inflammable object near the grill.
How long does it take for carbon monoxide to build up in a garage?
As we know CO is a very harmful and dangerous gas. If you are grilling in a closed garage, then carbon monoxide will hardly take 2 minutes to build up in the garage. This is the main reason why you have to avoid grilling in a closed garage.
Conclusion:
However, grilling in the garage is not a safe practice, at all. The fumes and smoke that are generated from the drill are very dangerous and these can cause a fire that can lead to a fatal accident. Additionally, grilling inside any closed area can cause carbon monoxide buildup.
And we all know that CO is very harmful to our health and it can lead to many severe health conditions. While grilling you always need to choose a well-ventilated area. There should be no flammable materials. If you have no option but to grill in a garage, then keep the shutter of the garage open and always keep a fire extinguisher in a handy position.
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by following these safety precautions when grilling in a garage.
