The first long weekend of the season is almost upon us, marking the unofficial start to summer – and the time when many of us flee the hustle and bustle of the city for greener and more peaceful pastures, like cabins, cottages or campgrounds on weekends. It’s also the kick-off to backyard barbecue season. So, as you head to the great outdoors for the first time this year, CSA Group, a leading certification and testing organization, wants to remind you to play it safe all season long by offering the following safety tips:

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

When you’re cooking outdoors, a few basic safety tips are essential.

Gas Grills and Barbecues

• Make a clean start. Before firing up the grill for the first time this season, carefully inspect burners and burner tubes for blockages due to dirt, grease, insects or rust build-up. Clean or replace any blocked parts or have a certified technician make repairs.
• Blowing bubbles. To make sure there are no gas leaks, rub a 50/50 solution of soap and water onto the gas hose, fittings and connections and turn the gas on at the tank but not the burners. Any leaks will produce bubbles. Tighten the fittings if required and replace any damaged hoses or fittings.
• Take a pass on old gas! Propane cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 10 years in Canada and 12 years in the U.S. A date stamp on the cylinder indicates when it was last qualified. Do not use a rusty or damaged cylinder. If in doubt, have your tank replaced.
• Breathing fire. Keep grills and barbecues away from combustible materials such as fences, trees, buildings, awnings and carports. Never use a barbecue in a garage!
• Buy the Certification Flame. When purchasing or installing a gas barbecue, make sure that it carries the mark of an accredited certification agency such as the CSA Group Certification Flame or Star Mark indicating that it meets applicable national standards.

CAMPING AND BOATING

Visiting a camp site, cottage or lake? Remember these tips for a safer summer expedition.

Camping Stoves and Lanterns

• Three meters from the tent. Fuel-burning camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns and outdoor cookers should only be lighted outdoors and at least three meters from tents, combustible materials and vehicles. Never light a stove or lantern indoors or in a tent or vehicle. Before use, carefully inspect parts for leaks, blockages or damage.
• Fresh air. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, fuel-burning equipment should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
• Hot is not cool. Keep loose, flammable clothing away from open flames and carefully monitor children and pets around stoves and lanterns. Before packing up equipment, make sure it is completely turned off and cool to the touch.

Boats, Cabins and Cottages

• Boat smarts. Always wear a personal flotation device and never consume alcohol or intoxicants prior to and while operating a vehicle.
• Be alarmed. Ensure that certified carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are tested and properly installed outside all sleeping areas of your cabin, cottage or boat.
• Pest check. When opening your cabin, cottage or rustic retreat for the season, carefully inspect all appliances for damage from rodents or insects.
• Be prepared. Ensure boats, cabins and cottages are equipped with proper safety equipment in the event of an emergency, including first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit:www.csagroup.org/us/en/consumers/safety-tips

About CSA Group

CSA Group is an independent, not-for-profit member-based association dedicated to advancing safety, sustainability and social good. We are an internationally-accredited standards development and testing & certification organization. We also provide consumer product evaluation and education & training services. Our broad range of knowledge and expertise includes: industrial equipment, plumbing & construction, electro-medical & healthcare, appliances & gas, alternative energy, lighting and sustainability. The CSA mark appears on billions of products around the world.

Contact

Jennifer Lui
Communications Officer
CSA Group
416-747-2615
[email protected]