Many people enjoy grilling, and rightly so. From delicious burgers to hot dogs, steaks and sweet charred corn, the wonderful aroma, flavor, and ability to gather outdoors makes this form of cooking a special activity. However, one must exercise caution to avoid the grilling accidents that can lead to serious and potentially lifelong injuries as well as litigation.

Facts About Grilling Accidents And How to Avoid Them

While a certain amount of smoke is expected whenever you cook something on a grill, you don’t want to excessively inhale it. The smoke which is emitted by the grill doesn’t just come from the food debris, but will also contain substances like PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and carbon monoxide, which can cause cancer. To prevent this, the cook should always don a mask when using the grill.

Watch Out for Brush Bristles

This is an unusual yet serious injury where some people have been sent to the emergency room as a result of swallowing the metallic bristles which are attached to grill brushes. Apparently, these miniature bristles will sometimes break off and end up on the grill and in any food which is being cooked on it. Always use high-quality brushes with aluminum foil that do not have bristles.

Don’t Grill While Drinking Excessively

Outdoor grilling and alcohol consumption often go hand in hand, as many people like enjoying a beer or wine cooler while eating their favorite grilled food. While there is nothing wrong with this, the cook who is responsible for actually operating the grill should not consume any alcoholic beverages until after they’ve finished cooking. When intoxicated your reaction time is compromised and your susceptibility to accidents is much higher, and even if the cook is sober, anyone nearby who is drinking should be kept away from the grilling area.

Make Sure Your Food Is Bacteria Free

A lot of people are under the misconception that bacteria are only an issue with raw meat, but this isn’t true. Even vegetables such as asparagus might also become contaminated if they are not correctly cooled before being placed on the grill. Bacterium might remain alive until temperatures reach one hundred and sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit, so always keep produce refrigerated until you’re ready to start grilling, and any leftovers that you plan to save should be wrapped up and placed back into the fridge.

Think Carefully About Where You Position the Grill

Placing the grill in the wrong place can be dangerous. In the event that a fire breaks out, you want to be sure that it is far away from your home or any object that can ignite, especially something that is flammable and explosive. Avoid placing the grill near bushes and trees and never place it by the garage as this area tends to be filled with chemicals and substances that can cause a serious fire or explosion if exposed to flames.