November 2016 CT

These dangers are the driving force behind the regulations governing the storage and use of grills in multi-family residential communities, where the assumed risk of an accident can directly affect neighbors and common property. The Dangers of Grills In a Community Association By: Nicholas Ginther, DW Smith Associates

O N E DO THING BETTER

10 deaths /year 80 % of US households own a gril l Are equipped and function similarly to propane fueled grills •

8,900 homefires /year

According to the “Home Grill Fires Re- port ” published by the National Fire Pro- tection Association (NFPA) and the 2014 State of the Barbecue Industry Report published by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.

$118

MIL

property damage per year

160 10% of grill-owning house- holds have an electric grill or smoker, a number that may be much higher in Associa- tion conditions due in part to the lighter use and location restrictions imposed by the IRC and NFPA for these appliances Must be connected to a suitably grounded outlet, and if the supply is located outdoors, an outlet equipped with a GFI is recommended As they potentially draw a lot of current, it is not recom- mended that they be used on the same circuit as other high draw appliances or fed by extension cords that are unrated for the rated current The NFPA recommends a safety separation of 10 feet from any combustible ma- terials, but the IRC does not restrict their use like open- flame grills Remember, to keep all exten- sion cords out of pathways, and if an electrical fed fire occurs; turn off the supply and extinguish using sand or a Class C Fire Extinguisher, never use water injuries /year

• CHARCOAL PROPANE NATURAL GAS ELECTRIC •

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Relatively inexpensive Occupies little space, attrac- tive for owners who have limited space 41% of grill-owning house- holds choose charcoal Should not be used in tight spaces close to buildings or furniture Often needs to be started with lighter fluid. Lighter fluid should only be applied and allowed to soak into the coals before the grill is lit Coals burn long after meal ends, requires extinguishing Responsible for 1 out of 6 grill related fires IFC prohibits storage and use within 5 feet of combus- tible construction or on any combustible deck or balcony without fire protection Coals must be properly disposed of; doused with water prior to placement in a non-flammable container, and kept a minimum of 10 feet from buildings Difficult to ignite

T ailored to the busy schedule and on-demand society Offers push button ignition, controllable temperature and immediate extinguishing 61% of grill-owning house- holds choose propane or natural gas. Responsible for 5 out of 6 grill related fires annually Propane fuel is stored in metal tanks under high pressure Should be inspected regu- larly for valve leaks and tank corrosion A small split in the connector hose, rust hole in the grease pan or blockage in the burner tube can cause fuel to leak and ignite outside of the grill chamber IFC prohibits the storage or use of propane grills or fuel tanks on any deck, balcony, in any portion of a building or under any overhang, with- in 5 feet from any combus- tible exterior wall or within 5 feet of an opening in any wall such as a door, window or vent

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Can be equipped with many of the same modern conve- niences as other grill types, but trade mobility of the unit for the flexibility to be used in tight spaces The International Residen- tial Code NJ Edition (IRC), requires a 30” vertical clearance from the surface of the gas grill to any overhang- ing combustible material or structure, but does not other- wise restrict their use on an outdoor deck, balcony or roof, or under an overhang Must be properly installed by a licensed master plumber with an anchored gas supply pipe and equipped with an accessible shutoff valve Tethered to supply by a max. 6 foot long connector hose that provides fuel to the regulator All natural gas grills to be utilized outdoors should be listed as such by the man- ufacturer or be otherwise protected from the elements

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