5 Safety Tips When Using a Charcoal Grill

There's no better time to fire up your grill than the summer. The warm and sunny weather offers the perfect opportunity to grill. If you're planning to use a charcoal grill this summer, though, you should follow a few safety tips to protect against injury.

#1) Don't Use Gasoline

Never use gasoline to start a charcoal grill. Gasoline is simply too combustible, and using it may result in injury and/or property damage. If you're struggling to start a charcoal grill, try spacing out the charcoal chunks. Spacing them out will increase airflow so that they light more easily. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of charcoal lighter fluid. Charcoal lighter fluid is still flammable, but it's not nearly as combustible as gasoline.

#2) Create 10 Feet of Space

Before firing up your charcoal grill, make sure there's at least 10 feet of space around it in all directions. In other words, your charcoal grill shouldn't be within close proximity to any other objects or structures, including the side of your home. Creating at least 10 feet of space around your charcoal grill will reduce the risk of fires -- something that could lead to injury.

#3) Use a Grill Lighter

It's recommended that you use a grill lighter to start your charcoal grill. Grill lighters are designed specifically for grills. They feature a long neck that's capable of reaching the charcoal at a safe distance. If you use a standard lighter, you'll have to place your hand close to the charcoal when lighting it, which could result in injury. Using a grill lighter is safer because it allows you to light the charcoal at a safe distance.

#4) Wear Heat-Resistant Gloves

You should consider wearing heat-resistant gloves when using a charcoal grill. Heat-resistant gloves live up to their namesake by protecting your hands from heat. They are made of special synthetic fabrics and materials that provide thermal insulation. By wearing heat-resistant gloves, you can remove and add food to your charcoal grill without fear of burning your hands.

#5) Wait for Charcoal to Cool

Another safety tip to follow when using a charcoal grill is to wait for the charcoal to fully cool before handling it. Charcoal can stay hot for a long time. If you try to remove it too soon, you could end up burning yourself. How long should you wait for the charcoal to cool exactly? A good rule of thumb is to give it at least 48 hours. After two full days have passed, you can safely dispose of the charcoal.