Summer is officially here, and with warmer weather comes an increase in the number of activities that could pose a carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazard. It’s imperative that you know how to safely operate fuel-burning equipment, otherwise you could leave you and your family open to a potential danger. Thus, you might want to think about some of the following tips as described by the CSA Group in a new report.
Let’s say you’re the boating type. Most people likely wouldn’t tolerate not having the proper safety equipment in their home, but they don’t think about the same impact on safety when it comes to their boats.
Don’t make that mistake. A first aid kit is an absolute necessity in the event of an emergency, as are alarms that will alert you to the presence of a fire or a buildup of carbon monoxide. So that you don’t have to abandon ship in the middle of your journey, you should have a fire extinguisher on board to douse any flames. Just because you’re on the water doesn’t mean a fire won’t endanger your trip.
When you board the boat, you’ll want to give it a thorough once-over to make sure everything is in the proper condition, especially if it’s been awhile since you went out on the water. If it looks like an appliance has been damaged, refrain from using that item, and if a vital piece of safety gear is damaged, consider abandoning the trip altogether. Further ensure safety by insisting everyone wear a life jacket and refrain from excessive alcohol usage.
If you go camping, you’re likely going to be bringing along lanterns and a camping stove or cooker. When you use these items, make sure you’re a sufficient distance (upwards of ten feet) from anything that could be set ablaze, especially in the middle of wildfire season. That means the interior of a tent is not an appropriate venue for lighting. Refrain from usage if you can identify a leak or any other type of wear and tear. If kids are along for the trip, they should be kept an ample distance from the flames.
The same safety precautions and more should be taken with gas grills, whether you’re camping or not. If damage has accrued or the burner line has become blocked, you’ll need to clean that piece of equipment, and if you’re not comfortable doing so, have a technician fix the issue.
The grill you use should carry the proper certification so that you know it meets certain safety standards. If you’ve had your propane tank for awhile, it might be time to exchange it for a new one, especially if the date stamp on the unit is drawing near.