Fire and Life-Safety Group (FLS)

Barbeque Grill Requirements

I. INTRODUCTION

This document was prepared to list some but not all of the requirements based on the latest edition of adopted codes in 2008.  Please ensure that all the requirements of applicable codes at the time of the event are verified and implemented. 

I. REQUIREMENTS FOR USING CHARCOAL OR PROPANE GRILLS

Note: The requirements listed for Propane gas apply to other flammable gases that are listed for use with BBQ grills.

•  A portable fire extinguisher is to be present at the BBQ site.

•  One person at each BBQ site is to be the fire watcher, who has the responsibility to ensure that all fire prevention measures are implemented.  The fire watcher is also to be the primary person for using the fire extinguisher. If more than three small BBQ stations or more than one commercial BBQ station is used, multiple fire watchers would be needed.

•  The BBQ grill is to be 10 feet or more from windows and any combustible material such as trees, bushes, trash receptacles, and wooden fences.

•  Portable LPG (Propane) tanks must be located at least 10 feet from cooking equipment and be secured in an upright position to prevent tipping over. Exception: Residential-type propane BBQ grills with attached propane tank/bottles.

•  The BBQ location may not block exit discharge paths from buildings.

•  The BBQ location may not block the paths of emergency vehicle access.

•  The BBQ grills may be used under non-combustible overhangs provided adequate ventilation is available from the fully open front/sides.  

•  The BBQ grills may not be used under combustible material, e.g., wood, overhangs.

•  The BBQ grills need to be 10 feet or more from any parked vehicles.

•  Piping or tubing which supplies the grills with combustible gas must be appropriate for the fuel and in good condition.  

•  Any tents and canopies used in the activity must be away from the BBQ grills and must comply with the requirements listed at: http://fm.colorado.edu/firesafety/temporarystructures.html

•  No cooking equipment or open flame devices shall be located under a tent or canopy at any time.

•  Charcoal packs may be stored in sprinklered storage rooms.

•  Propane bottles are to be stored in approved locations such as outdoor cages or properly ventilated storage areas, e.g., open to the exterior.

•  Propane tanks must be stored in an area inaccessible to the public to prevent tampering or accidental contacts with tanks, piping or hoses

•  BBQ grills may not be used inside buildings.

•  Propane tanks may not be stored inside a building or vehicle.

•  Please contact the Fire- and Life-Safety Group (FLS) at 303-492-4042 for inspection of the area when the grills are put in place or when you have a plan available.
 

II. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR USING CHARCOAL GRILLS (FLS encourages the use of propane grills in place of charcoal grills.)

•The fire watcher is to ensure that all charcoal pieces are extinguished, e.g., using a heavy dose of water, before leaving the site.

•FLS recommends that the used charcoal be dumped into a metal can, with a lid, and kept there for 24 hours prior to discarding.

•Used charcoal left in the grill may not be stored inside the building.  Only empty charcoal grills that are free of any hot or warm spots may be stored inside sprinklered storage rooms the buildings.  

•Ensure that using charcoal grills is not prohibited within city limits.

•Non-commercial charcoal grills (especially kettle-type grills) must be well stabilized, and of suitable construction and be located or shielded in a manner to prevent the device being blown or tipped over, and preclude accidental contact by the public.