Sean M. Cleary is a defective product attorney at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary.

As the weather gets warmer, many people are looking forward to firing up their gas grills for a barbeque. While almost everyone loves to grill outdoors, it's important to remember that there are several common hazards to consider when literally playing with fire.

Dangerous barbecue grill explosions are posted all over YouTube. Could this happen at your home?

Investigators say hazards are more common than you may think. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, there is an estimated average of 19,700 hospitalizations each year because of injuries involving grills, many from leaking propane. Half of the injuries involved thermal burns.

Depending on the situation, most gas grill burn accidents can cause the following injuries that require emergency treatment:

• less serious 1st-degree and 2nd-degree burns
• very serious 3rd-degree and 4th-degree burns
• burn injuries to the eyes
• spinal cord injuries and organ damage
• smoke inhalation and lung damage
• loss of limbs, if the tank explodes
• injuries that are so severe that death is the result

If the propane grill was defective or there was not sufficient warning to protect consumers, the gas grill manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be liable for any losses or damages caused.

Many of these fires are preventable accidents. Learn how to stay safe and prevent propane grill explosions. Here are some important BBQ tips to help keep your grilling safe.

Don't Overfill Your Propane Cylinder

Do not force too much propane into a gas tank. An overfilled cylinder can make it difficult to regulate gas flow and could even lead to an explosion. By law, a 20-pound cylinder should be filled only to 80% of capacity. This leaves some room for the propane to expand as temperatures change from heatwaves and the heat of the grill.

Check for Propane Gas Leaks

If you left your propane tank in storage, check it carefully for rust or damaged parts. Also, when storing them, be sure to place the gas cylinders upright and away from any heat sources. Do not store your spare cylinders under or near the grill and don't keep a filled cylinder in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, opening the relief valve and allowing the propane to escape.

Always check for gas leaks when disconnecting and reconnecting the regulator to the cylinder. A leak could ignite your entire propane tank when you try to light your grill and cause injuries or property damage. Visually inspect the hose for cracks, holes, and leaks before each use. Make sure the igniter is working and check burners for obstructions.

Never use a flame to check for leaks. This could create the danger you're trying to avoid.

Be Aware of Propane Odor Fade

Propane is naturally odorless. For safety, providers must add ethyl mercaptan to propane. This is a chemical that has an odor similar to the smells of rotten eggs. The smell is a warning that gas is escaping and that you need to prevent an explosion.

If you did not smell gas before an explosion the gas might have been improperly odorized or there was odor fade. Mistakes in adding ethyl mercaptan happen and gas companies have been taken to court over reportedly undetectable gas leaks. Also, odor fade is a common risk with new tanks. To reduce this risk, companies are required to train their employees who fill these tanks to prevent odor fade.

To check for leaks that are too small to spot with a visual inspection, a good tip is the soapy water test: Spray all your grill’s lines and tank with a soap and water solution. If you see the mixture bubbling, that means you have a gas leak there, and you either need to tighten that up or you need to replace it. If you find a leak, never assume it's too small to worry about. You definitely need to fix it before using your grill again.

Only Use Propane Grills Outside

Never grill indoors or in an enclosed area. An average of 20 deaths per year occurs because of indoor grilling. It is recommended that you keep your grill and propane cylinders outside in a well-ventilated area. Never use them in a garage, covered porches, or patios, especially if the covering is wood, canvas, or other flammable material. An easy way to make sure you're grilling in a safe spot is to get a portable grill. Learn which type of portable grill is best for you.

Always grill in a well-ventilated, well-lit area. You should also choose a level, stable surface, away from high-traffic areas, children, and pets. In the event of a fire, keep a fire extinguisher at hand.

When you're using your grill, the dangers such as gas flare-ups or burning embers as you struggle to light your grill are obvious. Nothing combustible should be located directly above the grill because hot air and flames rise. Even when the grill is off, you may still risk carbon monoxide from a leaky gas connection or a slow-burning fire from leftover embers that never cooled.

Give the Propane BBQ Enough Space

For similar reasons, place your propane grill at least ten feet away from outside structures and keep a close eye when gas grilling on a wood deck. These, along with siding, eaves, railings, trees, and even mulch are all combustible. All it could take to cause serious damage to your home and personal injury is one stray spark, so keep your grill away from any structures. That way, if there is an explosion, the fire will not spread.

About the author:

Sean M. Cleary is a product liability attorney, founder, and president of The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, based in Miami, Florida. Sean approaches defective propane tank cases with knowledge and professionalism. He works with investigators and experts to create positive results for clients and help them get the compensation they deserve.