Be prepared, spring is in the air: CSA Group seasonal safety tips for all your long weekends and the days in between

CLEVELAND, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Spring and summer bring warmth and sunshine to the winter-wearied and renew our passion for the great outdoors.  From camping to leisurely summer getaways, being outside and enjoying the tremendous weather with friends and family is a valued national past-time that many people embrace at every opportunity.

CSA Group, a leading certification and testing organization, wants to help everyone to stay and play safe in the coming long weekends and throughout the season by offering the following safety tips:

Outdoor Entertaining
Whenever cooking outdoors, a few basic safety tips are essential.

Gas Grills and Barbecues

• Make a clean start. Before firing up the grill for the first time this season, carefully inspect burners and burner tubes for blockages due to dirt, grease, insects or rust build-up. Clean or replace any blocked parts or have a certified technician make repairs.
• Blowing bubbles. To make sure there are no gas leaks, rub a 50/50 solution of soap and water onto the gas hose, fittings and connections and turn the gas on at the tank but not the burners. Any leaks will produce bubbles. Tighten the fittings if required and replace any damaged hoses or fittings.
• Take a pass on old gas! Propane cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 12 years in the US and 10 years in Canada. A date stamp on the cylinder indicates when it was last qualified. Do not use a rusty or damaged cylinder. If in doubt, have your tank replaced.
• Breathing fire. Keep grills and barbecues away from combustible materials such as fences, trees, buildings, awnings and carports. Never use a barbecue in a garage!
• Buy the Certification Flame. When purchasing or installing a gas barbecue, make sure that it carries the mark of an accredited certification agency such as the CSA Group Certification Flame or Star Mark indicating that it meets applicable national standards.

Camping and Boating
Visiting a camp site, cabin or lake? Remember these tips for a safer summer expedition.

Camping Stoves and Lanterns

• 10 from tents. Fuel-burning camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns and outdoor cookers should only be lighted outdoors and at least 10 feet from tents, combustible materials and vehicles. Never light a stove or lantern indoors or in a tent or vehicle. Before use, carefully inspect parts for leaks, blockages or damage.
• Free the flame. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, fuel-burning equipment should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
• Hot is not cool. Keep loose, flammable clothing away from open flames and carefully monitor children and pets around stoves and lanterns. Before packing up equipment, make sure it is completely turned off and cool to the touch.

Boats and Cottages

• Boat smarts. Always wear a personal flotation device and never consume alcohol or intoxicants while operating a vehicle.
• Be alarmed. Ensure that certified carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are tested and properly installed outside all sleeping areas of your cabin, cottage or boat.
• Pest check. When opening your cabin, cottage or rustic retreat for the season, carefully inspect all appliances for damage from rodents or insects.
• Be prepared. Ensure boats and cottages are equipped with proper safety equipment in the event of an emergency, including first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csasafetytips.com

About CSA Group
CSA Group is an independent, not-for-profit membership association dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. Its knowledge and expertise encompass standards development; training and advisory solutions; global testing and certification services across key business areas including hazardous location and industrial, plumbing and construction, medical, safety and technology, appliances and gas, alternative energy, lighting and sustainability; as well as consumer product evaluation services. The CSA certification mark appears on billions of products worldwide. For more information about CSA Group visit www.csagroup.org

SOURCE CSA Group