REST AND RELAX THIS SUMMER WITH SAFETY TIPS FROM CSA INTERNATIONAL

CLEVELAND, OH, May 18 /PRNewswire/ - Summer is just around the corner, and as our thoughts turn to backyard barbecues, lazy beach weekends, camping and boating trips, CSA International, a leading certification and testing organization, wants everyone to stay safe while enjoying everything the sunny weather has to offer. To help keep this spring and summer safe, check out these quick tips.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

Whenever cooking outdoors, whether with a gas or a charcoal grill, 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. Make sure you have no gas leaks. Rub a 50/50 solution of soap and water onto the gas hose and turn the gas on. Any leaks will produce bubbles. Replace any damaged hoses or fittings.
• Take a pass on old gas! Propane cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 12 years in the U.S. 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 Star. When purchasing or installing a gas barbecue, make sure that it carries the mark of an accredited certification agency such as the CSA International Star Certification Mark, indicating that it meets applicable national standards.

CAMPING AND BOATING

Visiting a camp site, beach or lake? Remember these tips for a safer summer expedition.

Camping Stoves and Lanterns

• Don't play with fire. Fuel-burning camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns and outdoor cookers should only be lit 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 Beach Houses

• 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 beach house or boat.
• Pest check. When opening your house for the season, carefully inspect all appliances for damage from rodents or insects.
• Be prepared. Ensure boats and houses 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 International

CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org

SOURCE CSA International