M A I N T E N A N C E
PAUL RHODES, CAMT | NATIONAL MAINTENANCE & SAFETY INSTRUCTOR | NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
Summer Is the Time for Grillin’!
I am a huge fan of fire, in its respected place. I love putting various food items over fire regularly and with malice. Beef, pork or fowl( and even fruits or vegetables!) are likely to find their way between my tongs over the wonderful aroma of burning charcoal or propane. Lately I’ m experimenting with the various kinds of wood chips to produce different flavors on whatever is over the fire.
To summarize, I like food with grill marks on it. I’ m a fan. Now here’ s the question: How many of the residents at our properties are fans? Does the property have a picnic or common area with an area to allow safe grilling? If so, is that grill or area listed on the preventative maintenance schedule like other common areas? or racks. In many cases, this can be performed in a vacant apartment by running the items for a cycle in the dishwasher with detergent, using the heavy duty pots and pans setting.( Don’ t forget to remove any large stuck-on food before placing it in the dishwasher.)
If using a gas grill, consider replacing the briquettes or lava rock with generic heat plates. This will cut down on the possibility of flare ups and ease cleaning efforts.
Don’ t forget the area around the grill. Ensure that the area under the grill is flame safe and that all landscaping doesn’ t blow into the fire area.
Keep an eye on signage, trash can liners and sup-
Here are some tips to add to the schedule, especially during peak grilling season:
At least daily, open up the grill and verify that it is not lit or hot if not in use.
Periodically clean the inside of the grill. Charcoal grills require this more often than gas grills do.
Depending on usage, completely clean the grates, baskets
16 May / June 2016 | www. saaaonline. org