Date:
November 20, 2006
Contact:
Robert Korb, Jr., CFI, CFPS - Deputy Fire Marshal
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext.4; Email:
rkorb@co.worcester.md.us
Turkey Fryer Safety
The Worcester County Fire
Marshal's Office encourages citizens to take fire safety precautions when
cooking fried turkeys during the holiday season.
Underwriters Laboratories, a non-profit safety certifying organization, issued
an alert in June calling the fryers "extremely dangerous." Citing concerns
over stability, oil spillover, overheating and un-insulated pot handles and
lids, UL said it would not certify any of the products. The Consumer Product
Safety Commission is investigating the products; it has received 30 complaints
over three years, including fires.
A joint safety task group has been requested to prepare a proposal for changes to the standard before the Consumer Product Safety Commission committee's next meeting in April 2003. The task group will include representatives from UL; the Canadian Standards Association (CSA); the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA); various turkey fryer manufacturers; and a consumer advocate.
Until official standards and procedures are instituted here are some safety guidelines to follow:
Use turkey fryers outdoors
only, well away from combustible decks and buildings and any other material
that can burn. Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
Make sure the fryers are used
on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
Never leave the fryer
unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch
the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets
near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets
near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously
hot, hours after use.
To avoid oil spillover, do not
overfill the fryer.
Use well-insulated potholders
or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety
goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
Make sure the turkey is
completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix,
and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion
hazard.
The National Turkey Federation
recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for
every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
Keep an all-purpose fire
extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the
fire gets out of control immediately call 9-1-1 for help.
Additional Information
View MPEG video of turkey
fryer malfunctions - Download Here
(13 Mb)
National Fire Protection Association Website on Turkey Fryers
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For further information, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office can be reached by calling 410-632-5666 or on the web at www.wcfmo.org.
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