Press Release - December 2, 2002 - Turkey Fryer Safety

Date:
December 2, 2002

Contact:
Robert Korb, Jr., CFI - Fire Investigator / Inspector
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 uninsulated 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 Turkey Federation Website

###

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.