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