By SeaBright Insurance Loss Control
When cold weather hits, many employers, often construction trades, will be using temporary heating devices on job sites. When used correctly, these heaters can make your working environment much more comfortable. When used incorrectly, they present a significant risk of fire or explosion. Other primary hazards you must be aware of include electrocution and asphyxiation. Before using any space heater or other temporary heating device make certain it is approved for the environment in which you plan to use it. Can it properly be set on wooden floors? Does it consume oxygen? Does it radiate heat or force heated air across the room? The manufacturers’ specifications will tell how the heater may be safely used. Never use a heater in a manner not approved by the manufacturer. Make certain there is adequate ventilation in the room in which the heater will be placed. Where the natural supply of fresh air is inadequate, mechanical ventilation must be provided. A type 4A:40-B:C or better rated fire extinguisher shall be readily available when a temporary heating device is being used. Temporary heating devices must be installed to provide clearance to combustible materials as described in the following table:
TYPE OF HEATER SIDE CLEARANCE REAR CLEARANCE CHIMNEY CONNECTOR Room heater Circulating type 12” 12” 18” Room heater radiant type 36” 36” 18” Temporary heating devices with lesser clearances may be used in accordance with manufacturers’ approvals. Heaters not intended by their manufacturer for use on wood floors cannot be set on wood or other combustible materials. If this type of heater is used it must be set on suitable heat insulating material or at least 1″ concrete or equivalent. The insulating material must extend beyond the heater 2 feet or more in all directions. Heaters must be placed at least 10 feet from combustible canvas, tarpaulins or similar coverings. All coverings have to be securely fastened to prevent the wind from blowing them where they could upset the heater or be set on fire by it. The heaters must be set horizontally level unless other use is permitted by the manufacturer. Flammable liquid fired heaters have to have a primary safety control to stop the flow of fuel in the event of flame failure. A barometric or gravity oil feed is not a primary safety control. Heaters designed for barometric or gravity feed may be used only with the integral tanks. Heaters specifically designed and approved for use with separate supply tanks may be directly connected for gravity feed or an automatic pump from a supply tank. Be sure to get authorization for use of any temporary heating device. Always use them in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications and with caution for the specific conditions where you will be using them. Make certain all co-workers and other trades are aware of their presence and their safe use.