Temporary Heating

Winter work in the upper Midwest means we need heat to do electrical work and keep us productive.

Temporary heating provides needed heat but also comes with the need to take some precautions. OSHA has a standard for temporary heating devices. CFR 1926.154 The area of concern with portable or temporary heating devices deals with the possibility of combustion of nearby materials, but also a danger of low oxygen or high carbon monoxide in the working environment. Temporary heating devices comes with several hazards, including the hazards of fire, fumes from fuels, the consumption of oxygen, and burn/heat injury. Electric heaters do not have the hazard of releasing combustion byproducts into the air, but do have the heat source that can start surrounding materials on fire.

You may use temporary heating devices like circulating and radiant room heaters, LP-Gas heaters, or other types of temporary heating devices to make the temperature more comfortable and acceptable to work. Temporary heat units can be fired either directly or indirectly. Choose heating fuels based on your application.  

(A) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (propane), or natural gas
(B) Liquid Fuel (kerosene, fuel oil)
(C) Solid fuel (wood, coal, coke, etc.)

OSHA regulations REQUIRE that you do the following when using temporary heating devices for all types of temporary heat:

1. Naturally or mechanically ventilate the area adequately by supplying fresh air in sufficient quantities to maintain your safety and other worker’s health and safety.  (Air quality and excessive heat) 

2. Do not set heaters not suitable for use on wood floors directly upon them or other combustible materials. When such heaters are used...

Minimum Clearance:

3. When using heaters in the vicinity of combustible tarpaulins, canvas, or similar coverings, locate them at least 10' from the coverings. The coverings should be securely fastened.

4. Set heaters horizontally level when in use, unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer’s markings.

5. Do not use solid fuel salamanders in buildings or on scaffolds.

6. Equip flammable liquid-fired heaters with a primary safety control to stop the flow of fuel in the event of flame failure. Barometric or gravity oil feed is not a primary safety control.
 
7. Use heaters designed for barometric or gravity oil feed only with the integral tanks. Heaters specifically designed and approved for use...

9. Always follow safety guidelines...

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