Safety Checklist for Construction Heaters
Setting up a construction job when it’s starting to get cold out doesn’t mean that you have to leave your workers freezing. To bring some heat to your job site, portable construction heaters are going to be your best friend, but you need to take care of the heaters, and you need to use them properly to ensure that there aren’t going to be any accidents, whether it is a fire, electrocution, or something else. Follow the following safety checklist for commercial portable heaters anytime you are on the job.
Certified by Accredited Certification Organization
First of all, like any other job site device, before you purchase, you need to make sure that the device is safe to use. Any commercial product, especially one that uses electricity, needs to be certified by an accredited certification organization. In the US, any commercial portable heaters you use should be at the very least ETL listed. Being ETL listed means that the heater has been tested by the Electrical Testing Labs and is certified as safe to operate within the guidelines provided with the heater. You can also get a heater that is UL listed, another prominent accredited certification organization marking.
Follow Instructions Included
Just like any new tool or device on a job site, you should read the instruction manual for proper usage. Commercial portable heaters will always include an instruction manual, and this manual will include details such as the safe operation of the device, the required cabling and power requirements, and the proper maintenance procedures.
Ensure Not Permanently Mounted
The big thing about commercial portable heaters is the fact that they are portable. Permanently mounting a portable heater can be dangerous and must be avoided completely. It is especially dangerous to suspend them from the ceiling, rafters, or anywhere else because the housing is not designed for that.
Check for Proper Wiring and Connection
When plugging in commercial portable heaters, make sure you have the proper gauge of wiring in order to handle the heater. Some heaters are single phase while others are triple phase. As well, the amp requirements of heaters vary, and using cabling for a lower amperage than the heater could cause overheating in the cable and start a fire. As well, the heater needs to be plugged into a power port that has the right phase of power to handle the amperage needed.
Check for Blockages
Whenever operating commercial portable heaters, make sure that there are no blockages anywhere on the heater. If it operates by a fan, the fan cannot be blocked from the front or back. If the heater has exposed heating elements, nothing can touch them, otherwise it can start a fire.
Clear Area of Flammables or Combustibles
Following in line with removing blockages, ensure that there are no combustibles or flammables within several feet of the commercial portable heaters, otherwise they may heat up too much and start a fire. Heaters could also combust vulnerable vapors and chemicals, so make sure the air around is clear of dangerous vapors.
Proper Maintain Device After Every Use, and Regularly in Storage
Follow the manual when operating commercial portable heaters as well as when it comes to recommended maintenance. Ensure that heaters have sufficient time to cool down after usage before storage, and check connections, wires, and heating elements for corrosion or damage. If the area that the heater was used in has dust or particulate in the air, clean off the heater regularly to reduce build up and chances of fires.
Do Not Leave Unattended
Never leave commercial portable heaters unattended when they are plugged in or turned on. You cannot be sure that it will remain safe if nobody is around checking on the heater, so always turn it off if nobody will be around for any period of time.
If you are looking for high-quality, certified commercial portable heaters, visit the website of KCD Energy, check out their selection, and order online for your next job.