How To Use Propane Heaters Safely On The Job

November 11, 2019

COUNT ON BLUE FLAME FOR PROPANE ON YOUR WINTER JOB SITE

propane workplace safety new jersey As winter weather gets closer here in southern New Jersey, construction and renovation businesses are planning how to manage their projects over these cold months.

Winter presents unique challenges to construction and renovation projects. Cold temps can slow down tasks, and prevent some jobs from being done at all.

Propane plays a key role in keeping those projects going even when the temperature plummets or the snow flies. That’s where temporary heating powered by propane comes in. Temporary heaters keep working conditions warm for your workers, protects exposed pipes from freezing and bursting, and also helps paint cure correctly and joint compound and spackle to adhere properly to drywall. Propane can also power ground thaw units to help in excavation as well as pouring and curing concrete.

That’s also where working with Blue Flame for the propane your business needs is the right move. We are a locally owned and operated propane delivery company with years of experience working with local businesses to make sure you have the propane services you need to keep your projects moving forward.

If you’re using propane forklifts on your project, you know all the advantages they offer: safe use both indoors and out, and more power than electric forklifts. Blue Flame even offers a forklift propane cylinder exchange service on your work site so you’ll keep the job going.

Safety First

Making sure you are using propane temporary heating equipment safely will protect your workers, and keep your business in compliance with OSHA, which has regulations about temporary heating devices.

Here are some tips to make sure you’re practicing propane safety when it comes to temporary heating equipment.

Make sure you have the right size heater for your space. To do that, calculate the cubic feet of the space. Then, multiply it by two (moderately insulated) or four (barely insulated), depending on how well insulated the area is. That will tell you how many BTU you need for heating.
Carefully read the operating manual for your temporary heating equipment and make sure anyone who will be working near it does so as well.
Prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide, which is dangerous and can be deadly for your workers. Make sure there is adequate ventilation.
Keep a clear space around propane temporary heaters. OSHA regulations stipulate that, depending on the kind of heater it is, there should be a minimum of between 1 and 3 feet of clearance around it. Don’t put any combustible materials near temporary heaters.
Set your temporary heating equipment on a level surface. Don’t set it on wood floors.
Your temporary heater needs to have a 100 percent safety shutoff valve.
Carefully inspect your temporary heaters and propane cylinders before use.

Get in touch with us and find out all the ways Blue Flame can meet your business’s propane needs, or how we can keep your job site cylinders filled this winter season – and beyond!