As the cold weather conditions move in, many job sites will start to turn to temporary heating solutions to keep projects moving along, on budget and on time. We are going to give you some tips and tricks on how to use propane heating devices safely.
When it comes to projects that require a specific atmosphere to set material, such as putting up dry wall and painting, propane heating is one of the best options. Like with all temporary heating devices, proper usage and maintenance of a propane powered heating device is extremely important in order to keep your job site and employees safe. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe this winter:
When using propane cylinders:
- Be sure to examine cylinders before use. Look for any dents, bulges or rust that may cause issues during use.
- When transporting cylinders, make sure they are in an upright position (If you use AmeriGas’ easy delivery service, you won’t need to worry about this).
- Propane cylinders that are larger than 100 pounds should never be used indoors.
- When using 100 pound cylinders (or smaller) indoors, do not connect more than three cylinders to one manifold. When multiple manifolds are used within a close proximity, there should be at least a 20 foot distance between each manifold.
- All cylinders should be regularly checked for leaks. Solutions and tools to help detect these leaks can be purchased at Home Depot.
When using exterior propane tanks:
- When setting the tank, be sure to check local building codes and ensure tank is located an adequate distance from any construction or property lines.
- Also keep in mind the effects of freezing and thawing grounds when looking for a location to set the tank. Changing ground temperatures could cause issues with tank stability.
- To connect the tank to the infrastructure, be sure to use rigid tubing to help protect against the wearing effects from weather conditions.
- Have a certified propane technician come and check the heating connections to confirm there are no issues or leaks.
- Ensure all combustible material is at least 10 feet away from any tank.
(Or reach out to your local AmeriGas location! We can help with installation of larger tanks!)
Other temporary heating options (such as kerosene and electric) exist in the marketplace, but propane is, by far, the easiest and cleanest choice. Kerosene has the tendency to leave a film on other equipment and walls that are in a close proximity to the generator, which could cause for additional clean up and time spent on the job. Electric does create less of a mess than kerosene, but it does not create nearly as man BTU’s as propane, therefore taking more time (and money) to function.
To learn more about the benefits of using propane for temporary heating, please visit our Temporary Heating Page.
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