Essential Safety Measures To Take When Using Portable Industrial Heaters
All indoor workplaces must be at an appropriate temperature during working hours. In the UK, there is no legal minimum or maximum operating temperature, i.e., when it’s too cold or too
hot to work. However, official guidelines recommend a minimum temperature of 16°C or 13°C for employees performing manual work. The answer to keeping the workplace or warehouse warm is
the installation of a portable industrial heater.
While they come with many benefits, portable industrial heaters can be a fire hazard if not handled properly. These are high-wattage devices that have the potential to ignite nearby
flammable materials such as curtains, beds, couches, paper, clothing, and flammable liquids. It is therefore crucial that you take note of, and ensure, all safety measures are in place
when relying on industrial heaters.
Ensuring Safety When Using Industrial Heaters
There are several safety measures, some more obvious than others, that can be taken to ensure against dangerous accidents with the use of industrial heaters. It is recommended that the following precautions are taken:
- Always sit at least three feet away from any heater.
- Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable.
- Don’t cover the heater vents.
- Don’t use heaters to dry clothes.
- Sit heaters where they are unlikely to fall over i.e., a solid flat surface.
- Ensure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
- Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
- Don’t leave it unattended.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Don’t overload electrical sockets.
- Plug it directly into the outlet.
- Look out for signs of malfunction.
- Don’t forget to turn off electrical equipment when not in use.
Industrial Heater-Specific Safety Details
As a blanket rule, the above safety measures should be observed but each heater will have their own set of safety instructions which should be followed at all times.
Additionally, the type of industrial heater you use will have an impact on the safety measures you take.
Electric heaters are very popular due to their versatility meaning they can be used within a range of industrial environments such as showrooms, warehouses and manufacturing plants.
With access to a mains electric supply, these heaters are easy to use and maintain as long as manufacturer’s guides are followed. If using an
electric space heater, other safety
measures that can be taken include making sure electrical cords and plugs are not frayed or damaged. Always plug the heater directly into the wall socket and be sure the power cord is
not crossing a walkway. Never use extension cords or power strips, as these could overheat and lead to a fire.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) heaters are often used as an alternative to electric heaters or wood-burning stoves, particularly in areas where these other options are not practical or
available. While they can present a higher fire risk, if you follow the correct safety measures, they are generally more energy efficient and are relatively easy to maintain. For
example, you should ensure all the component parts of your heater are well maintained, including any regulator hoses and hose connectors.
Diesel, paraffin, or kerosene heaters are ideal for heating up larger areas such as storage spaces, warehouses, garages and open work sites. For safety reasons, they should not
be used in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas as the heat they produce contains fumes and moisture. It is important to follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer when
purchasing a diesel heater.
Portable Heater Safety
While all heaters work towards the same goal of producing heat, the way they achieve it varies as there are many different types, including those mentioned above. In addition to these
industrial heaters, other types of portable heaters include:
Halogen heaters have intense directional power. They mustn’t be placed too close to people or any combustible items such as furniture or curtains.
Fan heaters warm the air by heating air using an element and blowing the hot air out of the outlet vent. They can overheat if the flow of air is restricted, or they are placed too
close to people or objects.
Oil-filled electric radiators are the safest electrical portable heaters. They do not have an exposed element and warm up slowly to radiate heat into the air. It is still critical to keep
them away from people and furniture to make sure air can circulate around them. The surface of the radiator will get hot, so it’s important to make sure people don’t touch it.
Looking For An Industrial Heater?
It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to always follow the manufacturer’s guide when using an industrial heater. Are you looking for more safety advice about industrial heaters?
At Highland Industrial Supplies, we have
a range of industrial heaters
to choose from to help keep your work environment warm.
If you’d like to find out more about safety measures or to make a purchase, please
contact us and we will be happy to help.