Construction sites, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, play host to a number of different equipment types ranging from excavators and large earthmoving equipment all the way to temperature control equipment. During the winter months, one of the most common sights you’ll see is construction heaters strategically placed throughout a work site. Utilizing temporary heat allows contractors to extend the working season into colder months, a time of year typically categorized by reduced hours and output.. Whether your role is to oversee job site operations or to procure rental equipment for projects, it’s important to understand the basics of utilizing temporary heating equipment on site.
At 1 Source Portable Air, we provide a huge variety of heating equipment rentals, including construction heaters, as well as indirect fired, electric, and towable diesel models. What are some of the best practices , both in terms of safety and proper utilization? Here are several to keep in mind.
First and foremost, it’s absolutely essential to choose the right heater for your particular needs. The most appropriate unit will depend on your specific application, and each heater type has its own list of pros and cons. For instance, electric heaters may be better for smaller, more enclosed spaces, while some gas models can provide much larger coverage areas. You’ll also need to consider the size of each heater; a bigger heater is often needed if there’s potential for wind or draft in the area being heated. It’s critical to take common weather conditions into account when selecting the type of heater for your project.
Safety should also always be considered when selecting equipment. Make sure you have proper ventilation, as well as heaters that are compliant with all local building codes.
Once you’ve chosen the best heater for your needs, proper setup is essential for safety and efficiency. While some applications are plug and play, other more complex projects may require a team of experts for proper setup and installation. 1 Source Portable Air can help with these needs.
Once the equipment has been set up and is ready for use, it's important to follow the instructions in your user manual and to understand how to operate the heater correctly. Before using it for the first time, make sure all components are working properly, and be aware of any warning signs that may appear during use.
Inspect the heater regularly and clean it when necessary. It’s also important to refill fuel tanks before they run out. Keep flammable items away from heaters, and always make sure your heater is completely shut off when you’re done using it. Finally, never leave a running heater unattended, whether you’re on the job site or away from it.
Proper upkeep and maintenance of the unit will keep it running for years to come. 1 Source Portable Air performs preventative maintenance on all units in its fleet, ensuring you’re supplied rent-ready equipment, every time.
Anyone who is working with the heater should understand how to use it safely and efficiently, so be sure to provide adequate training for all employees. They should know how to properly operate the equipment, as well as any safety measures that need to be taken when using it.
This sort of basic training applies to anyone who will be on the job site for any length of time – from full-time employees to occasional contractors and day laborers.
Another important component of safety is knowing how to shut off the heater in case of an emergency. Make sure all personnel are familiar with the various switches and turn-offs for each type of heater, so they can quickly take action if needed. It’s also a good idea to have multiple people who are familiar with the unit’s operation so that if one person is unavailable for any reason, someone else can step in.
Using the proper heaters on your construction site is essential for efficiency, cost savings, and most importantly – safety. By following these basic guidelines, you’ll ensure that everyone working on the job site stays safe while also getting the job done.
For more on this, or to learn about any of our portable HVAC rentals that include heaters, AC equipment, air quality solutions and more, speak to our team at 1 Source Portable Air today.
