ISSUE:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that 66 construction workers die each year in construction site accidents involving fires or explosions related to temporary heating or fuel storage. 8.9% of all workplace deaths for construction workers were due to exposure to harmful substances or environments.
HEATING DEVICES AND FUEL STORAGE:
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Clearances – 1926.154(b)(1) Temporary heating devices shall be installed to provide clearance to combustible material not less than the amount shown in Table F-4.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Wood Floors – 1926.154(b)(3) – Heaters not suitable for use on wood floors shall not be set directly upon them or other combustible materials. When such heaters are used, they shall rest on suitable heat insulating material or at least 1” concrete, or equivalent. The insulating material shall extend beyond the heater 2’ or more in all directions.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Combustibles – 1926.154(b)(4) – Heaters used in the vicinity of combustible tarpaulins, canvas, or similar coverings shall be located at least 10’ from the coverings. The coverings shall be securely fastened to prevent ignition or upsetting of the heater due to wind action on the covering or other material.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Flammable liquid – 1926.154(e) – Flammable liquid-fired heaters shall be equipped with a primary safety control to stop the flow of fuel in the event of flame failure. Barometric or gravity oil feed shall not be considered a primary safety control. • Heaters designed for barometric or gravity oil feed shall be used only with the integral tanks. • Heaters specifically designed and approved for use with separate supply tanks may be directly connected for gravity feed, or an automatic pump, from a supply tank.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – LP Gas – 1926.153(a)(1) – Each system shall have containers, valves, connectors, manifold valve assemblies, and regulators of an approved type, 926.153(c)(1) – Valves, fittings, and accessories connected directly to the container, including primary shut-off valves, shall have a rated working pressure of at least 250 p.s.i.g. and shall be of material and design suitable for LP-Gas service, 1926.153(c)(2) – Connections to containers, except safety relief connections, liquid level gauging devices, and plugged openings, shall have shutoff valves located as close to the container as practicable.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Specifications – 1926.153(h)(8) – Portable heaters, including salamanders, shall be equipped with an approved automatic device to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner, and pilot if used, in the event of flame failure. Such heaters, having inputs above 50,000 B.T.U. per hour, shall be equipped with either a pilot, which must be lighted and proved before the main burner can be turned on, or an electrical ignition system.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – LP Gas Safety Devices – 1926.153(d)(1) – Every container and every vaporizer shall be provided with one or more approved safety relief valves or devices. These valves shall be arranged to afford free vent to the outer air with discharge not less than 5 feet horizontally away from any opening into a building which is below such discharge, 1926.153(d)(2) – Shutoff valves shall not be installed between the safety relief device and the container, or the equipment or piping to which the safety relief device is connected, except that a shutoff valve may be used where the arrangement of this valve is such that full required capacity flow through the safety relief device is always afforded, 1926.153(d)(3) – Container safety relief devices and regulator relief vents shall be located not less than 5 feet in any direction from air openings into sealed combustion system appliances or mechanical ventilation air intakes.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – LP Outside Installation 1926.153(g) – Containers and regulating equipment installed outside of buildings or structures. Containers shall be upright upon firm foundations or otherwise firmly secured. The possible effect on the outlet piping of settling shall be guarded against by a flexible connection or special fitting.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – LP Inside Installation 1926.153(h)(4) – Regulators shall be either directly connected to the container valves or to manifolds connected to the container valves. The regulator shall be suitable for use with LP-Gas. Manifolds and fittings connecting containers to pressure regulator inlets shall be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g. service pressure, 1926.153(h)(5) – Valves on containers having water capacity greater than 50 pounds (nominal 20 pounds LP-Gas capacity) shall be protected from damage while in use or storage, 1926.153(h)(12) The maximum water capacity of individual containers shall be 245 pounds (nominal 100 pounds LP-Gas capacity), 1926.153(h)(13) – For temporary heating, heaters (other than integral heater-container units) shall be located at least 6 feet from any LP-Gas container. This shall not prohibit the use of heaters specifically designed for attachment to the container or to a supporting standard, provided they are designed and installed so as to prevent direct or radiant heat application from the heater onto the containers. Blower and radiant type heaters shall not be directed toward any LP-Gas container within 20 feet, 1926.153(h)(14) – If two or more heater-container units, of either the integral or nonintegral type, are located in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the container or containers of each unit shall be separated from the container or containers of any other unit by at least 20 feet.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Storage 1926.153(j) – Storage of LPG containers. Storage of LPG within buildings is prohibited, 1926.153(k)(1) – Storage outside of buildings, for containers awaiting use, shall be located from the nearest building or group of buildings, in accordance with the following:
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Fire Protection – 1926.153(l) – Fire protection. Storage locations shall be provided with at least one approved portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 20-B:C.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Dispensing 1926.153(e)(2) – Filling of portable containers or containers mounted on skids from storage containers shall be performed not less than 50 feet from the nearest building.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Solid fuel – 1926.154(d) – Solid fuel salamanders are prohibited in buildings and on scaffolds.
OSHA Standard Subpart F – Ventilation – 1926.154(a) – Fresh air shall be supplied in sufficient quantities to maintain the health and safety of workmen. Where natural means of fresh air supply are inadequate, mechanical ventilation shall be provided. • When heaters are used in confined spaces, sufficient ventilation must be provided in order to ensure proper combustion, maintain the health and safety of workmen, and limit temperature rise in the area.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEMPORARY HEAT:
- SOP – If you are utilizing any type of temporary heat – pre-planning is essential. Utilization of temporary heat has an elevated risk on a construction site.
- SOP – If you are exposed (working with or around any type of temporary heat – ask if the system and application were approved by a certified provider and reviewed by the safety team. If not, STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY. See Something Say Something.
- Selection of the System – Choose heat systems that are site- or task-specific, with proper planning and monitoring.
- Location of Units – Keep heaters away from flammable items, combustible materials, and confined spaces. Store fuel safely, away from heaters.
- Ventilation – CO exposure is a real serious issue depending on the exposure amount it is fatal. If you have any signs or symptoms “STOP WORK” seek medical evaluation.
- Fuel Placement and Fuel Storage – Do not guess where to place fuel tanks or where to store extra tanks. Do not place fuel containers where simply convenient or at the advice of an unknowing person. If there is any doubt let us help.
- Fuel Placement and Refueling / Dispensing – It is possible to place a fuel tank correctly for utilization but not be in compliance with refueling regulations. 1926.153(k)(1) vs. 1926.153(e)(2).
- What Really Matters? – We are dedicated to providing you with a 100% safe work environment/experience. In order to do that we need your help. Let’s get it “Right” together. Your family relies on your participation.