Construction projects are completed during all months of the year. This means that crews are often working in cold weather. Access to a heat source can help keep your crew comfortable and increase productivity when temperatures drop.
Many portable heaters are available on the market today, and choosing the model that is best suited for your construction work can be challenging. Use these tips to help select the right heater for your crew.
1. Consider Regulatory Guidelines
The last thing you want is for your portable heater to cost your construction company a hefty fine. To avoid paying a fine for your heat source, be sure that you are familiar with the regulatory guidelines that apply to portable heaters in the areas where your crew works most often.
Some municipalities restrict the use of an open flame because it is viewed as a fire hazard. This type of regulation can prevent you from using a direct-fired heater and require that you invest in an indirect-fired heater instead.
2. Identify Available Power Sources
You will need some way to power your construction portable heater while on each construction site. If most of your work is on finished structures, then you can typically count on access to an electrical outlet to power your heater. If you mostly do finish work in building shells or framing structures in remote areas, then access to electricity might not be a guarantee.
A portable heater that runs on propane will be a better option. Some portable heaters are capable of using either electricity or propane to allow for maximum flexibility when it comes to heating your construction sites.
3. Think About the Safety of Your Crew
Safety is a top priority on any construction site. The type of portable heater that you use can have a direct impact on the safety of your crew. Direct-fired and indirect-fired heaters require access to ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.
If you will be working in an enclosed area on future jobs, then you might want to go with a radiant heater instead. A radiant heater can be used in an enclosed area without the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning because these types of heaters are powered by electricity and do not burn fuel to produce heat.
A few portable heaters can make the difference between a productive day and a day of suffering through cold temperatures. Select the right heater for your construction sites to improve crew comfort and productivity.
