Construction Heater Installation Codes

• A construction heater shall be located to minimize the danger of damage and upset
• A construction heater shall be installed on a solid, level, noncombustible base or, where so designated, suspended in accordance with the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions.
• Combustible materials such as straw, canvas, wood, and debris shall be kept clear of a construction heater in accordance with the clearances specified on the heater’s instruction plate.
• When a construction heater is operating, an adequate air supply shall be provided.
• Piping, tubing, hose and fittings shall be supported, secured, and protected from damage and strain.
• When a construction heater is connected to temporary piping, the piping and connections shall be in accordance with the requirements of the local gas code. In addition, a shut-off valve shall be provided with a lever or hand wheel when a branch line is in service. Hose may be used as a connector to a heater if the shut-off valve is installed immediately upstream from the hose.
• It shall be the responsibility of the lessor of a construction heater, at the time of delivery to the lessee to ensure that:
  • The construction heater is approved and in safe operating conditions and the lessee is instructed in the safe installation and use of the construction heater and components in accordance with the requirements of the local gas codes.
• It shall be the responsibility of the user of a construction heater and its components to ensure that:
  • The construction heater and its components are installed and used in accordance with the requirements of the local gas codes.
  • The maintenance of the construction heater and its components is performed by a qualified installer.
  • The handling and operation of the construction heater and its components are done by persons who have been instructed in such handling and operations
  • A malfunctioning or damaged construction heater shall removed from service.
• A construction heater shall:
  • Only be installed in a building under construction, repair, or improvement; and shall not be installed in any inhabited dwelling unit or inhabited sections of a building

Hoses

• When a hose is used:
  • For connecting a construction heater, it shall be an approved hose and be neither less than 15 ft (4.6m) nor more than 75 ft (24m) in total length;
  • It shall not be subject to a temperature in excess of 125°F (50°C);
  • A slip-on end shall not be permitted;
  • The shut-off valve for the appliance shall be in the gas supply piping or tubing and as close as practicable to the hose;
  • It shall be protected from damage;
• When a sign of wear, deterioration, or other damage is apparent in the reinforcement material of either a hose or hose connector, the hose or hose connector shall be replaced immediately.

Cylinders at Construction Sites

• A cylinder not connected for use shall be stored outdoors.
• The cylinder storage area shall be in a secure area and free from tampering. It should also be in an area free of vehicular or mobile equipment travel, or protected by barriers or the equivalent.
• Each cylinder on a construction site shall be equipped with a collar designed to protect the cylinder valve when in use.
• A cylinder may be used indoors in the construction, repair, or improvement of a building or structure, including its fixtures and equipment, provided that:
  • A pressure regulator is employed and directly connected to the appliance or cylinder valve, or located on a manifold that is connected to the cylinder valve;
  • The total capacity of cylinders connected together does not exceed 300 lb (135 kg) of propane, and not more than one such manifold of cylinders is located in the same floor area unless separated by a distance of at least 50 ft (15 m);
  • Any cylinder with a capacity greater than 1 lb (0.5 kg) of propane is equipped with an excess-flow valve. The excess-flow valve shall be either integral to the cylinder valve or in the connection with the cylinder valve outlet. In either case, it shall be installed in such a manner that undue strain beyond the excess-flow valve will not cause breakage between the cylinder and the valve;
  • The cylinder-regulating equipment and manifold are not located where they are subject to damage or to temperatures in excess of 125°F (50°C);
  • When repair work is being carried out in a building not under construction and occupied, any cylinder used in the repair work is under the supervision of the operator at all times;
  • Each cylinder is provided with a protective collar; and
  • A cylinder with a capacity up to and including 100 lb (45 kg) of propane that is connected for use to a construction heater is secured in an upright position.
• A cylinder in use inside a building shall not be located near an exit, stairway, or area intended for the safe evacuation of people.
• Connection and disconnection of cylinders shall be done in a well-ventilated area with no source of ignition within 10 ft (3 m) of the point of connection.

If you require any additional information on heater installation codes, please feel free to contact us.