b'CSAM NEWSELECTRIC HEATERSPortable space heaters present shock, fire and burn hazards if used or installed incorrectly. These heaters are intended for temporary use only. Use extra caution when operating portable HEAT AND COLD electric construction heaters that are 3,000 watts and greater. The high heat output of these devices may increase the risk of fire if the heaters are not The hazards of staying warm in winter used as intended. Prior to using a temporary heater on your sitewhether it is direct-fired, Winter is comingwhich means winterindirect-fired or electricits important to inspect and maintain the heater hazards are coming, too.WATCH OUT! correctly according to the manufactur-Cold temperatures, high winds, dampers instructions. For electric heaters, weather, cold waterthese conditionsIf you are using a heater on-sitethat includes keeping cords inare the frigid reality of year-roundthat burns fuel, remember thatgood condition. For propane orconstruction work in Manitoba. Whileexhaust can be harmful to workers.gas heaters, flammable fuel must be it is necessary to work in many of theseWatch for these symptoms: stored appropriately.conditions, extreme weather exposesBurning eyes ALL temporary heatersregardless workers to risk of cold-related stress,Sore throat of typeshould not be used near rapid loss of heat, frostbite and Headache combustible materials or surfaces. even hypothermia. If your workers experience anyNever operate a heater near flammable Temporary heating devices areof the above, it could be signs ofmaterials, chemicals or vapours. It is important to have on-site to helpcarbon monoxide poisoning, andimportant to also ensure there is an workers perform effectively andyou may need to reposition appropriate fire extinguisher on hand.comfortably in winter weather.the heater. To prevent an incident related to However, while these temporarytemporary heaters, be sure to conduct heating devices help to controla pre-job hazard assessment andcold-related hazards, they also presentcan be unpleasant. Its important toread the manufacturers instructionstheir own hazards to workers. consider the type of fuel being burned,to determine safe use for yourIt is important to understand howthe condition of the heater and thework environment.to select and use temporary heatingsupply of air, as well as the combustion devices correctly to prevent workerprocess of the heaterfor example, REMEMBER: The Office of the Fire injury and property damage fromif it produces carbon dioxide or Commissioner requires permits for burns, carbon monoxide poisoning,carbon monoxide. portable, temporary, oil-fired construc-oxygen-deficient atmospheres, firesINDIRECT-FIRED HEATERStion heaters and generators on and/or explosions. Indirect-fired heaters are typicallyManitoba jobsites.First and foremost, contractors mustfueled by natural gas, propane orPermits for oil-burning, natural gas understand what type of tested anddiesel, and require electricity to burnand propane construction heaters approved heater they are selecting forthe fuel in an enclosed combustionmay be issued only to qualified fitters their site. chamber. The outside air is heated byor the company they work for. The a flame and driven by a fan into thenatural gas and propane utility and/DIRECT-FIRED HEATERSarea being heated through air ducts.or the fuel supply company will verify Propane and diesel heaters are theThe circulated air does not come intothat a valid permit has been obtained most common direct-fired heaters,contact with the flame. Indirect-firedprior to connecting the fuel source to but natural gas and kerosene are alsoheaters can be used in tightly sealedthe construction heater. Oil-burning used in construction. A direct-firedspaces because they do not releaseheaters may be inspected at any time heater draws in air across an opencarbon dioxide into the space, but theyto ensure the proper permits have flame and then returns the heated airwill require a source of electricity. been obtained.back into the area. This type of heater is not appropriate for use in tightly sealed spaces or near flammable materialspropane and natural gas, for example, are highly flammableFind CSAMs Temporary Heat Safety toolbox talk at and explosive. Oil and kerosene areconstructionsafety.ca/resources/downloads.also highly flammable and can release exhaust fumes with an oily smell, which Issue 4 Winter Edition 2021 BUILD MANITOBA 27'