Safety Tips for Patio Heaters

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

SERVPRO of Downtown Chicago / Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview responds to commercial fire damage emergencies throughout the year. More businesses are using propane heaters to keep customers and employees warm on chilly days and nights. Here is some information from the National Fire Protection Association for using outdoor propane heaters safely:

Propane Patio Heaters

For patio heaters that use integral LP-Gas containers with a capacity greater than 1.08 lb. (0.49 kg), NFPA 1 requires that the heaters be listed by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Propane heaters need to be used in accordance with their listing and manufacturer instructions. Prior to using a propane heater, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for information such as the following:

• Necessary clearances from the heating element
• Proper ventilation required
• Proper inspection, cleaning, and maintenance procedures
• Lighting and shutdown procedures
• Where the heater can and cannot be used (for example, heaters cannot be used in enclosed locations)
• Procedures for properly storing heaters

The restrictions for using propane heaters are also based on the occupancy in which they are used. For example, in assembly occupancies, such as restaurants with 50 or more occupants, heaters cannot be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the exits. Regardless of where they are used, if a heater uses propane hoses, they must be as short as possible, visible, and protected from damage.

Call Us Today!

When your Gold Coast home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO of Downtown Chicago / Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 773-935-6750.