Safety Guidelines
Critical safety information for safe heater operation
Improper heater use can cause fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and death. READ ALL SAFETY GUIDELINES BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death. All fuel-burning heaters (propane, diesel, kerosene, natural gas) produce CO as a byproduct of combustion.
CO Poisoning Symptoms:
- Headache, dizziness, weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, chest pain
- Confusion, loss of consciousness
If you experience these symptoms, IMMEDIATELY move to fresh air and call 911.
1 Ventilation Requirements
Direct-Fired Heaters (Propane/Kerosene/Diesel)
- NEVER use in completely enclosed spaces
- Provide minimum 1 sq. inch of fresh air opening per 1,000 BTU
- Maintain cross-ventilation with intake and exhaust openings
- Keep doors/windows partially open when in use
- Install CO detectors and monitor continuously
Indirect-Fired Heaters
- Exhaust gases are vented outside—safer for enclosed spaces
- Position exhaust away from air intakes and occupied areas
- Still requires adequate fresh air for combustion
- Regular inspection of exhaust ducting for leaks
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters produce no combustion byproducts and can be used in enclosed spaces. However, adequate airflow is still needed to prevent overheating.
2 Fire Safety & Placement
Safe Clearance Distances
- 3 feet minimum from combustible materials (tarps, wood, paper, fabrics)
- 10 feet minimum from fuel storage containers
- 25+ feet from flammable liquid operations (painting, staining)
- Never place under low ceilings or enclosed overhangs
Fire Prevention Checklist
- Keep fire extinguisher (ABC-rated) nearby and accessible
- Never leave operating heaters unattended
- Clear debris and flammable materials from heater area
- Place heaters on stable, level, non-combustible surfaces
- Never block heater air intakes or exhausts
- Turn off heater before refueling
- Allow heater to cool completely before refueling
3 Fuel Handling & Storage
Propane
- • Store cylinders upright outdoors
- • Check for leaks with soapy water
- • Never use damaged tanks
Diesel/Kerosene
- • Store in approved containers only
- • Keep away from heat sources
- • Clean spills immediately
WARNING: NEVER use gasoline in diesel or kerosene heaters. Using the wrong fuel can cause fires, explosions, and equipment damage.
4 Electrical Safety
- Verify power supply meets heater requirements (voltage, amperage, phase)
- Use properly rated extension cords (when permitted)
- Ground all electrical connections properly
- Keep cords away from water and wet surfaces
- Inspect cords for damage before use
- Never overload circuits—high-wattage heaters require dedicated circuits
5 Emergency Procedures
If Fire Occurs:
- Alert everyone and evacuate immediately
- Call 911
- If safe, shut off fuel supply
- Use fire extinguisher only if trained and fire is small
- Never re-enter a burning structure
If CO Suspected:
- Move to fresh air immediately
- Call 911
- Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency services
- Seek medical attention even if symptoms improve
Need Safety Assistance?
Our team is available 24/7 for emergency support and safety questions.
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