Non-Vented Heaters for Trainers and Supervisors

Tailgate Safety Training for Landscaping and Horticultural Services

AEX-892.2.33

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Date:

06/05/2018

Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Objective: Use non-vented heaters safely.

Trainer’s Note

Many greenhouses and other buildings use non-vented space heaters. For this module:

Review the information below on safety features and safe practices for electric, kerosene, and natural gas heaters.
Point out safety features and demonstrate safe practices to workers.
Review the important points.
Have workers take the True/False quiz to check their learning.

Background

Many landscaping and horticulture businesses use non-vented space heaters in greenhouses and other buildings. Workers should be aware of:

where heaters are positioned
safety issues such as carbon monoxide poisoning and proper ventilation
safety features such as tip-over switches

These heaters are usually freestanding and do not require ventilation ducts. However, adequate air circulation is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. Fans can be used to circulate air. Windows and doors can be opened slightly to increase circulation. If kerosene or gas heaters are used, be aware of the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas heaters should be equipped with oxygen depletion sensors that will activate when the air becomes oxygen poor.

Safety Tips for Electric Heaters

Know where the heater is located in the work area.
Make sure the heater is not positioned near aisles or walkways. Allow at least 3 feet of clearance from other objects.
Be aware that electric heaters can become very hot to the touch.
Keep all safety guards in place.
Only use a heater that has an automatic shut-off switch if it is tipped over.
Make sure that the insulation on the cord is not frayed or brittle.
Follow all manufacturer guidelines listed on the heater and in the operator’s manual.
Report any problems or malfunctions to your supervisor or employer.

Safety Tips for Kerosene Heaters

Know where the heater is located in the work area.
Make sure the heater is not positioned near aisles or walkways. Allow at least 3 feet of clearance from other objects.
Be aware that kerosene heaters can become very hot to the touch.
Only use a heater that has an automatic shut-off switch if it is tipped over.
Keep all safety guards in place.
Only refill the heater when it is cool.
Only use 1-K kerosene. Never use any other type of fuel. Other fuels could cause a fire or an explosion.
Never overfill the tank.
Store kerosene in a sealed blue container clearly marked “kerosene.” Never put kerosene in a container that has held other fuels such as gasoline. Even a small amount of gasoline in a kerosene heater can cause a fire.
Make sure the wick is set at the proper height. A short wick can cause carbon monoxide levels to rise.
Make sure there is adequate ventilation when using kerosene heaters. A heater that operates poorly could emit carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning has symptoms similar to the flu. Symptoms could include nausea, chest pain, drowsiness, vomiting, and confusion. Keep all interior doors open to help circulate air. Windows could be opened slightly to help air circulate.
Kerosene heaters should not be used in airtight buildings.
Follow all manufacturer’s guidelines listed on the heater and in the operator’s manual.
Report any problems or malfunctions to your supervisor or employer.

Safety Tips for Natural Gas Heaters

Know where the heater is located in the work area.
Make sure the heater is not positioned near aisles or walkways. Allow at least 3 feet of clearance from other objects.
Only use a heater that has an automatic shutoff switch if it is tipped over.
Keep all safety guards in place.
Only use a gas heater that has an oxygen depletion sensor. If there is a problem, this sensor will shut off the heater before carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels.
If the pilot light should go out, light a match before you turn the gas on. This will prevent the possibility of a flashback explosion.
Never try to light the heater if you smell gas. If you smell gas, turn the heater off, open doors and windows, and leave the building. Report the problem to your supervisor or employer.
Make sure there is adequate ventilation when using gas heaters. A gas heater that operates poorly could emit carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning has symptoms similar to the flu. Symptoms could include nausea, chest pain, drowsiness, vomiting, and confusion. Keep all interior doors open to help circulate air inside the building. Windows could be opened slightly to help air circulate.
Gas heaters should not be used in airtight buildings.
Follow all manufacturer’s guidelines listed on the heater and in the operator’s manual.
Report any problems or malfunctions to your supervisor or employer.

Review These Important Points

Know where the heater is located.
Make sure the heater is set at least 3 feet from other objects.
Keep all safety guards in place.
Follow all manufacturer guidelines when operating or filling the heater.
Always allow for adequate ventilation while working.
Be aware of the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Report any problems to your supervisor.

About These Modules
The author team for the training modules in the landscape and horticultural tailgate training series includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension; Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education; Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist; and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist. Modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3-HT09.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.