Portable Heaters Guidelines

This web page outlines the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (i.e., Fire Prevention Code or SFPC) fire safety necessities and prohibitions related to the operation and storage of portable heating gear in Fairfax County and Alpha Heater news the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna. It does not address open-flame cooking units, portable outside fireplaces, or the installation and upkeep of non-portable heating appliances. The intent of this page is to supply information to help stop undesirable fires ensuing from the unlawful or unsafe operation and/or storage of portable heating equipment. Along with specifying the rules prohibiting the operation and storage of portable heaters, fire security, and precautionary data associated to the operation of those units is provided. PORTABLE HEATING Equipment. Portable heating equipment (i.e., portable heaters) could also be typically defined as portable, goal-constructed tools designed to safely heat the air in an enclosed space or open area in proximity to the Alpha Heater news.



Section 603.4.2 of the Fire Prevention Code particularly regulates portable outside fuel-fired heating appliances, generally often called patio heaters. These portable heating appliances are typically configured as a free-standing pole, original with a alpha heater discount and reflector dome/shield at the top, with a broad base arranged for the storage of a 20-pound propane (LPG) cylinder. These appliances may even be designed to appear and function as portable outside fireplaces or tall patio tables. Clearance to Combustible Materials. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be situated beneath, or closer than 5 ft to combustible decorations and combustible overhangs, awnings, sunshades, or related combustible attachments to buildings. Clearance to Buildings. Portable out of doors gas-fired heating appliances shall be situated at the least 5 ft from buildings. Prohibited Storage or Use. Proximity to Exits. Portable outside fuel-fired heating appliances shall not be situated within 5 ft of exits or exit discharges. Installation and Operational Requirements. Listing & Approval. Only listed and approved portable out of doors gas-fired heating appliances utilizing a gas fuel container that's integral to the appliance shall be used.



Installation & Maintenance. Portable out of doors fuel-fired heating appliances shall be put in and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. Tip-over Switch Required. Portable out of doors gas-fired heating appliances shall be equipped with a tilt or tip-over change that robotically shuts off the circulate of gasoline if the equipment is tilted more than 15 degrees from the vertical. Guard Against Contact Required. The heating element or combustion chamber of portable out of doors gasoline-fired heating appliances shall be completely guarded to stop unintended contact by persons or material. Approved Containers. Only accredited DOTn or ASME fuel containers shall be used. Container Replacement Restriction. Replacement of fuel fuel containers in portable outside fuel-fired heating appliances shall not be performed whereas the general public is present. Container Capacity Limitation. The maximum individual capacity of gasoline containers utilized in reference to portable out of doors gasoline-fired heating appliances shall not exceed 20 pounds. Prohibited Storage of Containers. Gas containers shall not be saved inside of buildings, or in any location near exit access doorways, exits, stairways, or areas usually used, or meant for use, as a means of egress.



Containers not linked to be used shall not be saved on roofs. Outside Storage of Containers. Gas containers permitted for outdoors storage shall be positioned in a manner that minimizes exposure to extreme temperature rise, physical injury, and/or tampering, which includes a lockable, ventilated metallic cabinet or other accepted enclosure. Outside Storage/Use Permit. Where greater than 10 gallons (i.e., 42.5 pounds) of liquefied petroleum gasoline (LPG) is saved and/or used exterior, a fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) is required. Shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the itemizing and instructions. Shall be operated solely in areas for which they are listed. Shall be plugged directly into an authorized receptacle. Shall not be plugged into extension cords. Shall not be operated within three toes of any combustible materials. Heating elements shall be completely guarded so as to forestall unintended contact by individuals or materials. Group I-2 Exception. Using portable, electric space heaters in which the heating component cannot exceed a temperature of 212°F shall be permitted in non-sleeping workers and employee areas in occupancies in Group I-2.