Outdoor Patio Heater Safety
You can extend the amount of time that you have to enjoy the outdoor spaces around your home with the use of an outdoor patio heater. Outdoor patio heaters use either electricity or gas to generate heat. Because they are meant for outdoor use, these heaters produce a large amount of heat, and users should take precautions before using them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Combustibles
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Keep combustibles away from the heat source of the patio heater. Combustibles include wood, paper, plastics, lighters or any other substance that could catch fire. Make sure there are no hanging plants or trees nearby as these could also ignite. For large patio heaters, keep combustibles at least 3 feet away from the heat source.
Location and Positioning
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Never attempt to move a patio heater while it is operating. Turn the heater off, and wait for it to cool before attempting to reposition. The heater should always be located on a completely level surface that is capable of bearing the weight of the unit. Gas and propane patio heaters should be positioned so they are out of the wind as much as possible, as high winds could blow out the flame or tip the unit over.
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Children
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Keep children a safe distance away from a patio heater. Children should not be left unattended around patio heaters since the heaters can topple over if pushed or disturbed. Never allow children to operate an outdoor patio heater.
Location
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Outdoor patio heaters have a combustion and exhaust system designed for outdoor use. Never use an outdoor patio heater indoors because of the risk of starting a fire. Plus, the gases that a gas patio heater will give off may be dangerous if they are contained is an enclosed environment.
Safety Features
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Most patio heaters have built-in safety features to reduce the danger of these devices. Some gas heaters will come with an electric starter to avoid the need for a pilot light. Many patio heaters come equipped with an automatic shut-off if the device tips over, which can prevent a dangerous situation. Check the documentation that came with the heater to know if it has these, or other, safety features.
Exhaust Ducts
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Propane and gas patio heaters require proper airflow to operate. Make sure that nothing is obstructing the air holes or vents, and occasionally check for blockage. Debris can buildup in the vents and cause a reduction in performance.
Service and Repair
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If an outdoor patio heater is not working correctly, or if a gas leak has been found, it is important not to use the device until it has been serviced. Only licensed gas workers or authorized service agents should attempt to repair an outdoor patio heater. The manufacturer's instructions should give direction on how to have the unit serviced.
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References
- Photo Credit patio heater. image by guiney from Fotolia.com
