Keep your jobsite productive and workers safe by getting a head start on winter heating
By Cooper Equipment Rentals’ Rod Stromberg, General Manager, Climate Control, Canada West, and Scott MacKinnon, Director of Sales
Not all workplaces have the luxury of cranking up the thermostat when things get chilly. Given Mother Nature’s unpredictability, you should be planning well in advance to keep your jobsite heated through whatever the season brings.
If you aren’t informed about heating requirements and prepared with the right methods for your project, you run the risk of losing time, resources and money – not to mention putting your workers in danger.
You may require ambient heaters with sensors for curing concrete, direct fired heaters for keeping large areas and your workers warm, or sufficient heat to thaw the ground so you can dig. There are many other factors at play too: the size of your project, how many rooms you’ll be building, the materials you’ll be using, the number of workers on site, and how long the project will take.
The good news is you don’t need to figure all of this out on your own. Coming up with the right heating solution is much easier when you work with a rental partner and climate specialists who can help you understand the needs of your job site. This means providing you with the most cost-effective heating requirements and right-sized heaters. Some dealers are even starting to supply gas fitters, provide safety training for workers and apply for the necessary permits on your behalf.Â
Here’s some advice to help you approach winter with confidence.
Start planning early
No matter what size facility you’re building, it’s crucial to have a plan.
You may need to understand the difference between the outside temperature and the temperature you want inside, the tightness of the building and indoor activity or how much heat is generated by work done inside.
Different heating configurations may be required depending on what stage you’re at in your project, so it’s important to plan for changing the type of temporary heating you’re using throughout the construction project.
Starting early is especially important for larger projects, as your rental provider’s heating inventory can be limited come fall and early winter. You don’t want to scramble at the last minute; if you call your rental provider in November, you may not get the equipment you need.
Partner with the right rental provider
When contractors rent construction equipment, they usually know exactly what they need to get the job done. When it comes to heat, few contractors know what they want, need or even what’s available to rent.
Whether electric or propane powered, any kind of heat equipment should be treated with care and caution. Identifying the type of heat needed and determining how to install and repair equipment should only be done by trained professionals.Â
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Fuel costs can be substantial, and they’re likely to only get higher. This is especially true if you’re working with large buildings or structures. Ensuring your equipment is as fuel efficient as possible is key to reducing costs. This means working with a reputable rental partner who can offer you the most up-to-date equipment and technology.
Your rental provider should also be able to assist with heat plans and employ licensed gas fitters and apprentices to help understand the assortment of heating equipment you may require for your job. This can be a complex process for larger projects, as it involves looking at plans and drawings of the building to help understand and identify any potential issues that may arise.Â
Train your employees
It’s also important to find a rental partner that can help train your workers so they can better understand what they can and cannotÂ
do when it comes to using heating equipment. Your employees need to understand the hazards of various equipment and be aware of the procedures and controls necessary to mitigate those hazards.
Training programs can provide the information and hands-on practice necessary for construction workers to be able to safely connect, activate and disconnect heaters and propane.
Make the most of heating techÂ
No contractor can afford for concrete to go bad.
About 30 years ago, preventing this meant paying someone to watch the temperature 24 hours a day to ensure concrete cured properly.
Now with telematics, you can monitor everything from your smartphone. It’s been a real game changer for the industry in terms of efficiency and productivity.
Technology has improved safety too. You can receive smartphone notifications when carbon dioxide is detected on your jobsite, alerting you to a potential issue with your combustion heating equipment.
When we can help contractors do things faster and safer, we can save them both money and time. And since time is the single most expensive thing on a construction site, this is incredibly valuable. Gone are the days of waiting a week for concrete to cure, hoping that it would be ready in time for the next stage of the project. New technology is not only providing the right levels of heat and humidity, but can also notify workers the moment the concrete is ready.
Prioritize heating safetyÂ
Safety concerns are always top of mind, especially when it comes to anything electrical or involving propane. Direct fired heaters have a low risk when used properly, but when placed next to combustible materials or wood-framed structures, they can cause a serious fire hazard if not set up properly. Compared to indirect fired heaters, direct fired heaters have risks of introducing hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide. This is why it’s important to match the equipment to the site and have a qualified individual do your set-ups as they will be familiar with product and manufacturer specs and Canadian gas codes.
No matter what heat source you’re using, you need to ensure everyone is trained and comfortable with safety procedures and knows when to call your rental partner or climate specialist so they can properly handle equipment.
With the winter months quickly approaching, it’s critical to have a plan to keep your construction site heated, and your workers safe and warm.
What works best for your jobsite depends on a lot of factors – and planning for heat is not always easy, especially when you’re working with millions of square feet or an 80-storey high-rise.
Before you make any decisions, you need to understand the needs of your workers, the different types of heat available and the working conditions. Only then will you be able to provide the right level of comfort in a safe work environment. Make sure your rental partner is ready to support you through all of this and able to tell you exactly how they are going to heat your project, while also providing a great team of people and the right technology to monitor your heat and track your progress.
