| Author |
Message |
Edward J Dueppen, RA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: edueppen
Post Number: 17
Registered: 08-2013
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 02, 2015 - 12:59 pm: |    |
I recently fielded a question from a project architect being asked by the contractor why we would not allow "salamander" heating units when "we use them all of the time".
This got me to thinking about exactly what we have in our spec, and most importantly, why!
The language in my Temporary Controls and Facilities spec regarding this topic comes straight from ARCOM Masterspec: "1. Use of gasoline-burning space heaters, open-flame heaters, or salamander-type heating units is prohibited."
When I spoke with the project architect I expressed my belief that this language had 2 reasons:
1) Concerns about fire.
2) Concerns about unvented fuel-fired heating units creating large amounts of condensation on building surfaces. This could potentially start corrosion of steel or mold issues.
ARCOM is silent about the rationale behind their statement. What do others in this forum believe the reason(s) to be?
And does this statement only pertain to "gasoline-burning" units, or any fuel-fired piece of equipment?
I would much appreciate your input!
Thanks,
Ed |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey
Post Number: 768
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 02, 2015 - 01:35 pm: | |
Edward,
OSHA Section 1926.154(d) prohibits the use of solid fuel salamanders in buildings and on scaffolds. This standard was adopted to prevent the fire and carbon monoxide hazards associated with the burning of spark-producing fuels such as wood and paper in open salamanders. The ban was not intended to apply to properly constructed and equipped solid fuel salamanders. The use of open solid fuel salamanders (heating units with combustion exhausting into the surrounding enclosed atmosphere) will continue to be prohibited on scaffolds or in buildings defined as roofed and walled structures.
Section 1926.700(a), however, requires that all equipment and materials used in concrete construction and masonry work shall meet the applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance and operations as prescribed in ANSI A10.9-1970, Safety Requirements for Concrete Construction and Masonry Work.
Paragraph 5.6.4 of ANSI A10.9-1970 states in part: "When salamanders of similar heating devices are used to protect concrete, the following precautions shall be taken:
(1) All salamanders shall be covered and equipped with exhaust stacks.
(2) Heating units shall not be set on or placed near wood or combustible materials.
(3) Salamanders should be attended at all times, and suitable fire extinguishers maintained readily available in the area."
In addition, it should be noted that other applicable requirements of 29 CFR 1926, particularly Section 55(a) and Section 154 shall be observed. |
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg
Post Number: 968
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 02, 2015 - 04:19 pm: | |
I've heard that oil residue from the burners that lands on concrete can affect bond (not that we don't already have enough problems with bonding finished flooring onto concrete). I had also heard about the condensation problem as being additional to the residue problem.
I guess as long as they meet OSHA, the Contractor just needs to take responsibility for concrete prep without coming back and demanding an extra because the concrete doesn't meet the flooring manufacturer's spec. |
anon (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 02, 2015 - 05:07 pm: | |
Moisture. "Salamandar" heating units use natural gas / liquid propane as the fuel source, which is 99% water vapor in the form of exhaust when burned. This adds a tremendous amount of moisture to the interior of the building causing multiple issues with finishes, anything made of wood, moisture content of concrete slabs, and stuff generally unable to dry out. |
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP
Senior Member
Username: david_axt
Post Number: 1438
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 02, 2015 - 05:10 pm: | |
When propane burns it creates carbon dioxide and water vapor.
1 part propane plus 5 parts oxygen yields 3 parts carbon dioxide and 4 parts water.
C3H8 + 5 O2 = 3 CO2 + 4 H2O
Since the objective is to keep water out of the building and dry it out, using propane heaters counter acts this purpose by introducing water into the structure. A better method is to use a desiccant heating method such as offered by Munters.
BTW, when propane does not burn efficiently it creates carbon monoxide which can be deadly to the workers.
The question should be asked whether dictating the contractor's heating method is interfering with means and methods.
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Specifications Consultant/Web Publisher
www.localproductreps.com |
Edward J Dueppen, RA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: edueppen
Post Number: 18
Registered: 08-2013
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2015 - 08:59 am: | |
Thank you all for your insight. So if I am understanding this correctly, besides code compliance, the primary concern is moisture released by combustion. The moisture output I assume will vary depending upon the fuel type.
So, could this be resolved by properly venting the heating unit to the outdoors?
Should the requirement in the spec actually be: "Fuel-fired heating units shall not have open flames and shall be properly vented to the outdoors. Comply with codes and authorities having jurisdiction."? |
John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: bunzick
Post Number: 1657
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2015 - 01:39 pm: | |
Yes, the concern I always had was moisture. Salamanders are not designed, as far as I know, for separate venting. However, there are other alternatives that usually sit outside, with a temporary flexible duct to blow the hot conditioned air into the space being conditioned. |
Mark Gilligan SE,
Senior Member
Username: mark_gilligan
Post Number: 771
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2015 - 02:19 pm: | |
From the Concrete Construction web site:
http://www.concreteconstruction.net/concrete-articles/carbon-monoxide.aspx
"We have been told that there are dangers in subjecting concrete to carbon monoxide fumes. What are they?
Carbon monoxide makes up only a small portion of the fumes from oil- or gas-burning heaters or gasoline engines and probably has no important effect on concrete. These same engines and heaters, however, pour out vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which does affect concrete. Carbon dioxide interferes with the hydration of concrete during its early curing period and produces weak and dusting surfaces. Fumes from heaters used to keep fresh concrete warm should therefore be vented to the exterior of a building. After concrete has been fully hydrated the bad effects of carbon dioxide disappear." |
Curt Norton, CSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: curtn
Post Number: 234
Registered: 06-2002
| | Posted on Friday, December 04, 2015 - 03:11 pm: | |
Carbon monoxide causes carbonation of curing concrete and the effects are very permanent. A new client of ours refused to allow concrete to be poured in the building in the winter because apparently, during the previous addition, the contractor heated the space with salamanders and the cured concrete kept crumbling on the surface.
Eventually they paid to remove the slab and re-pour it in warmer weather. |
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