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The Air-Conditioning,
Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
announced today its development of the Infrared Heater Safety Council (IRSC), a safety education initiative
dedicated to reducing fires caused by the misuse of infrared heating equipment
used in commercial buildings.
The council was formed by gas-fired infrared heating equipment manufacturers who
believed a program was needed to promote safe use of their products. The council
administers a national safety campaign targeted to reach building inspectors,
fire authorities and, through them, building owners. “Infrared heating
technology has a long history of safety and has been widely used to heat a
variety of commercial and industrial buildings such as warehouses,
manufacturing facilities, fire stations, vehicle service facilities and
aircraft hangars,” said IRSC Chairman Joseph A. Wortman. “But like all gas-burning products, infrared heaters
have installation, operation and service procedures that must be followed to
ensure safety.”
The
IRSC’s educational effort focuses attention on the safe use of infrared
heaters, including their proper use, application, gas connections, ventilation
and clearances to combustibles. As part of the campaign,
a safety pamphlet that highlights safety precautions, provides an overview of
applicable codes and standards and a safety checklist for fire inspectors, is
being distributed to fire marshals and insurance company risk managers, reveals
the organization’s press release. “We are pleased to support infrared heating
manufacturers in the launch of this national safety campaign to reduce improper
use of this heating equipment,” said Stephen Yurek, president of AHRI, “Many of
the fires associated with infrared heaters are preventable, and for this reason
our members want to be part of the solution and put a concerted effort behind
safety education.” |
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