“There are two seasons in the Midwest, winter season and construction season”. We have all heard of this joke before! Yes, it would be ideal to complete all construction projects during the summer, but when your winter season lasts nearly 7 months, some Midwesterners are forced to work on their construction projects in extremely cold weather. It is still possible to have a successful construction project during the winter. Here are our 5 must haves to ensure winter construction success:
The Right Heater for Your Site
Choosing the right heater for your job site can depend on different factors. To get started on gearing up your construction site for the winter, here are five types of heaters you could use to keep your job site and team warm during those working hours:
- Direct Fired Heaters – used at construction sites where efficiency is top priority. The job site must have enough clearance for placement.
- Indirect Fired Heaters – used at locations where safety is top priority. Often used at locations that have occupants.
- Direct Fired Enclosed Flame Heaters – used for job sites or special events where top priority is having easily duct-able heat.
- Electric Heaters – used for locations that have access to electricity and where non-combustible heat is required.
- Convection Heaters – used for construction sites with no available electricity or natural gas line.
Other Portable Heating Solutions to Consider for Winter Construction Success
The biggest challenge when working at a construction site during the winter is probably curing concrete. Concrete tends to have a difficult time setting when temperatures are too low. You should consider using a ground thawing unit as well as thawing blankets to ensure that concrete cures without difficulty. Ground heaters thaw frozen ground, cure concrete, prevent frost, and provide temporary air heat for your job site. Pairing the unit with ground thaw blankets also allows to spread the heat around the area and make your construction project more productive.
Having Technical Support Available for Heater Malfunction
If you’re making good use of heating equipment at your construction site, you might come across equipment malfunction. Do not fear! Typically, these malfunctions are a result of user errors. They are quick and easy fixes if you have the proper equipment. We strongly recommend checking out our Portable Heater Troubleshooting Guide on your own before calling for help. If you are still having issues, having Heat Technician assistance would be recommended to make sure you don’t fall behind on construction deadlines. At On Site, we have state of the art equipment and Heat Technicians that available to deliver, set up, and pick up up heaters. They are also available to assist in troubleshooting by phone or on site if needed. Customers should call 651-429-3781 to get in touch.
“Winter-Proof” Portable Restroom for Winter Construction Success
Preparing your portable restroom rental for winter constructions is also an important factor to consider. Portable restrooms are usually outdoors and exposed to the freezing temperatures. To best winterize your portable restrooms, make sure to include a portable restroom electric space heater when renting out a unit. At On Site, our Sanitation Technicians fill the portable restroom tanks with a methanol mixture to prevent the water and waste from freezing. Making sure job site workers can comfortably make use of a restroom can ensure productivity for your construction project.
A Safe Working Environment for Your Team
Employers must always make sure to comply with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards to keep their employees safe in the workplace. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect workers from most hazards, but workers must also consider hazards related to extreme cold weather. OSHA does not have specific safety requirements for winter constructions. However, they do provide guidelines that employers should follow to protect workers from the dangers of cold stress . Some of these guidelines include training workers on cold weather safety. Making sure they have the proper tools and gear for cold weather also keeps them safe.
The On Site Solution for Your Winter Construction Success
Don’t let the freezing temperatures scare you! Winter construction success is still possible if you make sure your job site is properly equipped. At On Site Companies, we can provide you with a wide selection of portable heaters and winterized portable restrooms for your job site. Not sure which heater is best for your project? Contact us for a personalized service from one of our representatives. You can also call us or request a quote today for the best heating and sanitation solutions!
