1926.154: Temporary Heating Devices
Employers using temporary heaters must supply enough fresh air, with mechanical ventilation where natural air is not enough, and take special care in confined spaces. Heaters need clearance from combustibles per Table F-4, must stay at least 10 feet from tarps or canvas, and must be set level. Solid fuel salamanders are prohibited in buildings and on scaffolds.
Key takeaways
- 1926.154 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart F).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $8,300 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.154, "Temporary heating devices", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart F). It has 15 numbered paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
Show the full text of 1926.154 (15 paragraphs)
(a) Ventilation. 2 citations
(1) Fresh air shall be supplied in sufficient quantities to maintain the health and safety of workmen. Where natural means of fresh air supply is inadequate, mechanical ventilation shall be provided. 2 citations
(2) When heaters are used in confined spaces, special care shall be taken to provide sufficient ventilation in order to ensure proper combustion, maintain the health and safety of workmen, and limit temperature rise in the area.
(b) Clearance and mounting.
(1) Temporary heating devices shall be installed to provide clearance to combustible material not less than the amount shown in Table F-4.
(2) Temporary heating devices, which are listed for installation with lesser clearances than specified in Table F-4, may be installed in accordance with their approval.
| Heating appliances | Minimum clearance, (inches) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sides | Rear | Chimney connector | |
| Room heater, circulating type | 12 | 12 | 18 |
| Room heater, radiant type | 36 | 36 | 18 |
(3) Heaters not suitable for use on wood floors shall not be set directly upon them or other combustible materials. When such heaters are used, they shall rest on suitable heat insulating material or at least 1-inch concrete, or equivalent. The insulating material shall extend beyond the heater 2 feet or more in all directions.
(4) Heaters used in the vicinity of combustible tarpaulins, canvas, or similar coverings shall be located at least 10 feet from the coverings. The coverings shall be securely fastened to prevent ignition or upsetting of the heater due to wind action on the covering or other material.
(c) Stability. Heaters, when in use, shall be set horizontally level, unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer's markings.
(d) Solid fuel salamanders. Solid fuel salamanders are prohibited in buildings and on scaffolds.
(e) Oil-fired heaters.
(1) Flammable liquid-fired heaters shall be equipped with a primary safety control to stop the flow of fuel in the event of flame failure. Barometric or gravity oil feed shall not be considered a primary safety control.
(2) Heaters designed for barometric or gravity oil feed shall be used only with the integral tanks.
(3) [Reserved]
(4) Heaters specifically designed and approved for use with separate supply tanks may be directly connected for gravity feed, or an automatic pump, from a supply tank.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Hi-Lo "Hard Hat" Radiant Oil Heaters (1988-05-26)
- Allowable TLV of coke gases at the breathing levels of the employees. (1977-08-17)
- The standard was not intended to apply to properly constructed and equipped solid fuel salamanders which are fueled by coke or coal and are used in structures under construction. (1977-03-25)
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Frequently asked questions
How far must heaters be from tarpaulins or canvas?
At least 10 feet from the coverings.
Can solid fuel salamanders be used indoors?
No. They are prohibited in buildings and on scaffolds.
What if a heater is not suitable for wood floors?
It must not be set directly on them; it must rest on suitable heat insulating material or at least 1-inch concrete, extending 2 feet or more in all directions.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.154 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-19
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.