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LP-Gas and Temporary Heaters on Construction Sites

Learn what the construction rules ask of the worker who sets up or runs LP-gas containers and temporary heaters: approved equipment, indoor use, spacing, storage, ventilation, clearances and flame-failure protection.

Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.153 (LP-Gas) and 1926.154 (Temporary heating devices) · about 6 min read

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Approved equipment and containers

Approved equipment only

The systemContainers, valves, connectors, manifold valve assemblies and regulators are of an approved type.

CylindersAll cylinders meet the Department of Transportation specification identification requirements in 49 CFR part 178.

AppliancesLP-gas consuming appliances are approved types.

Converted appliancesAn appliance made for a different gaseous fuel may be used with LP-gas only after it is properly converted, adapted and tested for performance with LP-gas before it is placed in use.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(a) · 29 CFR 1926.153(f)

Approved equipment and containers

Setting up a container outside

No welding on containers
Every container has one or more approved safety relief valves or devices
Containers stand upright on firm foundations or are otherwise firmly secured
Where vehicles could hit the system, precautions against that damage are taken

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(b) · 29 CFR 1926.153(d)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.153(g) · 29 CFR 1926.153(o)

Using LP-gas inside buildings

When it is allowed, and the container rules

Indoor use is the exception. It is permitted when operational requirements make portable use of containers necessary and their location outside of buildings is impracticable, and then in accordance with the indoor rules.

Systems with containers larger than a nominal 1 pound of LP-gas capacity are equipped with excess flow valves
Those containers, when connected for use, stand on a firm and substantially level surface and, when necessary, are secured upright
The maximum water capacity of an individual container is 245 pounds (nominal 100 pounds of LP-gas)

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(11) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(12)

Using LP-gas inside buildings

Hose, regulators and what not to hang on the cylinder

RegulatorsDirectly connected to the container valves or to manifolds connected to the container valves.

No aluminumAluminum piping or tubing is not used.

HoseAs short as practicable, while long enough to allow the spacing the rule requires without kinking or straining.

No structural supportsContainer valves, connectors, regulators, manifolds, piping and tubing are not used as structural supports for heaters.

Heat and damage: locate containers, regulating equipment, manifolds, pipe, tubing and hose to minimize exposure to high temperatures or physical damage.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(6) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(7) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(9) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(10)

Using LP-gas inside buildings

Heaters indoors

Portable heaters, including salamanders, have an approved automatic device that shuts off gas to the main burner, and pilot if used, if the flame fails
Those with inputs above 50,000 B.t.u. per hour also have either a pilot that must be lighted and proved before the main burner can be turned on, or an electrical ignition system
A note to the rule sets a narrow exception for portable heaters under 7,500 B.t.u. per hour input used with containers having a maximum water capacity of 2 1/2 pounds
In multiple container systems, heaters have an approved regulator in the supply line between the cylinder and the heater, and the cylinder connectors have an excess flow valve to limit gas flow if the fuel line ruptures

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(8) · 29 CFR 1926.153(i)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.153(i)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(8) Note

Where to put heaters and containers

Distance between heater and container

These spacing rules sit in the rule's paragraph on containers and equipment used inside buildings or structures.

6 feetFor temporary heating, heaters other than integral heater-container units are located at least 6 feet from any LP-gas container.

Do not aim at the containerBlower and radiant type heaters are not directed toward any LP-gas container within 20 feet.

Also allowed: heaters specifically designed for attachment to the container or to a supporting standard may be used, as long as they are designed and installed to prevent direct or radiant heat application onto the containers.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(13) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(1)

Where to put heaters and containers

More than one heater in the same area

Two or more heater-container units in an unpartitioned area on the same floor: the containers of each unit are separated from the containers of any other unit by at least 20 feet
Containers manifolded together for a heater or heaters in an unpartitioned area on the same floor have a total water capacity of no more than 735 pounds (nominal 300 pounds of LP-gas), and such manifolds are separated by at least 20 feet

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(14) · 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(15)

Storing and filling containers

Storage

Not insideStorage of LPG within buildings is prohibited.

OutsideContainers awaiting use are stored outside, at a distance from the nearest building that depends on the quantity stored (the rule's Table F-3).

ProtectedContainers are in a suitable ventilated enclosure or otherwise protected against tampering.

ExtinguisherStorage locations have at least one approved portable fire extinguisher rated not less than 20-B:C.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(j) · 29 CFR 1926.153(k) · 29 CFR 1926.153(l)

Storing and filling containers

Filling portable containers

Filling of portable containers, or containers mounted on skids, from storage containers is done not less than 50 feet from the nearest building.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.153(e)(2)

Temporary heaters

Fresh air

Fresh air is supplied in sufficient quantities to maintain the health and safety of workers. Where natural means of fresh air supply is inadequate, mechanical ventilation is provided
When heaters are used in confined spaces, special care is taken to provide sufficient ventilation to ensure proper combustion, maintain the health and safety of workers, and limit temperature rise in the area

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.154(a)

Temporary heaters

Clearance and stability

CombustiblesInstall heaters with clearance to combustible material not less than the amount in the rule's Table F-4, unless the heater is listed for installation with lesser clearances, in which case follow its approval.

FloorsA heater not suitable for use on wood floors is not set directly on them or on other combustible materials. It rests on suitable heat insulating material or at least 1-inch concrete, or equivalent, and the insulating material extends beyond the heater 2 feet or more in all directions.

Tarps and canvasAt least 10 feet from combustible tarpaulins, canvas or similar coverings, and the coverings are securely fastened against wind.

LevelHeaters in use are set horizontally level, unless the manufacturer's markings permit otherwise.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.154(b) · 29 CFR 1926.154(c) · 29 CFR 1926.154(b)(3)

Temporary heaters

Salamanders and oil-fired heaters

Solid fuel salamanders are prohibited in buildings and on scaffolds
Flammable liquid-fired heaters have a primary safety control that stops the flow of fuel if the flame fails
Heaters designed for barometric or gravity oil feed are used only with their integral tanks

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.154(d) · 29 CFR 1926.154(e)

Need proof of training? The full course (25 min) adds practice questions, a job scenario, the final quiz and a certificate your employer can verify.

Take the course

Sources

Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.153 and 1926.154. It is not an OSHA card or license. These sections do not set their own training requirements, and this certificate does not by itself meet the employer's training duty under 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2). Your employer must still instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.