The progress of construction projects can’t slow down just because the temperatures dip below freezing. To allow for this, general contractors and developers must provide accommodations for temporary heat to allow for certain operations and to protect men and material from the elements. Many projects rely on natural gas fired temporary heaters to provide warm air into the building before the permanent systems are installed and commissioned.
This winter our project sites in certain cities/towns are at risk of not being served with natural gas given the labor dispute faced by National Grid. To that end, general contractors and developers must turn to alternative fuel sources such as diesel, steam, and propane to heat their buildings under construction.
In the City of Boston, the fire department has outlined specific requirements that must be submitted prior to the allowance of temporary propane heat on a construction site. Strict adherence to this “Interim Alternative Fuel Source Policy” is required for consideration. A link to the requirements can be found here: https://www.boston.gov/news/new-interim-alternative-fuel-source-policy-announced.
Item 1 of the BFD Policy requires the applicant to adhere to the requirements of 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code), NFPA 58 (Liquified Petroleum Gas Code) and NFPA 241 (Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations). Contact Code Red Consultants if you need assistance in developing a Propane Storage Compliance Narrative to address Item 1 as you apply for approval of your temporary installation (info@crcfire.com).