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- Information about Heating for Outdoor Dining
Information about Heating for Outdoor Dining
Essential Information for those Interested in Heating for Outdoor Dining and Recording of Zoom Meeting
Below is some pertinent information for you if you are considering purchasing outdoor heaters for your restaurant.
Please click on thIs link to view the webinar on Zoom that took place Tuesday, September 15, 2020 with Bob Zuckerman, Downtown Westfield Corporation Executive Director, Deputy Chief Michael Duelks and Battalion Chief Rick Jurgens of the Westfield Fire Department. The video is approximately 25 minutes long. You will see if you watch the video, you will not be able to store any propane tanks inside your restaurants as they are a safety hazard. However, the DWC is working on a coordinated solution for all of our restaurants which we should have in place later this week and we will share those details with you as soon as we have them. Additionally, you will not be able to place propane gas heaters underneath tents, umbrellas, or any type of combustible canvas material as they must be placed at least 5 feet away from such coverings. Also, the Westfield Fire Department has prepared a memo which details what is and is not allowed with regard to outdoor heating and that information is below, as are links to the types of propane heaters that are allowed.
ZOOM WEBINAR LINK
Assistance from the Westfield Fire Department:
The Westfield Fire Department is willing to individually assist each and every one of our restaurants who are interested in having outdoor heating, and you can reach them by emailing them at fireprevention@westfieldnj.gov or by calling Deputy Chief Duelks at 908-789-4145. Thank you for your attention to this.
Examples of outdoor propane gas lamps that would be allowed:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Fire-Sense-46-000-BTU-Platinum-Gas-Patio-Heater-62784/308253171
https://www.homedepot.com/p/48-000-BTU-Bronze-Square-Blind-Gas-Patio-Heater-NCZH-G-FXBYCG/313076777
State Fire Code requirements:
State Fire Code requirements provided below for exterior heating appliances. These will assist merchants of Westfield with understanding the regulations.
Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances.
603.4.2.1.1 – Prohibited locations – The storage or use of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances is prohibited in any of the following locations.
- Inside of any occupancy where connected to the fuel gas container.
- Inside of tents, canopies and membrane structures.
- On exterior balconies.
603.4.2.1.2 – Clearance to buildings – Portable outdoor gas fired heating appliances shall be located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from buildings.
603.4.2.1.3 – Clearance to combustible materials – Portable outdoor gas fired heating appliance shall not be located beneath or closer than 5 feet ( 1524 mm) to combustible decorations and combustible overhangs, awnings, sunshades or similar combustible attachments to buildings.
Electric Space Heaters.
605.10.2 – Power Supply – Portable, electric space heaters shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle.
605.10.3 – Extension cords – Portable, electric space heaters shall not be plugged into extension cords.
605.10.4 – Prohibited areas – Portable, electric space heaters shall not be operated within 3 feet (914 mm) of any combustible materials. Portable, electric space heaters shall be operated only in locations for which they are listed.
Temporary and Permanent Tents and Membrane Structures
3104.7 – Open or Exposed flame – Open flame or other devices emitting flame, fire or heat or any flammable or combustible liquids, gas, charcoal or other cooking device or any other unapproved devices shall not be permitted inside or located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of the tent or membrane structures while open to the public unless approved by the fire code official.