Question: I am a PRO in the upper Midwest and I have a construction customer who is adamant about having me install a restroom heater in his unit for the winter. Is this a possibility? I am concerned about the safety of any such installation. Please help!
Answer: Your question is very pertinent and, for these two former PROs from Georgia, necessitated an ample amount of research in order to resolve your situation. Bottom line: It is definitely possible to safely install portable heaters in restroom units. In fact, in at least in one state, it is required by state regulations!
Regulation requiring heaters in units
Minnesota is the only state where we found this regulation concerning portable restroom heaters. The regulation, Minnesota OSHA 5207.0800 “Privies at Construction and Engineering Projects,” is as follows: “Privies shall be provided on all construction and engineering projects. Privies shall be placed inside of heated buildings, wherever possible to do so. Where privies are not placed inside of heated buildings, provisions shall be made for heating privies to a minimum of heat that can be emitted from the installation of a 1,300 watt heater or other type of equivalent heater.”
Furthermore, this state document goes on to describe the winter season as Nov. 1 to March 15.
It should also be noted that this regulation does not eliminate the need for PROs to implement winter freezing methods (i.e., methanol, brine solution, etc.) to keep the unit useable in winter weather. (For reference, winterizing units was covered in our December 2018 column).
Milk house heaters
The PROs we contacted who use heaters call them milk house heaters. This is an actual category of heaters — which may also be referred to generically as space heaters or ceramic heaters — and they have been in existence for over 50 years. There are several common characteristics:
• Small and convenient size. Typical dimensions are in the range of 12 to 15 inches tall, 8 to 10 inches wide and 4 to 6 inches deep.
• Lightweight and easily mountable inside restroom units.
• Range from 1,000 to 1,500 watts. (This would meet the Minnesota requirements described above.)
• All have three-prong power cords for safety.
• Most have ceramic housings, which do not conduct heat from the heater itself.
• Fans project the heat as opposed to a heated element that becomes extremely hot with use.
• Several have automatic shut-off provisions if the unit falls or is knocked over.
• Many have automatic timers that can be set to cease operation after a specific period of time.
• Availabile from Amazon, big-box retailers (The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards), and hardware stores.
• Prices range from $20 to $100 with the average around $40.
Mounting inside units
Safety is always paramount when considering heaters inside portable restroom units. The ideal placement is in the back corner of the unit, opposite the vent stack. Use coated wire to mount to the unit’s vent screens. Heaters should be placed away from the toilet paper holder and hand sanitizer dispensers and in a place where liquids will not come in contact with the heater. Ensure the heater power cord and the receiving end of an extension cord are inside the unit so it is readily apparent when the unit is disconnected and any problems with the electrical connections can be quickly recognized.
Safety procedures during weekly service
• Ensure all materials are kept away from the heater. Remove extra partial rolls of paper that may have been left on the shelf below the heater by the customer.
• Do not use any liquids near the heater! This includes water used during the cleaning procedure as well as fragrance spray.
• Check the electrical connection for any signs of damage.
• Turn the heater on and off to check it is working properly.
Customer safety obligations
Since a heater adds an extra dimension to the use of a portable restroom, the customer must accept several responsibilities for its safe operation. These terms should be agreed to at the time of delivery and should be kept in writing.
• The customer should be held liable for the safe operation of the heating unit. It is rented equipment being used on their job site. Liquids and paper products need to be kept free from the heater during the workday.
• The customer should be responsible for the heater being turned on during the workday and turned off when the unit is not in use, particularly at the end of the workweek.
• The customer should inspect the heating unit and the electrical connections on nonservice days to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.
• If there are any problems, the customer should unplug the heater immediately and contact the PRO.
Restroom blankets
Another consideration to make units more comfortable in winter months is using insulating blankets. These covers surround the unit and maintain a warmer environment inside. There are several variations of the blanket including:
• A plastic blanket that covers the sides of the unit with a zipper for the door and a clear roof that will allow sunlight inside the unit.
• A plastic blanket that covers the entire unit with either a zipper or series of snaps over the unit’s door and that is a solid color.
• A plastic blanket that covers the three walls and roof, leaving the door unprotected but easily accessible for use.
In Manitoba, blankets are required on larger job sites. If your operation is in colder climates, these options may benefit your customer during winter. Blankets can be used with heaters that do not require ventilation.
Extra rental pricing for heaters and unit blankets
We are told milk house heaters will usually last, as most, two winter seasons. Blankets can last for many years. While it is not ethical for us to suggest pricing and it varies from operator to operator and market to market, PROs should keep this in mind and charge for these products accordingly.
Final thoughts
Restroom heaters and blankets can help meet customers’ individual needs and build your profitability. Safety and common sense are the keys to success with this product offering. Your customer needs to work closely with you to appreciate and accept the concept of safety as well.
If your state or municipality requires heaters in units, as does Minnesota, please let us know and we will provide an update in the future.
