![]() ![]() This is less of a problem if the fire is protected by a glass shield.Īdd some distance: Leave at least a 12-inch-wide nonflammable coping around a fire feature. BLUE BLOCKS IN WITNESS HOW TOThe problem with automatic starters is that the flame height is preset and staff may not be trained in how to modify the flames. It is the responsibility of the key holder to evaluate current weather conditions and adjust the height of the fire accordingly. BLUE BLOCKS IN WITNESS MANUALWith a manual system, the gas flow is controlled by the use of a brass key set into a valve that governs the amount of gas that flows through the line and regulates the height of the fire. BLUE BLOCKS IN WITNESS INSTALLFor indoor and outdoor fireplaces, there is a code requirement for a spark shield, but I am not aware of a code that requires this on outdoor gas burning fire pits.Ĭontrol the fire manually: On both commercial and residential projects, I prefer to install a manual keyed gas valve that is match lit rather than an automatic electronic starter. ![]() A clear shield does not distract from the ambiance or warmth of the fire, but it does limit the wind's influence on the fire, provides a barrier to children's hands, and reduces the possibility of clothing blowing into the range of the flame. By following this advice and using good judgment, you can give your guests all the ambience of an outdoor fire without putting them at risk.Ĭommercial Fire Pit Safety Tips Use a protective shield: Many architects design commercial fire features with a protective glass or Pyrex shield around the feature, with heights ranging from 8 inches to 2 feet. It is because of these added hazards that I came up with this list of tips for keeping commercial fires safely contained. Additionally, commercial fire pits are often placed in proximity to a bar, and guests may be distracted or inebriated. The wind can pick up unexpectedly and blow flames into the flow of traffic or catch a seated guest's clothing on fire. Often the fire pit is left unattended and unprotected from children who might touch the hot coals or toss in flammable material. These same precautions are even more important for fire features in commercial settings, where they are exposed to a larger population. We never leave the burning flame unattended. The flame height is controlled by a manual keyed valve, and we take into consideration the wind and the number and age of our guests when setting the flame height. When in use, the pit is always supervised by a family member, and we all know the safety rules. However, someone’s dress or jacket can easily catch fire if it gets too close to a flame.Īt my own home, I have a large outdoor fire pit that I enjoy often with family and friends. Most of the time a fire pit is being used for entertaining, and people are relaxing and aren’t mindful of the weather. Many people tell me they want a “big fire.” They don’t realize that a fire can blow and move out of the fire pit unexpectedly. The biggest risk I see is that people often overlook the importance of the height of the flame and weather conditions. I was surprised when I did my research to find very little information on how fire pits should be constructed. Why Commercial Fire Pits Pose a Potential Safety RiskWhen I wrote the book Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits (available at ), the intent was to share design ideas. ![]() While I can’t comment on the specifics of these burn victim cases, I can help curtail future accidents by sharing important fire pit safety information with the public. These serious accidents often lead to expensive lawsuits to settle the hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a construction expert witness, I have investigated some incidents where patrons' clothing and hair have caught fire, resulting in months of burn treatments, discomfort, and permanent scarring. I know how potentially dangerous fire features are. If the fire feature is not built or managed correctly, guests can literally get burned, resulting in very serious injuries or worse. What these business owners often overlook is how dangerous outdoor fire pits can be, especially in a public setting. And bar and club owners know that the warm glow of an outdoor fire pit prolongs the cocktail hour, which translates into greater profits. Restaurant owners have learned that patrons don’t mind waiting longer for a table while sitting around a fire. Now they are growing in popularity at hotels, restaurants and bars as a way to create romantic ambiance, provide warmth and light, and encourage conversation and relaxation. Fire Pit Design Options: Compare round, square, rectangular and fire hearth designsįor years, fire pits, fire bowls and fire conversation pits have been popular additions to residential backyards. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |