Space heater in garage...safe?

I work in a basement which gets pretty chilly in winter, and for the past three years I've been using a kerosene heater. They are illegal in some states (not here in RI) but it does a good job. It's a somewhat drafty basement, so I get some fresh air infiltration, and I don't do any airbrushing with it on. It works well, has never caused any problems and without it, model building would come to a standstill for several months and . . . and. . . I'd slowly go insane. . .

You could always consider one of those oil filled radiators. Not quite as efficent, but no open heat source.

Thanks for all the input! Sounds like this winter I'll be wearing multiple layers while I'm working. Just safer. Thanks again!

Fort Drum has stopped use of all space heaters, especially gas powered following the death of a number of soldiers At Ft Bragg last year. The fire guard fell asleep due to monoxide posioning, which inturn killed the rest of them in the tent, which is about the same size as your garage.

Just something to think about.

If you are getting a headache or funny taste in your mouth while working in there, turn the thing off and get out.

John,if I was going to use a space heater I would keep it at least 15 to 20 feet away from my work area.This also depends on what type it is,electric or gas.If it is gas at least 25 feet away and that is according to the HAZ-MAT giude book that I use as a driver when I work with hazzardous materals.If it is electric I would get a big one and high it from the rafters by chain.Do this in a corner that is out of the way and let it drop about a foot and a half from the rafters,secured by chains.With this set up you can use a stand up fan which will help curculate the heat and also help with ventilation of the room.Digger

Oh yea, and don't store you paints out there if its getting below 55 degrees for long periods of time, then you warm up the place, then let it get cold again. Large variances in temperature is hard on both acrylics and enamels.

Two things, lots of "space", say three of four feet at least, and second, NO AIRBRUSHING WITH SOLVENTS! You'd look like a McDonalds french fry thats stuck on the fryer basket too long if those vapors cause a flashover.

Now, what I did was let the heater run for a few hours BEFORE I worked, then shut it off to paint. That way you will still have a few hours of toasty without being toasted.


Scott

Ah Ha....a fellow garage dweller! As I live about 300 miles due North of your position and have set up camp in the garage, I know your scenario. I too have considered using a space heater, but I'm worried about blowing myself up by having a igition source so close to my work area. What if I accidentially knocked over a can of paint thinner? BLAMM!!!! I'm BBQ! The thought kinda scares me. [:0]
I think I'm going to wall off and insulate my little corner of the garage and tap into the house's ducting, since my garage is attached to the house. I don't know about space heaters and the mere thought of solvents,.... and I have a lot of them. I try to error towards the side of caution whenever possible.