GR Fire Department Shares Safety Tips For Businesses' Outdoor Seating

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – As winter approaches and businesses find new ways to continue serving patrons, the Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) is advising local business owners on safe ways to keep customers warm when heating temporary structures. Alternative heating sources such as space heaters can lead to fires and other unsafe conditions when not placed and used properly, so the GRFD encourages businesses to follow heating device manufacturers’ guidelines. It also stresses that businesses must first pass an inspection prior to operation in order to ensure a safe environment. To seek an inspection, contact your fire inspector or call the GRFD at 616.456.3900.

“We recognize that our local businesses need to adapt to cold weather and snow to continue serving their customers through the Michigan winter,” says Fire Marshal Eric Dokter. “We want to ensure that they can still operate while maintaining the highest level of safety for their guests and staff.”

If a business wants to add a canopy, tent, or structure to its social zone, it should contact the Office of Special Events for information about the permit process.

The GRFD Fire Prevention Division offers the following information for businesses in need of sheltering their patrons during service activities:

• Electric heaters are acceptable in temporary structures but need to meet the required clearances to combustible material. Refer to manufacturers’ guidelines on clearance requirements. Typically three feet from the front of the heater to any combustible material is the norm. Electrical permits are required if circuits/receptacles are added. Electrical extension cords are permissible provided there is only one appliance being powered by a single cord. Extension cords must be rated for proper use and not run through walls or under doors to supply the device. The GRFD recommends infrared-type heaters for use with the public.
• Gas-fired heaters that are ducted into temporary structures are recommended and will require permits from the Fire Prevention Division. Business operators should contact a fire inspector for inspection requirements.
• Depending on the type of temporary gas-fueled heating appliances needed and fuel supply configuration, an inspection from the Grand Rapids Fire Prevention and Grand Rapids Building Department may be required. Business operators should check with the community development center at 616-456-4100 for information about gas supply requirements.
• Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances are prohibited in the following locations:
  • Inside any occupancy where it is connected to a fuel gas container.
  • Inside tents, canopies and membrane structures.
• Portable outdoor gas-fired heaters must also be located at least five feet from buildings. They shall not be located beneath or closer than five feet to combustible overhangs, awnings, sunshades or similar combustible attachments to buildings.
• Garden Igloo structures have become a popular means to shelter patrons. Business operators must provide the necessary documentation to the Fire Prevention Division proving the correct flame/smoke rating requirements before approval and use.
• All portable heating devices must be listed by a recognized testing authority – such as Underwriters Laboratory – for use.
• Access to fire hydrants and fire department connections for sprinkler systems shall not be obstructed.
• All exits must have clear access to a public way and shall not be obstructed.

For more information on fire codes and ordinances, visit the Grand Rapids Fire Department website HERE.

This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.