Exploring Open Flames & Safer Alternatives

When it comes to industrial heat tools, you have two options: blow torches or heat guns. While blow torches produce a hot, open flame fueled by gas or a combustive liquid, heat guns emit a stream of hot air and are fueled by electricity. Both tools generate heat but do so in different ways.

Let’s take a closer look at both options to understand why the BAK  XL92HT Air Heater is a safer and more effective alternative to open-flame tools.

The Controversy Surrounding Open Flames

While open flames get hotter than their alternatives, heat guns are safer, better for the environment, and more cost-effective. Take a look below at the top risks of open flames and why the XL92HT Air Heater is a better choice.

Risks and Hazards of Open Flames

• Safety Concerns

Heat tools that use open flames often create sparks, which can cause burns and even ignite a fire. The gas used to power them could also explode if not handled properly. Plus, the fumes these tools produce are bad for your respiratory health.

• Environmental Concerns

Open flames require the use of fossil fuels, which deplete the environment of resources, reduce air quality, and pose other environmental problems.

• Budget Concerns

The cost of gas and labor needed to operate open-flame tools can burden those who use them.

A Safer Alternative: the BAK  XL92HT Air Heater

The XL92HT Air Heater is a safer alternative to open-flame tools for a few key reasons.

• It doesn’t produce any hazardous sparks or harmful fumes
• It uses electricity rather than gas, which reduces gas and labor costs and minimizes pollution
• It’s built with quality, durable materials, making it ideal for commercial roofing, coating, laminating, and plastic welding applications
• It maintains a consistent temperature output
• It can be customized to meet your specific application demands

An Evaluation of Open Flames in Roofing or Construction

Many users choose torches because they heat things quickly and effectively. But this benefit has a downside. The high-temperature, direct flame that torches use can easily burn or melt molds if your movements are too slow.

Plus, the risk of a fire during operation can be high if not properly mitigated. This is primarily because of what’s called “hot works,” which is any action that entails or could produce significant heat, sparks, or flames. In fact, roughly one fire occurred per month during commercial roof projects between 2013 and 2014. Most of these fires were caused by gas-powered torches.

While torches and other open-flame heat tools can be used safely, their risks often outweigh the benefits. That’s why more and more users now prefer electric models like the XL92HT Air Heater.

The Dangers of Roof Fires

Heat tool safety should be taken seriously, especially when completing roofing projects given their close association with fires. The risks of roof fires include but aren’t limited to the following:

• Loss of life
• Risk of injury
• Damage to property
• Delays in construction
• The cost incurred for remedial work
• Increased insurance costs
• Litigation

Debunking Myths About Open-Flame Processes

Many users have the wrong idea about open-flame processes, which keeps them from switching to more cost-effective and user-friendly alternatives. Here are two common misconceptions people have about open-flame processes.

• They’re more cost-effective: Open-flame processes are not the most cost-effective option. One lab that had been using open-flame products powered by fossil fuels (while supervised) for 24 hours a day over a three to five-month period replaced them with the XL92HT Air Heater. After making the switch, the lab started saving on gas, labor, and other operational costs.
• They offer greater temperature control: Open-flame products are either on or off. You can’t adjust the temperature like with heat guns, which limits your control over the device and the heat it produces.

The Importance of Safety and Environmental Responsibility

Prioritizing safety and the environment is important when engaging in industrial heat applications because it allows you to:

• Protect yourself and other workers from burns and other injuries
• Protect your equipment and facility from damage
• Minimize the risk of fires and explosions
• Protect the environment by reducing emissions
• Abide by all OSHA standards

Top 13 Advantages of Electric Heating Tools

Here’s how opting for electric heating tools will benefit you and your business.

• Adjustable for temperature
• Adjustable for airflow
• Cost-effective
• Low maintenance requirements
• Convenient operation
• No naked flame
• Greater precision
• Improved air quality
• Optimal temperature control
• Reduced risk of fires and explosions
• Robust waterproofing performance
• Minimal noise production
• Quick application
• Reduced on-site waste
• Reduced CO2 emissions

Find the Right Heat Tool for Every Application

Electric heat tools are safer, more effective, cheaper to operate, and more sustainable than traditional open-flame tools. Don’t stay stuck in the past; step into the future by opting for an electric alternative like the BAK  XL92HT Air Heater.

Hapco, Inc. is the leading supplier of BAK industrial heat tools. From heat guns and welding machines to generators, we have it all. Contact us today to discuss your heating needs and find a product that’s right for your application.