Use of Infra Red 2kw heaters in a shopping centre

[Rocha]

Is the use of four infra red short wave 2kw patio heaters situated in clusters of two acceptable for use within a cafe on the ground level of a shopping mall.  Therefore the maximum output (as two are placed adjacent) would be 4kw.

The area of shopping mall is a well ventilated, high ceiling area with smoke control provision, with the heaters used for warming up visitors to the cafe.

The heaters are on stands but above head height and are not in direct contact with any highly combustible materials.

I would appreciate any comments.

Thanks

[Midland Retty]

I wouldn't have thought this would be a particular problem judging on what you have described.

I have seen patio heaters in shopping centres before now.

The biggest concern for me would be someone attempting to interfere with them, so long as they are well secured and not easily tampered with (the shopping centre i referred to had a small palisade fence around it to discourage insensible people from trying to  interfere with it and staff were always nearby) then can't see a major problem.

Hope this helps

[terry martin]

I don't see it being a problem with respect to location.

Are the heaters suitable to be placed adjacent to each other? maybe worth refering to the manufacurers guidance.

[AFD]

What was/is the agreed content/fire load/risk etc. in the design strategy that was put through at building regs. etc.  for the Mall ?Are they expanding or within the calcs and strategy. This 'may' ( also may not) be another case of what went through at B regs is OK,  until you occupy the building - see other thread re - tall building single staircase !

[messy]

At least with the electrical patio heaters you can be sure that the basement of the restaurant/pub isn't filled with spare gas cylinders - a regular problem that I have encountered