General Contractor Practice Exam

How far must temporary heaters be located from combustible tarpaulins or coverings?

1. 5 feet

2. 8 feet

3. 10 feet

4. 12 feet

The correct answer is: 10 feet

Temporary heaters must be positioned at least 10 feet away from combustible materials such as tarpaulins or coverings. This distance is crucial because it helps prevent potential fire hazards. Heaters generate heat and, without proper spacing, the risk of igniting combustible materials increases significantly. The 10-foot requirement is based on safety standards that recognize that combustible materials can easily catch fire if they are exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods. By maintaining this distance, it is possible to minimize risk, ensuring that the environment remains safe for construction and other activities where temporary heating is employed. Choosing a greater distance, like 12 feet, could be considered overly cautious in certain contexts, while shorter distances, such as 5 or 8 feet, would not provide sufficient protection against potential fire hazards posed by the heat generated from the heaters.