In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to ecology and the health of people in the workplace. One of the illegal, and at the same time harmful to health and the environment, heating solutions is the use of used oil for heating workshops. Although at first glance this appears to be a cheap and convenient solution for heating a workshop, it carries serious consequences for both the health of workers and the environment. In this article, we will discuss why the use of used oil for heating is harmful, what the consequences are and what regulations prohibit this type of practice.

What is used oil?

Used oil is used engine or industrial oil that has been generated during the operation of machinery, vehicles or industrial equipment. After prolonged use, the oil loses its lubricating properties and becomes contaminated with heavy metals, combustion products, chemical residues and other substances. Although such oil might appear useful as a fuel for heating cookers and for heating a workshop, its combustion carries serious risks.

Harm to workers' health

When used oil is burnt, numerous harmful substances are released, such as:

• dioxins,
• heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium),
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
• benzenes,
• particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5).

These substances have a very negative impact on the health of people in the vicinity of such heating. Regular exposure to these pollutants can lead to serious health problems such as:

• Respiratory diseases - Inhalation of particulate matter can lead to bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and increase the risk of asthma.
• Heavy metal poisoning - Heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, can accumulate in the body, leading to damage to internal organs, including the liver and kidneys.
• Tumours - long-term exposure to dioxins and PAHs can increase the risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer.

Harmful to the environment

Burning used oil in heating cookers not only endangers people's health, but also has a negative impact on the environment. Pollutants from combustion enter the atmosphere and can then settle on soil, groundwater and vegetation, leading to the degradation of ecosystems.

• Toxin emissions - Substances released during the combustion of used oil, such as dioxins or PAHs, have long-lasting toxic effects and can pollute the environment for years.
• Air pollution - Exhaust fumes containing PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter are dangerous for both human health and the climate. The fine particles can cause smog, which further worsens the air quality in the area.
• Contamination of soil and water - Precipitation contaminated with harmful substances can lead to contamination of groundwater and soil, threatening the biota in the area where the workshop is located.

Regulations prohibiting the use of used oil

In Poland, the burning of used oil is prohibited legal regulations. According to the Waste Act and environmental regulations, used oil must be disposed of properly by specialised companies, and it is illegal to burn it in heating cookers and use it to heat the workshop.

• Waste Act (Journal of Laws 2013 item 21) clearly states that used oil is a hazardous wastewhich must be properly managed and disposed of.
• Regulation of the Minister for the Environment on emission standards (Journal of Laws 2014, item 1546) prohibits the combustion of used oil in heating installations without appropriate filters and technology to reduce emissions of harmful substances.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty financial penalties, as well as exposing the workshop owner to legal liability for damage to the environment and the health of employees.

Alternatives to used oil

Instead of using used oil to heat your workshop, consider legal and ecological heating systemswhich are safe for health and environmentally friendly. Among the most popular solutions are:

• Infrared oil heaters - are efficient, economical and do not emit toxins during operation. Above all, the latest devices of this type are very economical, using small (up to about 0.3-0.5 litres/h) amounts of fuel and yet very efficient.
• Heat pumps - modern equipment that draws energy from the environment, offering high efficiency and low running costs. The problem here is the initial cost associated with the purchase of the equipment and its installation with the entire system.
• Electric heating  - High-powered electric heaters offer rapid heating but can consume large amounts of energy when operating at maximum settings.

Summary

While the use of used oil for heating may appear to be a cost-effective solution, it carries with it a serious risks to workers' health and the environment. The regulations clearly prohibit this type of practice and there are heavy penalties for non-compliance. Instead of risking your health and breaching the regulations, it is worth investing in legal and environmentally friendly heating systems that not only provide thermal comfort but also safety.

Alternative solutions - EMLO oil heaters

Instead of risking the health of your employees and exposing yourself to legal consequences, it is worth investing in a legal and safe heating systems workshops. The ideal solution is EMLO infrared oil heaters, which combine efficiency, low costs and complete safety of use. EMLO heaters are environmentally friendly, emit no toxic substances and meet all legal standards for heating.

EMLO oil-fired heaters They operate on the basis of modern infrared technology, which ensures even heat distribution while consuming significantly less fuel than traditional heating systems. They are ideal as heating for workshops, production halls or warehouses where rapid and efficient heating of the space is important.

Why choose EMLO heaters?

• Ecological heating - EMLO heaters do not emit harmful substances, making them safe for the environment.
• Effectiveness - Fast and even heating of even large areas. Depending on the model, up to 1,400 m3
• Economics - Low fuel consumption (0.3-0.5 l/h) translates into savings in daily operation. Cheap workshop heating helps to reduce costs during the heating season.
• Maintenance-free - EMLO systems are virtually maintenance-free, eliminating the need for frequent service interventions. Warehouse heating This makes it much easier.
• Easy control and safety - The operation of the unit can be controlled via a panel on the casing, a remote control and even an app available for a smartphone or tablet. The heaters are equipped with numerous safety systems including, for example, tilt sensors, shock sensors fuel level alarm.

Using used oil as a means of heating a workshop is not only a serious health and environmental risk, it is also against the law. It is worth betting on safe and legal solutionssuch as EMLO oil heaters, which provide efficient and environmentally friendly heating without risk. Check out the range of heaters on www.emlo.com.pl and invest in the comfort and safety of your workshop!

EMLO oil heaters are innovative heating appliances that combine efficiency with eco-friendly solutions. With advanced combustion technology and the use of renewable fuel sources such as biodiesel, they are the ideal solution for a variety of spaces with large areas, from workshops to storage halls and marquee halls.

Advantages of EMLO oil heaters

1. Energy efficiency
   • EMLO heaters are characterised by low fuel consumption, which translates into savings in heating costs. With continuous heating in an insulated room, the units can consume approx. 0.3-0.5 litres of oil per hour (under optimal operating conditions, i.e. an insulated room, heating up to 15 degrees Celsius and an outdoor temperature of approx. 0 degrees Celsius). Considering the size of the rooms they can heat, these values can be considered very good.
   • A very important advantage is the variety of fuel used. Industrial heaters TERMOFOL are suitable for fuel types such as biodiesel, paraffin, renewable diesel and diesel or red diesel.
2. Ecology
   • The equipment uses biofuels (biodiesel, renewable diesel), which significantly reduces harmful emissions. The combustion process is odourlesswhich eliminates the need for additional fume hoods.
3. Ease of use
   • Oil-fired heaters are mobile and easy to install, requiring no permanent ventilation connections or no additional ventilation hoods. They feature an easy-to-read touchscreen control panel with a display showing the current settings and can be remotely controlled via Wi-Fi for added convenience. Castors are included for easy transport of the unit and optimal positioning, as well as an additional fume hood for mounting on the unit.
4. Silent operation
   • Thanks to an advanced noise dampening system, the heaters operate at a noise level of no more than 48-50 decibels, making them among the quietest on the market. Silent oil heaters improve the comfort of those in the vicinity of the equipment and make their work indoors less burdensome.
5. Versatility of applications
   • Oil-fired heaters industrial TERMOFOL ideal for heating large spaces. It is an effective way to workshop heating, heating of the warehouse or heating of the marquee hall. The ability to regulate the temperature from 0-40°C makes it easy to adjust the temperature to suit current needs.

TERMOFOL EMLO heater models:

• EMLO 13: Designed for smaller spaces requiring heating, such as garages or greenhouses. It will work perfectly as party tent heating, café garden heating, conservatory heating. The heating capacity is 13 kW/h.
• EMLO 16: Best suited to medium-sized rooms. It is the best way to heating for workshops or heating for the warehouse. It has a 50 litre fuel tank and a capacity of 16 kW/h.
• EMLO 20: Ideal for even the largest spaces, with a heating capacity of 20 kW and a 70 litre fuel tank. It is the ideal solution for heating a large warehouse, heating a marquee hall or heating a production hall.

Technology and safety

Oil-fired heaters TERMOFOLs are equipped with numerous safety systems, including tilt sensors, a low fuel alarm and automatic shutdown in the event of a fault. A modern burner with an electric fuel pump ensures efficient and clean combustion.

Application of oil heaters

Workshop heating

• Biodiesel heater is ideal for workshops where constant and efficient temperature control is required. Thanks to its mobility and ease of use, it can be placed anywhere in the workshop, ensuring optimal working conditions. This is the modern solution for efficient workshop heating.

Practical Tips for Use

Optimum Setting

• To ensure even heating, the heater should be placed as centrally as possible in the room. This configuration provides an effective space

Regular Maintenance

• Regular cleaning and servicing of the appliance ensures a long and trouble-free service life. It is also worth monitoring the fuel level to avoid interruptions in heating. Our heaters with large fuel tank do not require frequent refilling. With proper use and adherence to basic operating principles, the industrial heater ensures uninterrupted operation for many years.

Occupational safety

• The heater should stand on a level, firm surface that will give it stability. The unit and especially the front panel must not be covered or shielded. 
• Ensure that all safety systems, such as tilt sensors and fuel level alarms, are fully operational. If there are any abnormalities, contact the technical service immediately. Safety is key when operating industrial heaters, so it's a good idea to have regular maintenance checks.

Industrial heaters - is it worth it?

Heaters in the EMLO series are state-of-the-art units that offer efficient and environmentally friendly heating for a variety of spaces. With their low running costs, ease of use and advanced safety systems, they are the ideal solution for companies looking for efficient heating of workshops, heating of warehouses or heating of event tents. The use of biofuels additionally makes them friendly not only to users' pockets but also to the environment, fitting in with the growing ecological requirements of modern businesses. These devices are an investment that quickly pays for itself, bringing both financial and ecological benefits.

Heating workshops, warehouses or other large spaces becomes simpler and more efficient with TERMOFOL oil heaters. 

Electric heater or oil heater?

Heating a warehouse with an example area of 500m² is a challenge that requires the precise selection of the best heat source. In this article, we compare three popular heating methods: Heating with an electric heater, heating with an infrared heater powered by diesel, fuel oil and biodiesel. When analysing the costs and efficiency of both solutions, we will take into account the same insulation parameters of the hall and the heater powers of 16 kW.

How much does it cost to heat with an electric heater?

Electric heater with power 16 kW consumes electricity, the price of which averages 0.80 PLN/kWh in 2024. At full load, such a heater consumes 16 kWh of energy per hour. This means that the cost of one hour of operation is:

16 kWh x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 12.80 PLN

To heat the hall for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:

12.80 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = 3840 PLN

How much does it cost to heat a warehouse with a diesel heater

A 16 kW diesel-powered infrared heater uses an average of 1.3 litres of oil per hour. The price of diesel in 2024 is on average 7 PLN per litre. The cost of one hour of operation of the heater is:

1.3 l/h x 7 PLN/l = 9.10 PLN

In addition, a diesel-powered infrared heater consumes electricity to power the fan and control electronics. Assuming an electricity consumption of 80 W (0.08 kW), the electricity cost per hour is:

0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN

The total cost per hour of heater operation is therefore:

9.10 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 9.164 PLN

When working for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:

9.164 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = PLN 2749.20

How much does it cost to heat a warehouse with a fuel oil heater

Heating oil is often a cheaper alternative to diesel. The price of heating oil in 2024 is on average PLN 6 per litre. The cost of one hour of heater operation is:

1.3 l/h x 6 PLN/l = 7.80 PLN

In addition, the cost of electricity is:

0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN

The total cost per hour of heater operation is therefore:

7.80 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 7.864 PLN

When working for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:

7.864 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = PLN 2359.20

How much it costs to heat a warehouse with a biodiesel heater

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be a greener option. The price of biodiesel in 2024 is on average PLN 6.50 per litre. The cost of one hour of heater operation is:

1.3 l/h x 6.50 PLN/l = 8.45 PLN

In addition, the cost of electricity is:

0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN

The total cost per hour of heater operation is therefore:

8.45 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 8.514 PLN

When working for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is

8.514 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = 2554.20 PLN

Oil-fired heaters are therefore considerably cheaper to operate than electric heaters of comparable output. It is also important to bear in mind their high energy efficiency estimated at more than 80% achieved thanks to the triple afterburning system. 

The fuel recovery system used in the appliances is not without its impact on savings and fuel consumption. Each time the combustion cycle is extinguished, the system redirects the fuel remaining in the combustion chamber back to the main tank. In the long term, this can result in measurable savings.

Electric heater and oil heater - advantages

In addition to running costs, it is also worth considering the efficiency and comfort of both heaters. Electric heaters have the advantage of being easy to install and require no additional fuel source or flue pipes. They are also quiet in operation and do not emit exhaust fumes.

EMLO oil heater thanks to triple afterburning system is not cumbersome to use, by applied swivel wheels the heater is extremely mobile, large tank capacity eliminates the need for frequent refuelling a The included pump definitely makes the process easier. 

Fuel consumption: 1.3 l/h Tank capacity: 50 litres

50 litres / 1.3 l/h = 38.46 hours

If the heater operates 10 hours a day:

38.46 hours / 10 hours per day = 3,846 days (Assuming continuous work) 

Thanks to the built-in advanced temperature control system, the heater will automatically switch off the heating when the set values are reached, limiting consumption and will switch the heating back on when the temperature drops. 

The Termofol-smart app will allow you to control the fuel level and manage the basic functions of the heater. 

the comfort of an infrared heater fueled by diesel, fuel oil and biodiesel

Infrared heaters powered by diesel, fuel oil and biodiesel have a specific mode of operation that can affect the comfort of the warehouse. They emit heat in the form of infrared radiation, which heats objects and people in the operating range directly. As a result, the heat is felt almost as soon as the unit is switched on, which is beneficial if selected areas of the hall need to be heated quickly. Oil heaters increase the comfort of employees performing their tasks in the warehouse. It is important to remember here that health and safety regulations specifically define the minimum temperature that can prevail on the warehouse floor - you can find out more about this in our post - HERE.

One of the main strengths of infrared heaters is their ability to efficient heating of large, open and poorly insulated spaces. Infrared radiation is not susceptible to draughts, so heat is not lost through air exchange. This means that these heaters can be more effective in halls where doors are frequently opened or where there are other sources of heat loss.