Heating a workshop with a used oil furnace - is it worth it?

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!