What You Should Know About Using Heat Lamps

Just as their name would indicate heat lamps are used to heat things. That includes keeping baby animals warm such as in chic brooders, in reptile tanks, in a variety of equipment, and to keep people warm too. Here's what you should know about using heat lamps.

Infrared heat lamps come are available in gas and electric. The gas lamps are used mostly in commercial venues like warehouses, while the electric are commonly used in homes. Today there are many different types of heat lamps other than infrared. There are several different types of bulbs being used and a wide selection of colors.

They use low amounts of energy and can produce heat very quickly making them a viable option for many settings. These lamps produce an intense amount of heat so they need to be placed at least 10 feet away from the source that needs to be heated.

If you are using a heat lamp on your person you should limit your exposure to no more than 30 minutes. Place the lamp at a distance that feels comfortable to your skin and it should never be any closer than 15 inches from your skins surface. Heat lamps produce enough heat that they can cause burns so use caution.

You should never use a heat lamp near an infant or young child. Nor should you use it near a sleeping person. Do not use if you have poor blood circulation or sensitive skin. Do not use longer than what the manufacturer's instructions indicate and do not use without consulting your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

The purpose of the lamp when used by humans is to warm them. It may be used as a simple heating device or to assist in the reduction of pain, especially with arthritis. The biggest hazards are to the skin and eyes. Because of the intense heat burns can occur very quickly. But if you're paying attention you'll notice it right away because your skin will turn a violet color. If you see this you need to stop using the lamp otherwise severe burns will occur.

You also need to protect your eyes from the short wave infrared radiation. Long term exposure could permanently damage your eyes. Welders and glass blowers often suffer from depigmentation of the iris or glass blowers' cataract's because of the long term exposure. You need to wear special goggles that are designed to protect your eyes.

Because of the amount of radiant heat these lamps generate you should never use them near material that is combustible or has the potential to be combustible. Remember these lamps can quickly have a drying action on items in their vicinity.

Shattering is another potential problem because of the amount of heat and the amount of pressure the bulbs are under. Always make sure you are protected from such an occasion. Use shields, enclosures, screens, or lenses.

Heat lamps are a useful piece of equipment just as long as you use them safely.

Joanne is an author of Decorz.com. If you're looking for more lighting decor ideas for your home visit http://www.decorz.com.

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Title:	What You Should Know About Using Heat Lamps
Author:	Joanne Dorin
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What You Should Know About Using Heat Lamps