Cold weather can make site work harder than it needs to be. Lower temperatures, damp conditions and shorter days affect comfort, productivity and safety. When people are cold, their hands slow down, mistakes creep in, and breaks don’t do the job.
The good news: you don’t need to overheat spaces or hire a kit you won’t use. With the right heaters in the right places, you can keep teams comfortable, protect materials, and keep the job moving.
In this guide, we’ll share straightforward tips for winter warmth on site - how to choose the right heater, where to put it, and simple ways to get more out of your setup.
Why Comfort Matters in Cold Weather
Comfort isn’t a nice‑to‑have in winter - it’s a safety and productivity issue. Cold conditions slow reaction times, reduce dexterity and increase the risk of errors and accidents. Jobs take longer, morale dips, and downtime rises.
Sort comfort early and you’ll work more consistently. Heating helps a lot - so long as the heater suits the space and how it’s used.
Which Heater Is Right?
Electric Heaters: Clean, Simple Heat Indoors
Electric heaters are spot‑on for enclosed spaces like site offices, welfare units and small rooms. They give clean, dry heat without fumes and are simple to set up, just match the output to the room.
What we offer:
Quick guide:
- 2–3 kW: small rooms and offices
- 9–18 kW: larger indoor areas and workshops
Gas Heaters: High Output for Outdoor or Semi‑Covered Areas
No power on site or need more punch? Gas heaters are portable, cost‑effective and great for outdoor or semi‑enclosed work areas.
Our range:
Safety note: Always allow for ventilation and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Placement and Use: Getting the Best from Your Heaters
Where to Put Heaters
Good placement reduces cold spots and improves safety. Aim for free airflow and heat where people actually are.
Tips:
- Keep heaters in open areas with clear airflow - don’t block them with materials or equipment.
- Focus on active work zones first.
- Warm entrances and busy routes to cut cold air coming in.
- Heat break areas properly so people can warm up and recover.
Pair Heating with Moisture Control
Heating alone won’t fix damp. Teaming heaters with dehumidifiers cuts condensation, dries spaces faster and helps protect materials. It also makes the place feel warmer at lower settings.
Ventilation and Safety
Ventilation is essential, especially with gas heaters. Guard hot surfaces, keep people and materials at a safe distance, and plan your layout so heaters can’t be knocked over.
Remember:
- Ventilate enclosed or semi‑enclosed spaces.
- Use guards where heaters sit in busy areas.
- Keep clear safety zones around heaters and fuel.
Comfort Beyond Heaters
Small changes make a big difference in winter.
- Warm Break Areas: Provide a sheltered, heated space so breaks actually warm people up.
- Clothing and PPE: Encourage layers - especially for longer outdoor tasks.
- Improve Your Setup: Seal temporary entrances and joints, use windbreaks, and draught‑proof where you can to keep heat in.
Staying Warm Without Wasting Budget
Short‑Term vs Long‑Term Hire
Hiring gives you flexibility when the cold hits. Take what you need for as long as you need; no long‑term commitment, no storage worries.
We can arrange short‑term hires for weather snaps or longer hires for winter‑long projects.
Use Heat Efficiently
Don’t try to warm the whole site. Heat occupied areas, close off unused spaces, and reduce draughts. Pair heaters with dehumidifiers and a bit of insulation to get more from every kilowatt.
Safety First
Safety comes first, for your team, visitors and the site.
At PSM Plant Hire, all heaters are regularly maintained and checked before they leave the depot. We only send out equipment we trust.
Your quick safety checklist:
• Keep combustibles away from heaters.
• Store and handle gas cylinders correctly.
• Ventilate any enclosed space - especially with gas.
• Follow supplier guidance and site risk assessments.
• Use CO detectors where appropriate; never run gas heaters without ventilation.
Get Winter‑Ready with the Right Heating
Pick the right heater, place it well, and pair it with simple site measures - that’s how you keep people comfortable and jobs on track through winter without overspending.
Want a hand choosing the right kit for your space? Give the team at PSM Plant Hire a call on 020 8850 5658 or contact us here. We’ll help you get set up quickly with the right heaters for your site across London and Kent.