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Uncle Marvo · 17-10-2006, 02:24 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

In reply to Judith Lea ) who wrote this in
, I, Marvo, say :

In article , Uncle Marvo
writes
Did it have any ventilation? It is important that it does.

I think the window was open a little

It is possible for a build up of paraffin vapour to exist,
especially if it isn't burning properly.

My husband said that perhaps it wasn't burning properly

When the vapour and air mixture reaches a critical point you
wouldn't want to be there.

So what can one do to ensure that this doesn't happen again?

Ventilate it. You should provide an escape route for the vapour. I wouldn't
use a paraffin heater in a greenhouse myself but, if you do, be aware that
the vapour is heavier than air (although when it is hot and leaves the wick,
if there is one, it will initially rise) and it will eventually reach a
level where it finds the source of ignition (the heater itself) and blow
back (ie go bang).

It is a dodgy device and even if fully certified and serviced is a weapon.
Paraffin is what they run commercial jet airliners on (near enough) which
gives you some idea how potent it can be :-)

The heater should be sited nearish the door and there should be sufficient
gap somewhere for it to flow out of, eg under the door itself. This
obviously lets cold in, so ...

I would use a low wattage electric jobbie, like a tube heater or even a
frost protection fan heater with a good thermostat, it doesn't have to be
very powerful. Or even an underfloor element (available from CEF and most
good electrical wholesalers).

Or even bubble wrap.

HTH