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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
SAFETY
Wood-burning evaporators are very powerful pieces of equipment. They can be
dangerous if the operator does not follow the recommendations in this guide. Always
wear heat-proof gloves and clothing when operating an evaporator. Visitors must also be
informed of potential hazards and should keep a reasonable distance from production
equipment at all times.
Wood-burning evaporators run on solid fuel and produce intense heat that could cause
serious burns, both when the door is open and when it is closed. Some metal components
can also be hot enough to create flash burns, mainly around the door, pans, and stacks.
Operators must also watch out for boiling syrup splashes and steam backflow, as they
may cause burns.
The evaporator should be installed on a fireproof surface that can bear the weight of the
equipment and its contents. It should have at least 24 inches of clearance on all sides. If
you need to place the evaporator closer to a wall, install a heat-resistant coating on that
wall. Make sure that the stacks are not blocked by roof trusses. Correctly sized jacks must
be installed for any stacks that run through the roof. We also recommend that the ceiling
of the cabin be high enough to allow you to safely lift the hoods (if applicable) with a cable
and pulley system.
IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company to
make sure that the evaporator is installed according to their safety rules, as different
companies have different requirements.
