Winter has clearly descended on Minnesota and with is the increased use of space heaters, both at work and at home. Space heaters can be beneficial, but they are also a fire hazard. Here are some tips on how to use these safely.
1. Read the manufacturer’s information and warning labels before using.
2. Do not use space heaters in wet areas ,such as wash bays, bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoors, unless they are specifically designed for those areas.
3. Keep flammable and combustible objects away from space heaters. Do not use them near drapes or curtains, flammable materials (such as solvents, gas) or by trash bins or scrap paper bins.
4. Check the plug. You should check the plug for damage or bent prongs before using the heater. Unplug it at night. Pull the plug out from the wall by securely grasping the plug itself–do not pull from the cord.
5. Keep the heater on a flat, level surface. Don’t place it on top of a chair or other furniture.
6. As with any electrical cord, do not run the cord under carpet, rugs, or doorways.
7. Plug the cord directly into an outlet, not a power strip or extension cord. Space heaters draw a lot of power and could overheat if not plugged directly into the wall outlet.
8. Purchase space heaters with tip-over protection–they will shut off automatically if they tip, reducing the chance of a fire.
If you use a gas or kerosene powered heater make sure you keep it well tuned and have a working carbon monoxide detector.
Please contact the CHESS team if you have any questions about this or other safety issues.