Safe guidelines for use: Space heaters

Winter is coming, or so whispers that chill of cold air making its way through your office. To keep warm, you may be considering using a portable space heater at your desk.

Before you plug it in, know that portable electric space heaters can present a “major workplace safety hazard,” according to Electrical Safety Foundation International.

“Fires can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles or space heaters that are improperly plugged in,” ESFI says, adding that if an employer doesn’t have a policy banning these devices, it’s important that they establish safe guidelines for their use.

ESFI recommends the following tips regarding the use of a space heater in an office:

• Require employees to obtain approval from a supervisor or facility manager.
• Ensure the device is certified by an independent testing laboratory.
• Position the heater at least 3 feet away from flammable materials such as papers, clothing and rugs.
• Keep heaters out of high-traffic areas, such as doorways, where they can be a tripping hazard.
• Don’t use extension cords or power strips, as these can overheat and start a fire. Instead, plug the device directly into a wall outlet. Refrain from plugging additional devices into the same outlet as the space heater.
• Never leave the heater unattended while in operation. At the end of the workday, unplug the space heater.