Stay Warm & Safe: Essential Portable Space Heater Tips

Temporary heating devices are a potential ignition source that must be kept a safe distance from flammable and combustible materials like chemicals, wood, paper—and even tarpaulins used to cover the heater.

3 Reasons to Pay Attention

Portable space heaters are a leading cause of:

  1. Fires;
  2. Explosions; and
  3. Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

 3 Types of Portable Space Heaters

  1. Kerosene Heaters
  • Largest and heaviest type.
  • Use fuel grade kerosene.
  • Not regulated by a thermostat.
  • May require use of outside ventilation source to prevent buildup of combustible vapours.
  1. Electric Heaters  
  • Lighter, cleaner, and quieter than kerosene heaters.
  • Function like an old-style radiator.
  • Typically have a thermostat, allowing you to control temperature.
  • Electric supply and flow potential source of ignition—although most models include automatic shutoff in case of electrical surge or tip-over.
  1. Forced Air Heaters
  • Lightest kind of portable heater.
  • Can run on electric or liquid fuel.
  • Have thermostat allowing you to control temperature.
  • Generally most effective in heating a space quickly.
  • Often also used as fans in hot weather.

8 Portable Space Heaters Do’s and Don’ts

There are 8 things to do/not do when using portable space heaters at work (whether that means in office or at home):

  • DO make sure you keep the heater at least 3 feet away from chemicals and other combustible items.
  • DON’T use a portable space heater without first getting your supervisor’s permission (if applicable).
  • DO make sure the space heater you use has a label indicating that it’s been tested by a testing lab like the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL).
  • DON’T use a light-duty extension cord or multi-outlet strip/surge protector with a high wattage electric heater—it might start a fire.
  • DO keep electric heaters plugged directly into the outlet.
  • DON’T place electric heaters in enclosed spaces like bathrooms (unless you get a supervisor’s permission if applicable).
  • DO ensure that electric heaters are grounded with a 3-pronged plug.
  • DON’T run the power or extension cord across the floor so that it becomes a tripping hazard.