Space heaters are a portable and economic means of heating your workplace during the cold winter months. However, if space heaters are used improperly, they can cause fire, electric shock, or produce carbon monoxide (CO) gas, which can be deadly.
According to Fire Prevention Canada, the majority of structure fires occur during winter, when people are more likely to use a space heater.
As an employer, it is vital to ensure the safety of your staff when using space heaters. Having safety guidelines in place will ensure your employees and workplace remain safe.
Make sure the unit has been listed or labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or ETL (Intertek).
Be sure the space heater is not in a high-traffic area or in any area where it may become a tripping hazard.
If using an electric space heater, make sure electrical cords and plugs are not frayed or damaged.
Always plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. The power cord should never be in a walkway.
Avoid using extension cords or power strips, as these could overheat and lead to a fire.
Never leave the space heater unattended.
Employees using the space heater should turn it off when leaving the room and unplug it when they leave for the day.
Keep at least 1 meter of clearance around every space heater and only use them in areas free of flammable liquids and easily ignited or combustible materials.
If you allow the use of fuel-fired space heaters in your workplace, they should be inspected annually by a manufacturer-trained technician.
Follow all manufacturer instructions for proper maintenance and use. Maintenance and inspections should include the following:
All exhaust ducting and flues need to be free of blockage, duct separation, corrosion, holes, and any other visible damage.
Exhaust flow must remain unobstructed.
Inspect all vents and gaskets for blockage, corrosion, leaks, and holes.
Inspect fuel lines and tanks for possible damage, corrosion, or leaks.
Confirm all controls work properly before turning on or igniting your space heater.
Check to make sure all safety features are fully functional: overheating sensors, automatic shutoffs, oxygen depletion (carbon monoxide) sensors, and anti-tip sensors and/or alarms.
If your space heater is beyond repair or no longer meets current safety standards, discard it, and replace it.
Ideally, the best time to inspect your space heater is before the cold winter months set in.
Space heaters are an ideal solution for heating a small area in your workplace. Keep your employees and property safe by following these guidelines and using only space heaters approved by nationally recognized testing laboratories.