Given the recent weather, you may be using portable heaters to warm your workspace. If so, please use the following temporary heating safety tips for the workplace to prevent disaster while keeping warm.
Portable Propane Heater Safety
- DO NOT operate a heater in an unventilated area. Always open a few windows slightly to allow excess accumulation of fumes to escape.
- DO NOT use heaters for cooking or warming/drying your clothing.
- DO NOT use heaters in an area where they can come into contact with combustible materials.
- DO NOT place a heater directly on a plywood floor. Instead, place it on a 4-foot by 4-foot square of fire-resistant drywall or cement board.
- DO be sure heaters are in good condition and operating properly. If a heater is not working, as it should, stop using it immediately, report the problem to a supervisor and ask for a replacement.
- DO keep propane tanks upright, on a firm, level surface that is at least six feet from the heater.
- DO protect all hoses from physical damage and exposure to extreme heat. Don’t run hoses through a non-secured doorway because a closed door will pinch the hose. This will damage the hose, which will make it difficult for gas to flow into the heater. If a hose is run through a window, put a block on the sill to prevent the window from closing and pinching the hose.
Learn more about Propane Heaters.
Portable Electric Heater Safety
- DO NOT touch an electric heater if you are wet and keep the heater away from water, snow, and ice.
- DO NOT try to use electric heaters to dry wet clothes — for example; don’t put your soggy coat or gloves in front of a heater, even for “just a few minutes.”
- DO NOT leave the heater operating while unattended.
- DO NOT plug the heater into an extension cord or power strip, and discontinue use of the heater if you determine the plug or cord, wall outlet, or faceplate is hot.
- DO NOT run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting, because this can lead to cord damage which can cause a fire.
- DO NOT place a heater closer than 3 feet (0.9 m) from any combustible materials, including papers, boxes, plastic bags or vinyl sheeting/tarps, upholstered furniture, drapes/curtains, etc.
- DO place a heater only on a stable, level surface, in a spot where it won’t get kicked, knocked over, or tripped over.
- DO make sure the heater cord plug fits tightly into the electrical outlet; avoid using outlets where the plug feels like a loose fit.
Learn more about Electric Heaters.
Also, see our previous blog posts to make sure you’re safely fueling these heaters along with avoiding common mistakes when using them.