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Check Your Space Heater Safety Meter

  • Published
  • By Michael Newbury
  • 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Tyndall Fire & Emergency Services
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Welcome to winter! Let's face it, it's cold and you may find your old government facility isn't keeping you warm enough to shed the chills - but that's no reason to burn it down! As temperatures drop outdoors and you take steps to warm your home, please be mindful of the dangers that are associated with the use of space heaters.

The National Fire Protection Association reports home heating remains the second highest cause of fire in homes and 73 percent of home heating fire deaths are attributed to space heaters. A 2005 study showed that U.S. fire departments responded to 62,200 home structure fires that involved heating equipment; resulting in 670 deaths and more than $9 million in property damage. Those statistics define a very good point; space heaters are dangerous if used improperly. If the use of a space heater is a must, be sure to check your space heater's safety meter and follow these tips along with the manufacturers' instructions to ensure safe use.
  • Only use a heater with automatic tip protection. This means that the unit will turn off if knocked over.
  • When selecting a heater, look for one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been determined to meet specific safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide important use and care information to the consumer.
  • Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or the heating element. This will help keep children, pets and clothing away from the heat source.
  • Place heaters at least three feet away from combustible objects such as clothing, bedding, furniture, trash receptacles and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on them and start a fire.
  • Never use extension cords with space heaters. The high amount of current they require could melt the cord and start a fire. If an extension cord is absolutely necessary, ensure that the cord is marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater. Keep the cord stretched out and out from under rugs and carpeting.
  • Place the heater on a non-combustible surface; avoid placement on carpets or rugs.
  • Turn off and unplug space heaters when you leave the room.
The use of space heaters in government facilities is governed by AFOSH 91-501 and locally by TAFBI 32-2001, and TAFBI 32-1003. Specifically, their use is prohibited except under circumstances where the installed heating, ventilating and air conditioning system is unable to maintain certain temperatures in the facility. (Consult TAFBI 32-1003 for further details.) When used, AFOSH 91-501 requires that space heaters are equipped with automatic tip protection and have an overheat protection device and automatic thermostat control. Space heaters shall be plugged directly into wall outlets and not into surge strips of extension cords. AFOSH 91-501also states that the use of space heaters must be in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications and have the concurrence of the base energy awareness manager. (Contact the base energy awareness manager, Mr. Jonathan Caldwell at 3-9197 for details.) If you have questions about the safe use of space heaters, please call the fire prevention office at 283-2909.