It’s getting cold outside, and staying warm indoors is probably on your mind. While staying warm, you want to be sure you have fire prevention safeguards in place in your business. This is especially true with space heater use. Whether you have one or a few space heaters in your business, make sure to keep the following tips in mind for safe operation.
Location of the Space Heater
In order to operate your space heater safely, take note of where it’s located in the commercial building. Portable space heaters should be placed on a hard, level surface. You should set up the space heater on the floor and not on a table or other high surfaces. The space heater should also be positioned three feet away from any type of flammable material.
What to Look for When Buying a Space Heater
When you buy space heaters for your office, there are a few key features to look for in order to pick the safest products. Make sure the space heater you buy has a safety certification label, a smart sensor that shuts off the heater if it overheats, and a tip-over switch that turns off the heater if it falls over. Your heater should also have a sturdy cord attached to it that’s long enough to plug directly into an outlet.
Additional Tips on Using Your Heater Safely
Here are some other tips to keep in mind to use your space heater safely:
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- Never use a power strip or extension cord with your space heater.
- Unplug the space heater when not in use.
- Don’t use a space heater if the cord is worn or frayed.
- Always turn off the space heater before leaving work for the day.
Contact Total Fire Protection to learn more about space heater safety and other fire safety tips!
