October 25, 2001

Use Space Heaters the Safe Way, Safety Specialist Says

With the arrival of cooler weather, the region’s residents are dusting off their space heaters. A North Dakota State University safety specialist says a review of your heater’s safety guidelines should be your first step before turning it on.

"There are several safety concerns in regard to the use of space heaters.. Some space heaters are more dangerous to use and require more care in their use than others. Neglecting these special requirements can result in tragic results," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "Review manufacturer’s guidelines for using the heater and review fire safety and escape procedures with your family."

"In addition to fire, some heaters pose a danger from carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide, a deadly, odorless, colorless gas is produced whenever a fuel is burned. Always have a carbon monoxide detector in place whenever a non-electric space heater is used," Maher says.

An adequate supply of combustion air is always a primary requirement for any space heater that burns a fuel. "Oxygen is always consumed when any fuel is burned. That oxygen must always be replaced," Maher says. "It is usually very difficult to supply enough fresh, oxygen laden air for a space heater without losing the heat that is produced. Never depend on infiltration air that seeps in through windows and doors for the ventilation air that is needed for the safe use of a space heater. It just isn’t enough to do the job."

The exterior surfaces of most space heaters get very hot, making them dangerous for toddlers and youngsters who do not completely understand "hot" and "don’t touch," Maher says. "Often they try touching the heater to see if it really is hot, or they challenge what they have been told and get burned while finding out."

Maher notes that those hot surfaces also pose a threat when combined with combustible materials. Keep them far from the heater.

The process of refueling space heaters is dangerous, too. Maher advises that all space heaters should be shut off and allowed to cool down before being refilled with fuel. There is no safe way to pour kerosene into the tank of space heater while it is operating. Just a small splash of kerosene on the hot heater will immediately cause a serious fire.

"Always shut off and cool a propane-fueled space heater before fuel containers are replaced. A glowing hot element in the heater will easily ignite propane vapors," he says.

Most space heaters are taller than they are wide, making them quite easy to tip over. Place them away from traffic patterns where they are likely to be knocked over, Maher says. Kerosene fueled space heaters will then spill their fuel and cause a fire. Propane tanks will not spill, but the surging propane in a tipped tank can cause a dangerous and sudden flare-up in the flame. This flare-up could ignite near-by combustibles or cause burns.

Electric heaters have their dangers too, Maher notes. Well-designed heaters will not allow hot electric elements to contact combustibles if the heater is tipped over. Newer heaters have an automatic shut-off feature to that activates when the heaters are tipped.

"It’s older heaters that pose particular risks," Maher says. "When a space heater is old and used past its time, there is always the possibility of electric shock. Some electric space heaters can cause accidental burns when touched because they may have surfaces that get very hot."

Some consumers use space heaters to warm chilly rooms to save money. "In reality, a few very low-cost home improvements would be safer and more economical," Maher says. "Improve the weather stripping of windows and doors. Windows should be covered with plastic film and doors sealed better with weather stripping before a space heater is used. Even temporary weatherstripping can make a noticeable difference in the comfort of a room or house."

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu