As winter approaches, many workplaces turn to electric space heaters to maintain comfort in areas that lack central heating or during temporary work situations such as construction sites.
While space heaters offer a convenient and effective way to warm up your office or worksite, they can pose significant safety risks if not used properly.
From fire hazards to trip risks, it’s essential to understand how to use these devices safely and efficiently.
At Sussex Facilities Management, we are committed to keeping your workplace safe and secure, particularly during the colder months when electric heaters are in greater demand.
This guide will cover key safety tips to minimise the risks of using electric space heaters and ensure a warm, safe work environment.
1. Plug Heaters Directly into the Mains: Avoid Extension Leads
One of the most common mistakes made when using electric space heaters is plugging them into extension cords.
While this might seem convenient, it’s a major safety hazard. Space heaters consume significant electricity; most extension leads aren’t rated to handle that power level.
This can cause the cords to overheat, posing a severe fire risk.
According to the Electrical Safety First guidelines, overloading extension leads is one of the most common causes of electrical fires in the workplace.
When using a space heater, always plug it directly into the wall outlet to avoid this risk. If you must use an extension lead, ensure it’s rated for heavy-duty appliances and don’t overload it by plugging in multiple devices.
2. Keep Heaters Clear of Combustible Materials
Another critical safety tip is protecting the space heater from combustible materials like paper, curtains, or furniture.
Space heaters can get extremely hot, especially if they run for long periods, and any flammable materials in proximity could ignite.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends maintaining at least a three-foot (one-meter) clearance around any space heater.
This precaution helps prevent accidental fires and keeps the environment safe for your employees.
Be particularly cautious with materials like paper, clothing, and liquids, which are highly flammable.
3. Choose Heaters with Overheat Protection and Thermostats
When selecting a space heater for your office or worksite, it’s essential to choose models with built-in overheat protection and thermostats.
While many space heaters include standard thermostats to regulate the temperature in a room, overheat protection is an added feature that automatically shuts the heater off if it becomes too hot.
This functionality significantly reduces the risk of overheating, which is one of the leading causes of heater-related fires.
Sussex Facilities Management always recommends choosing heaters with multiple safety features, including tip-over switches, which shut off the heater if it gets knocked over.
4. Position the Heater Safely to Avoid Trip Hazards
Workplace accidents often occur when employees trip over cords or equipment. With their long electrical cords, space heaters can create potential trip hazards, especially in high-traffic areas.
Make sure to place heaters away from walkways, ensuring they don’t obstruct paths or pose risks to employees moving around the office.
Additionally, be mindful of where the cord is placed. Running a heater cord across a floor can lead to trips or accidental disconnections, which could not only interrupt the heating but also create further hazards.
Securing cords and positioning heaters in corners or under desks, where they won’t obstruct movement, is a smart way to mitigate these risks.
5. Regular Inspections and PAT/EET Testing
Ensuring that your space heaters are in good working condition is crucial to maintaining safety. Heaters that are old, damaged, or have frayed cords can be a ticking time bomb for electrical fires.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that portable electrical appliances, such as space heaters, are regularly inspected and tested for safety.
Portable appliance testing (PAT) (replaced with EETs, an acronym for Electrical Equipment Testing) is critical to ensuring that your heaters and other equipment function correctly and are safe to use.
At Sussex Facilities Management, we offer PAT testing services to help businesses comply with safety regulations. Regular testing and maintenance will ensure that your space heaters, cords, and plugs remain in optimal condition and reduce the risk of electrical malfunctions.
Preventing Overheating and Fire Hazards
With the above safety tips, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of fire hazards caused by electric space heaters.
In addition to proper usage, ensure that heaters are turned off when not in use and never left unattended.
Educating employees on appropriate heater use is as vital as implementing safety protocols. Ensure everyone in the office understands the best practices for positioning heaters, preventing overheating, and avoiding trip hazards.
The Role of Sussex Facilities Management in Keeping Your Workplace Safe
At Sussex Facilities Management, we have extensive experience in ensuring the safety of workplaces during the colder months. Whether you’re looking to safely integrate space heaters into your office or need guidance on general workplace safety, we are here to help.
We provide businesses with a range of services, including:
- PAT/EET testing to ensure that all electrical equipment, including space heaters, meets safety regulations.
- Routine safety inspections to assess the risk of fire hazards and provide recommendations on how to mitigate them.
- Emergency response for electrical issues ensures that dangerous situations are resolved quickly and effectively.
By working with a professional facilities management company, you can reduce the stress of managing safety protocols and rest easy knowing that your business is fully protected.
Conclusion: Stay Warm and Safe This Winter
While electric space heaters are an effective way to keep your office warm during the winter, they also come with significant safety risks if not handled properly.
You can ensure a warm, safe, and hazard-free workplace by following these essential safety tips—such as plugging heaters directly into the mains, maintaining a safe distance from combustible materials, and ensuring regular PAT/EET testing.
At Sussex Facilities Management, we’re here to help businesses navigate the complexities of workplace safety and compliance. Whether you need advice on space heater safety or comprehensive maintenance services, contact us today at 01444 812 171 to discuss how we can assist you.
We’re here to help everyone stay safe with electric space heaters in the workplace.