Space Heaters 
As the colder weather is moving rapidly upon us, a lot of us begin
using portable heaters to keep warm. Here are some items to consider:
NOTICE: IF YOU ARE IN A STATE OF MAINE OWNED
BUILDING OR A BUILDING LEASED TO THE STATE OF MAINE, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED
TO USE ANY TYPE OF PORTABLE HEATER WITHOUT THE EXPLICIT APPROVAL OF
YOUR SUPERVISOR AND THE BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT.
If you are not in a State of Maine owned or leased building or have
been given permission to use a portable heater by your supervisor and
building superintendent you may find the following suggestions helpful.
- Heaters should always be carefully checked before using them and
monitored constantly while in use. Never leave a heater running unattended.
- Does your heater have an automatic shut off feature if it falls
over? If it does not then DO NOT USE IT.
- Use heaters only on the floor. Never place heaters on furniture
because they could fall and be damaged and that could result in a
fire or shock hazard.
- Never place a heater where surrounding items could fall on or land
against the heater because a fire or heat damage could occur to the
heater or surroundings.
- Keep heaters away from wet or moist places, such as bathrooms, because
corrosion or water damage to the heater may lead to a shock or even
a fire hazard.
- Keep heater electrical cords out from under rugs or carpets. Placing
anything on top of the cord could cause the cord to overheat and cause
a fire.
- Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely necessary.
Keep in mind that using a light-duty, household extension cord with
high-wattage heater can easily start a fire. If you must use an extension
cord, it should be a heavy duty cord like those made for air conditioners
or one properly rated for the heater and the heater should be the
only device plugged into the extension cord.
- Be sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet. A loose plug can overheat.
Have a qualified repairman replace any worn-out plugs or outlets.
- Many electrical heaters draw lots of power and the cord and plug
may feel warm. If the plug feels hot, unplug the heater and have a
qualified repairman check the heater for problems. If the heater and
its plug are found to be working properly then have the outlet checked
and replaced if necessary. Using a heater with a hot cord or plug
could start a fire.
- If a heater is used on an outlet protected by a ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI) and the GFCI trips, stop using the heater and have
it checked, even if it seems to be working properly.
Repairing broken heaters is not a do-it-yourself type job. Always
have heaters checked and repaired by qualified appliance service center
technicians.
More information about electrical space heaters can be found on the
internet at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/098.html
