Office of Environmental Health, Occupational Safety & Emergency Management
ELECTRIC HEATER SAFETY
Whether purchased by the University or the personal property of the user, two issues affect the use of space
heaters in campus buildings — fire safety and energy efficiency. The efficient use of energy by the University is
important, and electric space heaters are a very costly means of heating. If a member of the campus community
feels that a space heater is necessary for adequate warmth, this may indicate that the building heating system
needs to be adjusted or repaired. Policy 5603 allows the use of portable electric space heaters in faculty and
administrative offices during times when the temperature in an office drops below 68 degrees F. The use of
portable space heaters is strictly prohibited in University residence halls. Space heaters are a potential source
of fire if not used properly. The Office of Environmental Health, Occupational Safety and Emergency
Management strongly discourage their use in all University buildings, guidelines have been established to reduce
the risks associated with these devices. The requirements listed below, applicable code requirements, and
manufacturers’ recommendations must be followed to maintain a safe worker environment and to protect
property.
Conditions for use
 Departments seeking to use a portable electric heater must obtain the prior approval of the Environmental
Health and Safety Officer.
 Allowed in spaces where the temperature is greater than 68 degrees if required by their doctor.
 The heater must have
o a Multi-Directional Emergency Tip-Over protection switch,
o a Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label of approval (Listed UL 1278),
o an thermostatically controlled heater,
o a Three Prong Plug,
o a Guard Around the Heating Element,
o a Shut-off timer that turns the unit off after 12 – 18 hours of use, and
o Space heaters should be rated not to exceed 120 Volts, 12.5 Amps, 60 Hz, 1500 Watts (5200 BTU’s).
 Users should read and follow manufacturers’ operating instructions.
 Heaters must not be used in areas where combustible atmospheres (flammable gasses or vapors) may be
present.
 Heaters must not be used in wet areas or areas likely to become wet.
 Heaters must be unplugged at the end of the day or shift as an added precaution against malfunction or
overheating.
 Use of extension cords with electric space heaters is prohibited. The unit must plug directly into an approved
outlet.
 The Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Section 605.10 (2009 Version) requires 3 feet of space between the heater
and combustible items, e.g. file cabinets, desks, trash-cans, paper boxes. Nothing may be placed on, over, above,
or around a space heater
Version - October 2013
Use safely and avoid heat buildup
 Heaters must be inspected daily by the user. Those unit having missing guards, control knobs, feet, etc. must be
taken out of service immediately.
 Do not use portable space heaters if small children are present or expected in the area.
 Consider alternatives such as heated floor mats and footrest that require less energy. Approval still required.
Procedure
 Prior to using any portable space heater, a Space Heater Usage Request form must be submitted to EHS&EM.
 EHS&EM Office will request review and approval from Facilities Department:
o Energy Management / HVAC Department.
o Electrical Department
 EHS&EM Office will verify the heater information for any recalls, non-compliance to the above conditions,
documentation to any exceptions, and the recording of the model/serial numbers in an electronic file.
References:
 Mats and Footrest: http://www.floormat.com/heated-mats/index.html
 Mats and Footrest: http://www.cozyproducts.com/cozy-toes-products-94.php?page_id=57
 UL Safety: http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/corporate/newsroom/storyideas/homeheating/spaceheater
Version - October 2013
Space Heater Usage Request Form
I hereby attest that I have read, reviewed, and fully understand the Longwood University Policy # 5603 regarding the Use
of Portable Electric Space Heaters. I further agree to comply with all parts and aspects of said policy and the above
guidelines.
Requester’s Name (please type):
( Last,
Longwood E-mail:
First,
Middle Initial)
@longwood.edu
Location of Intended Use: Building
Telephone:
Room #
Space Heater Information:
Make/Model
Serial #
Power required (wattage)
Signature (electronic):
This Section to be completed by the following:
Energy / HVAC
Representative
Date:
Approved:
EHS&EM Representative:
Date:
Approved:
Electrical Representative:
Yes
No
Date:
Approved:
Comments:
Yes
No
Forms should be sent to:
Office of Environmental Health, Occupational Safety, and Emergency Management
Longwood University
201 High Street
106 Iler Hall
Farmville, Virginia 23909
Phone: (434)395-2940
Version - October 2013
Yes
No