Space Heater safety Tips
Space Heaters are associated with 21,800 Fires
and 300 Deaths Annually.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As fire departments across the country battle winter home
fires, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds consumers to
demonstrate care when purchasing and using space heaters.
CPSC estimates that space heaters, including both fixed and portable heaters,
are associated with about 21,800 residential fires every year. About 300 people
die each year in fires started by these heaters. Fuel-burning space heaters also
can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and indoor air pollution, because of
improper venting or incomplete combustion.
Acording to RI state fire code, In apartment houses, it is ellegal to use unvented kerosene
space heaters.
Electrical space heaters are allowed but should be used
properly.
Here are some tips:
Portable electric heaters manufactured after 1991 include many new
performance requirements to enhance safety. For portable electric
heaters that may present a fire hazard when tipped over, a tip-over
switch will turn the heater off until it is turned upright again. New
heaters also include indicator lights to let users know that the heater
is plugged in or is turned on. Some manufacturers have included
technically innovative safety controls such as infrared or proximity
sensors, which can turn a heater off when objects come too close, or
when children or pets are near. These kinds of controls may prevent burn
injuries to children who might play too near a heater, or reduce the
risk of ignition of combustible materials that could contact the heater.
- Use heaters on the floor. Never place heaters on
furniture, since they may fall, dislodging or breaking parts in the
heater, which could result in a fire or shock hazard.
- Unless certified for that purpose, do not use
heaters in wet or moist places, such as bathrooms; corrosion or other
damage to parts in the heater may lead to a fire or shock hazard.
- Do not hide cords under rugs or carpets. Placing
anything on top of the cord could cause the cord to overheat, and can
cause a fire.
- Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely
necessary. Using a light-duty, household extension cord with
high-wattage appliances can start a fire. If you must use an extension
cord, it must be marked #14 or #12 A WG; this tells the thickness or
gauge of the wire in the cord. (The smaller the number, the greater
the thickness of the wire.) For example, a cord sold as an air
conditioner extension cord will have these heavy wires. Do not use a
cord marked #16 or #18 AWG. Only use extension cords bearing the label
of an independent testing laboratory such a U.L. or E.T.L.
- Be sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet. Since a
loose plug can overheat, have a qualified repairman replace the
worn-out plug or outlet. Since heaters draw lots of power, the cord
and plug may feel warm. If the plug feels hot, unplug the heater and
have a qualified repairman check for problems. If the heater and its
plug are found to be working properly, have the outlet replaced. 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, do not
assume the GFCI is broken. Because GFCIs protect the location where
leakage currents can cause a severe shock, stop using the heater and
have it checked, even it if seems to be working properly.
- Broken heaters should be checked and repaired by a
qualified appliance service center. Do not attempt to repair, adjust
or replace parts in the heater yourself.
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Consumers who would like more
information can receive a free CPSC
booklet, "What You Should Know about Space Heaters," by placing a
request at www.cpsc.gov or by sending a
postcard to: "Space Heater
Booklet," U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C.
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20207.