Space heater: A space heater is a self-contained device for heating an enclosed area.<\/p>\n
Scope<\/strong><\/p>\n This guidance applies to the use of portable space heaters in indoor settings (offices, workshops, etc.) within Universities of Wisconsin buildings or other buildings used by Universities of Wisconsin employees.<\/p>\n This guidance is meant to outline the minimum requirements for the use of portable indoor space heaters. Individual Universities of Wisconsin campuses may use a campus-specific policy or procedure that meets the minimum requirement of this procedure, and may set more stringent requirements.<\/p>\n The local fire inspector may further restrict use of portable indoor space heaters per local fire code or ordinance.<\/p>\n This guidance does NOT apply to the following:<\/p>\n \u2022 The temporary use of portable heaters for construction, outdoor settings, or industrial\/research support applications is outside the scope of these procedures. Use in these circumstances should be governed by the work hazard planning process in place at the campus. Limited use approval<\/strong><\/p>\n Appropriate adjustment of the building heating system should always be the preferred option for meeting the heating needs for employees, students and guests in Universities of Wisconsin buildings. When this is infeasible, campuses shall have the authority to approve the use of certain space heaters in limited situations, such as where target temperatures cannot be maintained, for specific health needs, or for other extenuating circumstances. Under limited use approval, the selection and use of the space heater should follow the criteria in the Safety and use requirements for space heaters section<\/em>, below.<\/p>\n Target temperature not maintained<\/strong><\/p>\n If the central building heat system is unable to maintain a target work temperature, it may be determined that it is necessary to allow a space heater for temporary, supplemental heat until the comfort concern can be permanently resolved.<\/p>\n Specific health needs<\/strong><\/p>\n The reason for the exemption should be documented. For example, if there is a medical reason, a document from a medical provider should be provided.<\/p>\n Other extenuating circumstances<\/strong><\/p>\n The campus should designate a person or department with the authority to handle other circumstances that may require the temporary use of portable indoor space heaters.<\/p>\n Safety and use requirements for space heaters\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n It is essential to ensure the safe and responsible use of the portable space heater in order to reduce the risk of fire. In the event an exemption is granted, only space heaters meeting the following criteria are permitted:<\/p>\n Product design<\/strong><\/p>\n Electrically powered<\/em><\/p>\n \u2022 The heater must be electrically powered and designated as approved with a nationally recognized testing laboratory mark [common marks include Underwriters Laboratories\u00a0(UL)\u00a0or FM Global Technologies (FM)]. Other nationally recognized testing laboratories may certify these products; see https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/dts\/otpca\/nrtl\/nrtlmrk.html<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n \u2022 Liquid-fuel (propane, kerosene) space heaters are not permitted.<\/p>\n Thermostat<\/em><\/p>\n \u2022 The space heater must have a thermostat for heat regulation. Tip-over protection<\/em><\/p>\n \u2022 Space heaters must have a tip-over shutdown feature. If the heater is knocked over, the unit must automatically shut off.<\/p>\n Overheat protection<\/em> Operating requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n Approved space heaters may be used only if the following conditions are met:<\/p>\n Placement<\/em><\/p>\n \u2022 The heater may only be located on the floor. Heaters located on filing cabinets, tables, desks or other surfaces are more susceptible to being knocked over, resulting in accidents or fires. Check for\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n \u2022 Inspect the heater for broken or damaged parts. Never operate a heater you suspect is damaged. Power cord<\/em><\/p>\n \u2022 Heaters must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle. Use of extension cords or power strips is not allowed. Electric cords must be kept out of foot traffic paths to prevent tripping. Other<\/em><\/p>\n \u2022 The heater must be turned off any time the room or area being heated is unoccupied, especially at the end of the workday.<\/p>\n Other applicable procedures<\/strong> \u2022 Work area target temperatures are dictated by winter thermostat settings (68\u00b0F while open for business, 60\u00b0F during unoccupied hours) References for this policy<\/strong><\/p>\n UW-Milwaukee: Use of Space Heaters<\/a> Universities of Wisconsin buildings are operated under the Universities of Wisconsin and State of Wisconsin policies and procedures. The use of indoor space heaters is limited due to risk of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":0,"parent":4,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-200","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/200","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=200"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/200\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1834,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/200\/revisions\/1834"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n\u2022 Non-portable area heaters that are wired or plumbed into the building utilities by the campus facilities department or included in building construction are not covered under these procedures.
\n\u2022 Heated footrests or heated floor mats of 200W or lower power are not considered space heaters under these procedures.<\/p>\n![\"spaceheaters](\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2014\/10\/spaceheaters-image-UL.png\")
<\/a> ![\"space](\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/risk-management\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2014\/10\/space-heaters-image-FM.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Heaters without thermostats\u00a0(e.g., simple “on\/off” or “high\/low” switches)\u00a0are\u00a0not\u00a0permitted.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Space heaters must have overheat protection, which will automatically shut the unit off if there is an overheat situation.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Heaters may only be placed on circuits sufficiently capable of handling the amperage draw of the heater and other equipment on the circuit. Campuses may set power limitations on approved heaters.
\n\u2022 Heaters may not be used in areas where flammable liquids are in use or stored.
\n\u2022 Student-owned space heaters are not allowed in the campus residence halls or other campus student living facilities.
\n\u2022 Keep the heater away from water and out of damp locations.
\n\u2022 Maintain minimum clearance distances as specified by the manufacturer. Combustible or flammable materials must be kept away from the heater.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 During use, check frequently to determine if the heater plug or cord, wall outlet, or faceplate is hot. If the plug, outlet, or faceplate is hot, discontinue use of the heater, and have a qualified electrician check and\/or replace the plug or faulty wall outlet(s). If the cord is hot, disconnect the heater, and have it inspected\/repaired by an authorized repair person.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Never run the heater\u2019s cord under doors, rugs, or carpeting. This can damage the cord, causing it and nearby objects to burn.<\/p>\n
\nIn 2006, the Department of Administration issued the State of Wisconsin Energy-Use Policy. Two items in the policy pertain to use of portable indoor space heaters on UW System campuses:<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 The policy seeks to eliminate the use of space heaters<\/p>\n
\nUW-River Falls: Space Heaters<\/a> (AP-03-104)
\nUnited States Fire Administration: Heating Fire Safety: Wood Stoves, Space Heaters and Fireplaces<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"