Space heaters: staying warm and safe

While Argonne’s iconic steam heating system is an engineering marvel, sometimes an office or lab gets a little too chilly for comfort and a portable heating device, or space heater, is needed.

Portable heating devices may only be used when there is no chance of injury or fire occurring from their use. This applies to both lab-provided and personally owned devices used within Argonne spaces on- and off-site.

Space heaters must be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). The heater should have a label showing one of the listed laboratories. An NRTL-listed space heater will  automatically shut off when tipped over or when it overheats.

Portable heating devices may only be used when there is no chance of injury or fire occurring from their use. This applies to both lab–provided and personally owned devices used within Argonne spaces on and off site. Employees might feel the need to use a portable electric space heater in their work area.

Employees using a space heater should consider the following safety requirements.

Space heaters should:

• Have three-pronged (grounded) plugs and use 500 watts or less
• Be placed on a sturdy, level surface, away from combustible materials such as papers, magazines, drapes, cubicles and office furniture. Do not use around flammable vapors, dusts or materials.
• Be plugged directly into a wall outlet — never into a power strip or extension cord
• Be turned off when you leave the room
• Have automatic shut-off

See this space heater safety alert for additional information.

Visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International website for tips on heating your home safely.