FAST FACTS 

Offi ce of Compliance - - 

Advancing workplace rights, safety, health, and accessibility in the Legislative Branch

February 2011 Space Heaters 

Portable space heaters are devices employed to heat a small, partially enclosed area. The majority 

of space heaters are powered by electricity and are used when individuals are unsatisfi ed with the 

building’s heating system. Unfortunately, space heaters are highly ineffi cient and pose a serious fi re 

hazard in the workplace when not used properly.

Hazards

Although space heaters appear to be harmless to some, 

many hazards can still exist no matter where they are 

used. In 2008, space heaters used in homes caused an 

estimated 22,400 structural fi res and resulted in over a 

thousand injuries as well as hundreds of deaths. (See 

“Fast Stats” on Page 3) The most serious hazards associated with space heaters are fi re hazards. The majority 

of space heater fi res are caused when combustibles (e.g. 

paper, clothing, and curtains) are placed too close or come 

in contact with the heater causing them to catch fi re. 

(See Figure 1)

Figure 1: Space heater surrounded by combustible materials

Appropriate Heaters

When choosing a portable space heater to use in the 

workplace, there are a few requirements that must be 

considered:

• Space heaters must be approved by a Nationally 

 Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), such as 

 Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. (UL). Those not 

 approved, should not be used. (See Figure 2 for 

 space heaters that are not appoved for safe use)

• Space heaters must have an automatic safety 

 switch (tip-over switch) that turns the unit off if 

 it is tipped over.

• Space heaters must have a thermostatic control 

 which ensures that the unit will turn itself off and 

 prevent overheating or creating an electrical hazard.

 • Space heaters may be regulated by your employer. 

 Check with your supervisor before deciding to use 

 one.

Figure 2: An example of space heaters not approved by a NRTL
Proper Use of Heaters

Using a portable space heater properly 

requires careful placement and monitoring:

• Space heaters should be kept away from 

 water and wet environments to avoid 

 electrical shock. (See Figure 3)

• If an electric space heater is used in an area 

 with running water, like a kitchen or bath-

 room, make sure to plug the device into an 

 outlet with a ground-fault circuit-interrupter 

 (GFCI) to protect against electrical shock. 

 (See Figure 4)

• Space heaters must be kept at least three 

 feet away from any combustible items, such 

 as paper, furniture, draperies, etc. 

• Make sure to only plug one space heater into an 

 individual electrical circuit. The use of multiple 

 heaters could overload the electrical circuit and 

 cause injury or property damage.

• Space heaters should not be used with an 

 extension cord.

• Space heaters should also not be used if they 

 have missing or broken parts, such as knobs, 

 grills, or stands.

• Inspect the power cord and base of a space 

 heater before using it to make sure the cord is in 

 good, serviceable condition and is not pinched, 

 worn, frayed, or missing the ground prong.

• Always make sure to turn off your space heater 

 every time you leave your workspace; it should 

 never be left on while unattended. 

Figure 3: Space heaters should not be used near a sink, as seen above, or 

near combustible materials

Figure 4: Outlet with GFCI protection
Peter Ames Eveleth

General Counsel

Mary-Margaret Smith

Editor 

If you have any questions please contact the 

Offi ce of Compliance:

Room LA 200, John Adams Building

110 Second Street, SE

Washington, D.C. 20540

t/ 202-724-9250

tdd/ 202-426-1912

f/ 202-426-1913

The Offi ce of Compliance (OOC) advances 

safety, health, and workplace rights in the 

U.S. Congress and the Legislative Branch. 

Established as an independent agency by 

the Congressional Accountability Act of 

1995 (CAA), the OOC educates employees 

and employing offi ces about their rights and 

responsibilities under the CAA, provides an 

impartial dispute resolution process, and 

investigates and remedies violations of the 

CAA.

Download the entire Fast Facts suite at http://www.compliance.gov

Examples of Improper Space Heater Use

Fast Stats

 Estimated Damages Caused by Space Heaters (in the home) during 2008:

 • 22,400 home structural fi res

 • 420 civilian deaths

 • 1,170 civilian injuries

 • $573 million in direct property damage

 *Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report, “Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment” by John R. Hall, 

 Jr., September 2010.

This heater was placed in a combustible box, 

turned on, and left unattended. This created a 

serious fi re hazard. Heaters should never be 

left unattended while running, and they should 

never be placed near or in any combustible 

material.

This space heater was not approved by a 

NRTL and lacked a safety tip-over switch. 

Signifi cant damage due to overheating is 

indicated by the browning of the protective 

screen on the front of the heater.