****Consumer Product Safety Commission**CPSC and NKHA Stress Kerosene Heater Safety**CPSC Document #5052**If you are using a kerosene heater, the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission and the National Kerosene Heater Associationadvise you to follow these suggestions in order to minimize therisk of fire and potential health effects from indoor airpollution.- Use only water-clear 1 K grade kerosene.  Never use gasoline.Gasoline is not the same as kerosene. Even small amounts ofgasoline or other volatile fuels or solvents mixed with kerosenecan substantially increase the risk of a fire or an explosion.    **Always store kerosene in a separate container intended forkerosene,** not in a gasoline can or a can that has containedgasoline. This helps you avoid using contaminated fuel or thewrong fuel by mistake. Kerosene containers are usually blue;gasoline containers are usually red.When purchasing kerosene at the pump, make sure to use thekerosene pump, not the gasoline pump.
 Some service stations haveseparate islands for kerosene. Some oil companies have alsoestablished quality control programs to minimize the chances ofgasoline contamination of kerosene.
- 1-K grade kerosene should be purchased from a dealer who cancertify that what is being sold is 1-K.  State operated andprivate sector certification programs that ensure the quality ofkerosene are established in some states. Grades other than 1-Kcan lead to a release of more pollutants in your home, posing apossible health risk. Different grades of kerosene can look thesame so it is important that the dealer certify that the productsold is 1-K grade kerosene.    **Never refuel the heater inside the home.** Fill the tankoutdoors, away from combustible materials, and only after theheater has been turned off and allowed to cool down. Do notrefuel the heater when it is hot or is in operation. Do not fillthe fuel tank above the "full" mark. The space above the "full"mark is to allow the fuel room to expand without causing leakagewhen the heater is operating.In case of flare-up or if uncontrolled flaming occurs, do notattempt to move or carry the heater.
 This can make the fireworse. If the heater is equipped with a manual shut-off switch,activate the switch to turn off the heater. If this does notextinguish the fire, leave the house immediately and call thefire department. As an added reminder and precaution, install atleast one smoke detector near each sleeping area or on each levelof the house.
- Reduce your exposure to indoor air pollutants by properly operating and maintaining your portable kerosene heater.  Althoughportable kerosene heaters are very efficient in the burning offuel to produce heat, low levels of certain pollutants such ascarbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are produced. Exposure tolow levels of these pollutants may be harmful, especially toindividuals with chronic respiratory or circulatory healthproblems. To assure that you and family members are not exposedto significant levels of these pollutants, you should followcarefully the following rules of safe operation:      Operate your heater in a room with a door open to the rest ofthe house.    If you must operate your heater in a room with the door closedto the rest of the house, open an outside window approximately aninch to permit fresh air to effectively dilute the pollutantsbelow a level of concern.   Always operate your heater according to the manufacturer'sinstructions, making sure that the wick is set at the properlevel as instructed by your manufacturer.   Keep the wick in your heater clean and in good operatingcondition by following the cleaning and maintenance proceduresrecommended by the manufacturer.   Keep an outside window opened approximately an inch to insureadequate fresh air infiltration. This is true regardless ofwhether you use a kerosene heater or some other conventionalmethod of heating, if your home is relatively new and tight, orif it is older but has been winterized to reduce air infiltrationfrom the outside.  CAUTION:  Improper fuel may cause pollution and sooting of theburner. Use only water clear No. 1-K Kerosene.     DANGER:  Risk of explosion. Never use gasoline in this heater.    CAUTION:  Risk of indoor air pollution. Use this heater only in awell ventilated area. See operating instructions for details.    009403U.S. Govt Printing Office:  1996 - 402-314/39054

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