GT Fire Safety Winter Safety

It is common knowledge that a lot of fires and deaths are caused from portable space heaters (PSH) being used improperly. Portable space heaters are restricted in many businesses due to fear of fire. Per the National Fire Codes, Space heaters can be used safely. Space heaters should be restricted on the Georgia Tech campus due to other important reasons, not due to fire safety concerns.

Portable space heater use cause the following issues in Georgia Tech buildings:

•Causes building temperature regulating systems to be unbalanced. The heat from the PSH creates warmth only for the person using it, while everyone else freezes because the temperature thermostats are not accurate due to the PSH emitting heat.

•Causes electrical issues to building systems. They require more energy to operate them tripping electrical circuits. One PSH can cause full area electrical outages in buildings.

•When used improperly, have attributed to property damaging fires.

If you feel you need a portable space heater, do the following:

•Let your Building Manager and Facilities Managers know that you are uncomfortable

•Try wearing more layers

•Work to get your area climate comfortable. Give it a chance!

If your area climate issues cannot be resolved and you are approved to use a portable space heater, do the following:

•Only UL or FM PSH are allowed and must be less than 5 years old

•Keep heater 3ft away from people and things

•Plug directly into wall

•Turn off whenever you leave the room and visually monitor, at all times, when in use