Skip to content
Administration and Finance
Resources

Safe use of space heaters

Information on obtaining a space heater for your workspace, where to place space heater, their minimum specifications, and safety tips.

Topics on this page:

Contact Facilities Customer Service at 273-4567 for any heating, ventilation or air conditioning problems. Do not bring in personal space heaters to use. To request a ceramic or disc space heater please reference the following contact information:

MC/SMD/SON/KMRB/CTSB: Facilities at 273-4567 (requests will be reviewed for approval prior to issuing)

RC/ESM/LLE/Mt. Hope Properties: The requester will need to use a blue requisition to purchase the heater.

Heater placement

  • Space heaters are NOT PERMITTED for use in any patient care and treatment buildings: Ambulatory Care Facility, Wilmot Cancer Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Flaum Eye Institute, Clinical Research Center @ G-5000, Behavioral Health, Ambulatory Orthopedics @ Marketplace, and patient care offsites.
  • Space heaters are NOT PERMITTED for use in student rooms.
  • Space heaters are NOT PERMITTED for use in laboratories containing flammable liquids or gases.
  • Space heaters that are fuel fired (propane, kerosene) are NOT PERMITTED.
  • Space heaters are PERMITTED in offices with the exception of offices in patient care or treatment buildings (see above).

Heater specifications

  • Space heaters must be inspected by Facilities and an “Approved For Use” sticker must placed on the device prior to use.
  • Facilities must verify the electrical circuit can handle the capacity. It will be the user’s responsibility to have the electrical system updated if the capacity is insufficient.
  • Heaters not supplied through the University will be removed and a Security Violation of Regulations will be issued.
  • Space heaters must be kept a minimum of 3 feet away from combustible materials (i.e., drapes, furniture, paper)
  • Space heaters with unprotected heating elements or that have guards are NOT PERMITTED.
  • Space heaters must be UL listed and Fire Marshal approved.
  • Space heaters must be plugged directly into an electrical outlet.
  • Space heaters cannot exceed 110V of electricity to operate and cannot be rated for more than 1500 watts.
  • Space heaters must be equipped with a Tip-Over shutdown safety feature and have a thermostat which automatically shuts off when a pre-determined temperature is reached.
  • Space heaters must have a polarized AC (alternating current) plug – having one blade longer than the other. If the plug does not fit in the outlet – contact Facilities to have the obsolete outlet replaced.

Heater safety

  • Do not operate a space heater with a damaged cord or plug , or if the heater malfunctions, or it if has been dropped or is physically damaged in any manner.
  • Do not use space heaters in bathrooms, laundry areas or other similar “wet” indoor locations.
  • Do not run the electric cord under any floor carpeting or throw rugs/runners. Place the cord away from traffic patterns to avoid tipping hazards.
  • Do not place the heater on soft surfaces or where the heater openings can become blocked.
  • Do not place anything on top of the heater.
  • Do not place the heater in any exit path.
  • Do not block open fire doors to distribute heat.
  • Do not leave the heater on when the room is unoccupied – turn off the unit and unplug it.
  • Do not use in areas where gasoline, paints or other flammable liquids are used or stored.
  • Do not use the heater to supplement regular room heat when building thermostats are turned down during set-back hours.

Related offices and departments

View all departments

Related resources

Explore all Environmental Health & Safety resources