When the weather turns cold, many of us will use portable space heaters in our offices or at home. The following guidelines will help you use them safely.

• Choose an electric space heater that has the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval.

• Connect your electric space heater directly to a grounded wall outlet or to a grounded and approved power strip that is connected directly to the wall outlet.

• Place your electric space heater away from exits, exit pathways and combustible material.

• Confirm that your electric space heater is in good working condition (no spliced wire or taped connections).

• Ensure that the heating elements of your electric space heater are completely enclosed.

• Do not put your electric space heater under your desk because that increases the risk that the heater can be kicked over or come in contact with your clothing.

• Disconnect your electric space heater when it is not in use.

Contact: Robert Reek, SLAC Fire Marshal, Ext. 4509, robertr@slac.stanford.edu