Electric space heaters, when used properly, provide an additional degree of comfort over and above a facility’s heating system. Unfortunately, with the use of these heaters comes the increased risk of fire and potential injury. Therefore, it is necessary to establish and maintain guidelines for the use of such appliances.
Guidelines:
- The Canisius College Energy Policy mandates that thermostat settings for heating not exceed:
Occupied periods – 70 degrees
Unoccupied periods – 60 degrees - Anyone experiencing a heating problem should submit a Facilities Management Work Request or call the Facilities Management Customer Service Center (Ext. 2250) to report the problem. A technician will be dispatched to investigate the concern. If it is determined that the problem cannot be resolved in a reasonable amount of time, a temporary portable electric space heater will be issued until a permanent solution can be implemented.
- Only college space heaters issued by the Facilities Management Department are permitted.
- Approved portable electric space heaters are only intended to temporarily supplement heating needs until a permanent solution can be found to correct the problem, or as an authorized emergency use measure when a building’s normal heating system fails.
Safety:
- Portable electric space heaters shall be plugged directly into an electrical outlet. The use of any extension cord is strictly prohibited.
- Portable electric space heaters shall be turned off and unplugged when not in use, and at the end of each business day.
- Portable electric space heaters shall be inspected daily by the user to insure that they are in good working condition.
- Portable electric space heaters shall be placed a minimum of three (3) feet from any combustible material (e.g. curtains, paper, cloth, etc) and in a well-ventilated area.
- Any portable electric space heater found to be in poor operating condition, damaged, or used improperly, shall be turned off, unplugged and reported to: The Facilities Management Department (x2250) for repair or replacement.
- Portable electric space heaters shall not be placed underneath desks, in any means of egress (aisles or exit paths), or any high traffic areas.
Submitted by: Julie Daniel, operations office manager, facilities management
