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Portable heaters in the workplace are typically used when the heating isn’t sufficient, as a temporary measure when heating is broken, or when fixed heating systems are too costly or impractical to install or operate.
Individual personal preferences are also a common reason for portable heater use (and requests) particularly as we move into winter and the temperature drops.
Guidance from Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Workplace health, safety and welfare, Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Approved Code of Practice and guidance (L24) advises that the temperature in a workplace should normally be at least 16°C. If work involves rigorous physical effort, the guidance says the temperature should be at least 13°C.
These temperatures however do not apply where it would be impractical to maintain them, such as in workplaces where there are hot work processes like in foundries or where areas need to be cold, like in cold food stores. In these circumstances the employer is responsible for implementing measures such as enclosing or insulating hot or cold items or work areas such as the flooring, to prevent heat or cold escaping and reaching workstations, and reducing the time exposed to high or low temperatures.
L24 does say that ‘If a reasonably comfortable temperature cannot be achieved throughout a workroom, local heating or cooling (as appropriate) should be provided’.
Where it is decided that portable heaters are the most suitable and practical option, they must be carefully managed to reduce risk. Risks include inappropriate selection and siting, lack of maintenance and staff awareness.
If you’re considering portable heaters or have them in place already, here are some top tips.
Selection:
Oil filled radiators are safer as they do not have exposed heating elements or fans that force warm air out.
Portable heaters should be purchased from a reputable supplier and CE marked.
Choose a heater with a safety switch that prevents overheating and a tilt switch that cuts the power if it detects it has been knocked over.
Portable heaters with timer switches should be avoided if the switch could turn the heater on when staff are not present or an area unoccupied, such as at weekends.
Check the heater is suitable for the environment you want to use it in especially if there are flammable gases, vapours or dusts.
Personal heating appliances should not be brought into the workplace as the employer has no control over their procurement or management.
Siting:
Portable heaters should be sited according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid placing them on escape routes and in confined spaces.
Allow at least 1m clearance between the heater and combustible items or combustible elements of construction.
Stand heaters on level, dry, non-combustible surfaces where they will not be subjected to damage or be overturned.
Cables should be kept as short as possible to minimise trip hazards and the likelihood of damage.
Use:
Always use the heater in line with the manufacturer's instructions.
Portable heaters should never be covered, have items stored on top of them or be used for drying clothing.
Portable heaters must never be left unattended.
Always turn off and unplug the heater at the end of the period of work. Unplugging heaters will avoid the thermostat (if installed) turning the heater on when staff are not present or an area unoccupied.
Plug heaters directly into an electrical socket. Avoid extension leads and square/block adaptors.
Don’t stretch cables as this can pull the plug out slightly and create a poor electrical connection.
Portable heaters should not be handled or moved when switched on or hot.
Maintenance:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance. This might include formal periodic inspection and testing (including portable electrical appliance testing) and basic pre-use checks.
Damaged portable heaters should be taken immediately out of use and repaired by a competent person or replaced.
Label damaged heaters prominently e.g. ‘do not use’ on the plug while awaiting repair or disposal.
Don’t forget to educate your employees about the hazards that come with the improper use of portable heaters and the control measures that should be put in place.
If you any other health and safety related questions, please contact us by clicking on the 'Get in touch' button.
