Space Heaters

Space Heaters

Attached to Policy FIN-INS-16 

Scope

This applies to all University properties, including student–occupied property.

Standards

Indiana University recognizes that individuals have different levels of comfort associated with temperature and heat. Although not encouraged, the use of electric space heaters as a temporary measure is permitted in limited applications.

Procedures

Only space heaters meeting the following criteria are permitted:

1. Only ceramic  or oil–filled  space heaters are permitted. Radiant heaters  may not be used.
2. The heater must be electrically powered and listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or approved by Factory Mutual (FM). Tags or labels indicating the device has been tested and approved by either of these agencies can be found on the electrical cord or die stamped on the heater itself.
3. Fuel powered (propane, kerosene) space heaters are not permitted.
4. The heater must have a thermostat for heat regulation. The heater’s thermostat will sense that the area has reached a certain temperature and reduce heating until the temperature in the area drops (very much like the thermostat in your house). Heaters without this feature (with simple “on/off” or “high/low” switches) continue to heat without any regulation and can easily cause fires.
5. Space heaters must have a tip–over shutdown feature. If the heater is knocked over, the unit must automatically shut off.

Approved space heaters may be used only if the following conditions are met:

1. Heaters shall not be used in areas where flammable liquids are in use or storage.
2. The heater may only be located on the floor. Heaters located on filing cabinets, tables, desks or equipment are more susceptible to being knocked over, resulting in accidents or fires.
3. Never place anything on top of a space heater.
4. At least 3 feet of clearance must be maintained around the heater at all times. Combustible materials like paper, plastic, and cloth must be kept away from the heater.
5. Electric cords must be kept out of foot traffic paths to prevent tripping. Extension cords are not allowed. Space heaters must be connected directly to the socket.
6. The heater must be unplugged (not just turned off) any time the room or area being heated is unoccupied, especially at the end of the workday.
7. Do not locate a space heater in bathrooms or moist areas.
8. Requests for the use of an approved electric space heater, must include circuit testing to assure that the buildings system has capacity for such heaters. A facilities operations electrician staff member shall conduct such tests and approve or deny the use of electric space heaters. Persons must contact Facilities Operations using the Request For Service web page in order to submit a request.

The Indiana University Office of Insurance, Loss Control & Claims (INLOCC) reserves the right to inspect and approve or reject any space heater that creates a hazard or is inappropriate to a particular location based on specific circumstances and/or fire safety code requirements. Contact the INLOCC chief inspector for your campus to request a fire safety inspection.

• • IUB: Scott Gillespie 812-856-7407
  • IUPUI: Rodney Johnson 317-534-8444
  • IUS, IUE, IUC, Bradford Woods: Rick Knapp 812–856–1824
  • IUN, IUSB, IUK: Jim Schuster 574-520-4199
  • All other locations: Mel Lane 812–855–6341

Sanctions

Any use of a space heater in violation of this policy may result in corrective action procedures contained in Indiana University’s staff, academic, or student policies, as applicable.

History

This was established as a policy on January 2, 2000.

Last reviewed: 11-1-2015 and combined into omnibus policy FIN-INS-16.