A web page for the health and safety of everyone on campus, presented by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Safety Council and the Office of Institutional Advancement. For general information associated with this site, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at (713) 500-8100.

Portable Space Heaters and Safe Holiday Decorating at Work

The holiday season is upon us and now is the time to think about holiday fire safety. This should be a joyous time of year, but unfortunately this is not always the case. Every year we hear of homes and businesses being destroyed by fires caused by portable space heaters and Christmas decorations. Please follow the simple guidelines below to make this holiday season safe for everyone.

Portable Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are small, electrical heating units. Heat is generated by running an electric current through high resistance wires called heating elements. Alternate units using any other fuel source are specifically prohibited at the health science center. The inherent hazard associated with heater use is the elements, which can reach extremely high temperatures.

Facilities, Planning, & Engineering and Environmental Health & Safetydiscourages the use of any portable space heater at the university. They are a potential fire hazard, add utility expenditure for the university and may cause users’ co-workers to experience. environmental temperature differences. These devices should only be used as a last resort for temperature control.

If you are experiencing a temperature discrepancy, please report it to the FIXT line at (713) 500-3498. After receiving the FIXT line report, the Energy Team will explore all avenues to supply the desired room temperature.

As a last resort for temperature discrepancies, portable space heaters maybe used in office settings but are strictly prohibited in laboratory areas or other areas where chemicals or combustible materials are stored. All portable space heaters must be inspected and approved by EH&S prior to use.

Portable Space Heater Checklist:

All heaters must be UL listed.
All heaters must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device in the event a heater is tipped over or overheats.
A clear area of three feet in all directions of the heater shall be maintained and in accordance with the clearances shown on the approval agency label.
Extension cords shall never be used to supply power to the heater.
Modular furniture electrical systems must be rated to accommodate the additional electrical load supplied to the heater.

For more information on Portable Space Heaters, please visit http://www.uth.tmc.edu/safety/fire.html.

Holiday Decorations

By following these simple requirements, we can help ensure the safety of all faculty, students, employees and visitors of the health science center and still enjoy the festive atmosphere accompanying the holiday season.

General Holiday Decoration Requirements at UT

Decorations must not block the exit corridors, signs or safety equipment.
Candles are not permitted.
Lights used for decorating must be UL approved and not produce heat (example: twinkle lights). Do not use lights on metallic, artificial trees.
Artificial and live potted trees and plants are permitted.
Natural cut holiday trees are permitted only in pre-arranged areas and must be treated with a flame retardant. Keep documentation of flame retardant treatment where the tree is used.
Naturally cut holiday trees or branches are strictly prohibited in Clinical and Research Areas.
Decorations must not cover laboratory door “Caution” signs and hazard labels.

For more information on Holiday Decorations, please visit http://www.uth.tmc.edu/safety/fire.html.

— Information provided by Environmental Health and Safety

Date Posted: 12/05/2005