Yogendra Rai
In chilly weather, blowers and room heaters are needed.
The National Fire Protection Agency estimates that room heaters are to blame for around one-third of wintertime residential fires. This is why it’s crucial to take specific safety measures while utilizing these room heaters.
Table of Contents
1. Purchase Certified Heaters
Based on certain safety criteria, every piece of electrical equipment is examined and certified in accordance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards. Important details on the creation and application of these devices must be made available by the manufacturers. As a result, you should only purchase BIS-certified room heaters, as they are risk-free and secure for usage in your house.
2. Keep the Heater away from Objects and People
Electric heaters generate a large amount of hot air by heating electrical energy. Due to the risk of electric shock or severe burns from unintentional contact with the device, they are hazardous for both children and dogs. Additionally, it must be kept away from everything that may catch fire, such as furnishings, carpets, clothing, and decorations.
3. Keep the Heater away from the Water
Try to avoid using your room heater in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other space that might expose it to water. Even if you must use a heater in these places, make sure it is positioned safely away from any potential leaks or sprays of water. Your heater may ignite a fire, harm the house’s electrical system, or shock or electrocute anybody nearby if it comes into touch with water.
4. Plugs directly into Wall Outlet
Always attempt to stay away from extension wires and connect your room heater straight into a wall socket instead. Using an extension cable increases the risk of overheating, electrical fire, or shock accidents since electric heaters use a lot of power. Even if an extension cord is required, make sure it is rated appropriately and is sized for heavy machinery.
5. Don’t Overload the Socket
Never connect an electric heater into an overloaded outlet. When a space heater is plugged into a socket on the same circuit as other electrical devices, the circuit will get overheated and might experience a short circuit or electrical fire. Electrical systems and costly items in your house may be harmed by this.
6. Do not leave the heater unattended for long periods of time
Never keep a room heater on for an extended amount of time. Equipment should always be turned off and unplugged before leaving the room or going to bed. Long-term use of heaters in enclosed spaces can be hazardous because it increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness, and weakness.
7. Buy a Heater that has Additional Safety Measures
There are several portable heater models on the market that come equipped with a number of safety measures that assist reduce some of the concerns associated with using them. For instance, a heater with tip-over protection will immediately turn off if it is tipped over for any reason, and a heater with cool-touch housing on the front will avoid burns if someone unintentionally touches it. These are practical safety features, especially if you live with active kids or animals.
8. Inspect and Maintain your Heater Regularly
Your room heater should be periodically inspected to make sure it is clean and functioning correctly. Examine the device and cable for damage and determine whether it is heating up sufficiently. Contact the service centre if there is ever a problem and get it fixed right away.
- Never place a heater under your blanket or totally enclose it; doing so increases the risk of fire from the trapped heat. It is useful and absolutely safe to use a heat pack or hot water bottle in a cold bed.
- To prevent accidents, do not install them in pathways or next to doors.
- Keep children away from anything flammable.
- Keep them away from children and pets.
- Avoid drying clothing in a room heater.
