Use Space Heaters Wisely for Events

As temperatures drop, portable electric space heaters often provide necessary warmth in auxiliary church spaces—like Sunday School rooms, temporary offices, or large fellowship halls—that the central HVAC system might not reach efficiently. However, these devices pose a significant fire and electrical hazard if not used strictly according to safety protocols.

Protecting our congregation, volunteers, and facilities requires vigilance. The following mandatory guidelines, inspired by best practices from the Electrical Safety Foundation International, must be followed whenever a church-owned or donated space heater is used on church property.

1. Maintain Critical Clearance (The 3-Foot Rule)

The radiant heat from a space heater can ignite materials quickly.

• Mandatory Clearance: Maintain a minimum clearance of three feet (36 inches) between the heater and all flammable materials.

• Flammable Items Include: Drapes, curtains, paper decorations, chair/pew cushions, clothing, cleaning rags, rugs, furniture, hymn books, Bibles, and any piled-up coats or blankets.

• Placement: Place the heater on a level, non-flammable surface (like tile or concrete), never on tables, desks, or thick carpeting, which can restrict airflow.

2. Electrical Load and Cord Management

Space heaters draw a massive amount of electricity and can easily overload older church wiring, leading to tripped breakers or, worse, electrical fires.

• No Extension Cords Allowed: Never use an extension cord or a power strip with a space heater. Always plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.

• Dedicated Circuits: Plug the heater into a circuit that is not already burdened by other high-draw appliances (e.g., coffee makers, kitchen equipment, computer servers). If the circuit trips often, the circuit is overloaded, and the heater must be moved.

• Cord Placement: Keep the power cord away from high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards. Never run the cord under carpeting, rugs, or furniture, as this can cause the cord to overheat and melt, sparking a fire.

3. Supervision and Shutdown Protocol

Space heaters are temporary tools and must be treated with active attention.

• Continuous Supervision Required: Never leave a space heater operating in a room that is unattended or unsupervised.

• Turn Off and Unplug: Mandate that the last person leaving a room turn off and unplug the heater completely. Do not simply rely on the power switch, as the cord itself could still pose a risk.

• Children and Pets: Do not use space heaters in areas (like the nursery or youth rooms) where unsupervised children or pets could accidentally touch the elements or knock the unit over.

4. Equipment Verification and Safety Features

Only heaters with specific, verified safety features should be used within the facility.

• Tip-Over Shutoff: Ensure all space heaters used on church property are equipped with an automatic tip-over shutoff function that kills power if the unit is accidentally knocked over.

• Overheat Protection: Verify the unit has a built-in safety feature that shuts off the heater automatically before it reaches an extreme, unsafe temperature.

• No Poking: Instruct all users that fingers or any objects must never be inserted through the protective guards, as contact with the heating element can cause severe burns or shock.

• Bathroom Use: Only use heaters specifically marked by the manufacturer as approved for damp locations, such as bathrooms or maintenance sinks. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.

5. Read and Follow Manufacturer Manuals

The safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer are specific to the unit’s design.

• Mandatory Review: The Facility Manager or designated Safety Team leader must ensure that the user manuals and all warning labels are read and strictly followed before deploying any space heater.

We hope that this article helps, and that your event goes wonderfully! Happy winter, and merry Christmas.