Portable Space Heaters

Campus Wide/ Hospital Safety Manual
Policy Number: 5.4
Effective Date: 12/08
Revised 02/2010
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER
Portable Space Heaters
Purpose: The facility ensures that all portable space heaters used at LSUHSC-S
comply with the requirements of the NFPA Life Safety Code (LSC) and
Joint Commission Standards.
Policy: I. The use of portable space heaters by staff members are not allowed
in the hospital and clinic buildings.
A. If Building Heating is not adequate, please contact Physical Plant
HVAC Section to check building controls.
B. The Safety Officer or Department Supervisor may remove any
portable space heaters that do not comply with this policy.
C. Staff members who willingly disregard this policy may be subject to
verbal or written warnings from their department supervisor or
department manager.
II. Non – Clinic Buildings
A. If Building Heating is not adequate, please contact Physical Plant
HVAC Section to check building controls and adjust temperature.
B. Portable space heaters will be allowed in non- clinic buildings
provided that their use meets the attached (check list) and area in
inspected by the Safety Office.
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Campus Wide/ Hospital Safety Manual
Policy Number: 5.4
Effective Date: 12/08
Revised 02/2010
Safety Officer: Location: Date:
User: Department: Approved:
Space Heater Check List
Requirements: Yes No
1. Unit is UL or FM approved.
2. Unit is thermostat controlled and has a tip over cut‐off
device.
3. Unit plugged directly into wall receptacle. ( no extension
cords)
4. Combustible materials not stored around or near unit
5. Maintain at least 3ft clearance around unit and not placed
underneath desks.
6. Space heaters cannot be used in a laboratory.
Comments‐
Reference II. The Joint Commission’s Life Safety Standards
The NFPA LSC, paragraphs 18/19.7.8
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