Propane

Using Space Heaters Safely

  • Spend a Few Moments for Your Family’s Safety

    This module provides basic information about using space heaters. Following these instructions will help ensure the safety of you and your family.

    Click the Next button to move to the next screen.

  • Space Heaters Can Be Dangerous If Used Improperly

    You should be aware of the following hazards when using space heaters:

    • Fires and/or burns: Close proximity or contact with a flame, heating element, or hot surface area can cause fires and/or burns.
    • Fires and/or explosions: Flammable fuels or defective wiring can cause fires and/or explosions.
    • Carbon monoxide poisoning: Improper venting of appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • If you smell gas, at any time, inside or outside your home:

    • 1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
    • 2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
    • 3. SHUT OFF THE GAS! Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

  • If you smell gas, at any time, inside or outside your home:

    • Continued
    • 4. REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
    • 5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
    • 6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

  • If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, ACT IMMEDIATELY!

    • If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department.
    • If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing the carbon monoxide.
    • If no one has physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, but you suspect that carbon monoxide is present, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to check carbon monoxide levels and your propane equipment.

  • Use the Right Kind of Heater

    Some propane space heaters are designed only for use outdoors. Others are designed only for use indoors. Check your owner’s manual or contact a qualified service technician to be sure you are using the right kind of heater.

    When selecting a heater, look for one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

  • NEVER Use an Outdoor Heater Indoors

    • High levels of carbon monoxide can be generated from heaters that are not designed for indoor use.
    • High levels of carbon monoxide can make you dizzy, give you headaches, or cause flu-like symptoms. In extreme cases, extended exposure to carbon monoxide can result in brain damage or death.

  • Read Your Space Heater Manual

    The appliance manufacture’s manual that came with your space heater tells how to set up and operate it safely. Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

    A good practice is to read aloud the instructions and warning labels to all members of the household to be certain that everyone understands how to operate the heater safely.

    Keep the owner’s manual in a convenient place to refer to when needed.

    • ALWAYS keep children and pets away from space heaters. Some heaters have very hot surfaces.
    • Children should NEVER be permitted to either adjust the controls or move the heater.
    • ALWAYS place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture, and drapes.
    • NEVER use heaters to dry clothes or shoes.
    • NEVER place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.
    • NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or leave the area.
    • NEVER use or store flammable liquids (such as gasoline) around a space heater. The flammable vapors can flow from one part of the room to another and be ignited by the open flame or by an electrical spark.

  • If your space heater is meant to be vented:

    • Be sure that the heater and flue are professionally installed according to local codes.
    • Regularly check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors.
    • Insects, birds, and small animals sometimes build nests in vent pipes. Other obstructions such as snow or ice may also occur.
    • If you see evidence of this, call a qualified service technician.

  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Improve Safety

    • Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of carbon monoxide in the air.
    • For an extra measure of safety, we recommend that you consider installing a UL-listed carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.
    • Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.

  • Identifying Dangerous Situations

    Use your mouse to identify the four potential hazards in this picture. Click on the hazard to learn more.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Read each statement below. Decide if the statement is true or false.

    True False
    Any type of space heater can be used indoors.
    High levels of carbon monoxide can be produced by a space heater that is not properly vented.
    Space heaters should be placed at least three feet from flammable objects such as bedding, clothes, curtains, etc.
    Children and pets are completely safe around most space heaters.
    If a family member shows physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, you should call a qualified service technician.

  • Make Time for Safety

    Thank you for making time for propane safety. To learn more, download our brochure ‘Propane Safety for You and Your Family’ or visit: propane.com

  • Thank you for completing the e-Learning Module: Using Space Heaters Safely

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