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February 4, 2009 CAUTION URGED WHEN USING ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION SPACE HEATERS– – –Improper Use, Heater Failures Have Caused Several Fires: Fire Commissioner The Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) is recommending caution when construction companies or members of the public use electric, fan-forced space heaters, typically called construction heaters. A number of fires have occurred from improper use and element failures in some models of these heaters.
Over the past four years, the OFC has investigated 18 fires that have been caused by heater element failures. In these cases, five fires involved residential dwellings. Of concern are the large, fan-forced, metal-sheathed, electric heaters such as the 240 volt, 3,000 watt and greater ranges.
These space heaters are designed, manufactured and tested for temporary use only and should not be permanently installed in a building or mounted or suspended from the ceiling or rafters of a structure or home.
The manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions should always be followed and the units should be used for the intended purpose only.
The main concern is that if used improperly, such as in a permanent manner, the heater can unexpectedly catch fire or start a fire in nearby materials. It is believed a large number of these heaters may be being used as permanent heating in various types of buildings, creating dangerous situations.
Any of these types of heaters that are being used for permanent heat should be replaced with heaters designed for permanent use and installed to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) will soon publish a new standard related to testing requirements of such heaters with which manufacturers will be required to comply.
The CSA has issued a safety notice regarding these heater failures and more information can be found at www.csagroup.org/product_recalls/default.asp?articleID=9415&language=english.
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