The frost has arrived and your workspace is getting chilly. Before you plug in that space heater please review the WSU Space Heater Information web page. It provides important safety guidelines, relevant policies, and a list of WSU-approved and non-approved space heaters to help you make safe and informed choices.
I have noticed that most spaces around campus have been utilizing approved heaters, so thanks to those that have updated. One area we need to focus on is plugging the heaters directly into an outlet and not a surge protector. Space heaters draw massive amounts of continuous high current that can melt the surge protector and start an electrical fire, which is not the kind of heat we want.
If your workspace feels unusually cold or your building’s heating system isn’t functioning properly, please contact your campus Facilities department before taking matters into your own hands. Building-wide heating solutions are always safer and more effective than relying on multiple space heaters.
If you have any questions about space heaters contact WSU Fire and Safety at 509-335-7471 or email emergencymangement@wsu.edu.
