Kerosene Heaters Fire Safety

Kerosene Heaters Fire Safety Recommendations

• Check with your local fire marshal regarding local and state codes and regulations for using a kerosene heater.
• NEVER USE GASOLINE. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.
• Use properly labeled containers. It reduces the likelihood of mistaking gasoline for kerosene.
• Place heater so it will not be knocked over or trap you in case of fire.
• Use 1-K kerosene because grades other than 1-K contain much more sulfur and will increase sulfur dioxide emissions, posing a possible health problem. If you buy kerosene from a gasoline station make sure you and/or the attendant are using the kerosene pump, not the gasoline pump.
• Never fill the heater while it is operating. Always refuel the heater outdoors to prevent spillage on floors and rugs which could later result in fire ignition.
• Keep the room in which the heater operates ventilated (e.g. door open or the window ajar). This will prevent an indoor air pollution problem and minimize health problems. Kerosene heaters are not usually vented.
• Keep flammable liquids and fabrics away from an open flame.
• Never try to move the heater or try to smother the flames with a rug or a blanket if a flare up occurs. Activate the manual shut-off switch and call the fire department. Moving the heater may increase the height of the flames and cause leakage resulting in personal injury.

YES    NOKerosene Heater Fire Safety Checklist

|_____|   |_____|Only 1-K kerosene is used and it is bought from a dealer who can certify that the product is 1-K kerosene.

|_____|   |_____|The heater is placed out of the path of traffic areas such as doorways and hallways.

|_____|   |_____|Kerosene is stored outdoors, and out of the reach of children in a tightly sealed, preferably blue plastic or metal container, labeled "kerosene."

|_____|   |_____|No attempt is to be made to move the heater if flare-up (flames outside the heater cabinet) occurs. The fire department is called immediately.

|_____|   |_____|The heater is used in well-ventilated rooms.

|_____|   |_____|The heater is turned off while sleeping and is never left operating unattended.

|_____|   |_____|The heater is placed at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire such as clothing, furniture, curtains, etc.