This is an urgent reminder, from the Facilities Management Fire Safety Manager, for all staff and students to check that furniture, and other flammable items are positioned at least one (1) metre away from heaters, and that all electric plug in heating devices are electrically tested and tagged with a current tag affixed.

This reminder comes after a report was received into ASSURA (the UC Health and Safety portal) advising of damage to a desktop, that had the potential to result in an outbreak of fire.

Fortunately, the damage was noticed during furniture movements and immediate action was taken to remove the desk, and other furniture was moved a safe distance away.

As the attached photos shows the desktop edging has been heat affected because the desk was positioned over a wall heater. The heat from an electric heater accumulates on furniture, clothing, and other belongings if they are too close and this is dangerous. If this had gone unnoticed it could have resulted in the plastic edge igniting and resulting in significant asset damage.

What you need to do

• Remember the “metre heater rule”.
• All staff and students are to check that all furniture, clothing, and belongings are at least one metre from an electric heater.
• Do not dry clothing and other articles over or on electric heaters.
• Check that all electric plug in heating devices are electrically tested and tagged, with a current tag affixed.

Facilities Management