The Ohio University recognizes that individuals have different levels of comfort associated with temperature and heat. The use of electric space heaters as a temporary measure is permitted, if the following guidelines are followed:

• Where permitted, owners/ users of space heaters are responsible for their proper use.
• Space heaters must be electrically powered. Fuel powered (propane, kerosene) space heaters are not permitted. Space heaters must not take more than 110 volts of electricity to operate.
• Any space heater used must be currently UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved.
• Approved space heaters must be fan driven. Space heaters with heated coils are not permitted.
• Space heaters must have a thermostat that shuts unit off when a certain temperature is reached.
• Space heaters must have a tip-over shutdown feature. If a space heater is knocked over, the unit must automatically shut off.
• Space heaters should always be plugged into a wall receptacle.
• Space heaters must always be turned off and unplugged when the area being heated is not occupied.
• Space heaters should be located in plain sight and clearly visible.
• Space heaters must be kept at least 3 feet away from any combustible material.
• Nothing should ever be placed on top of or touching a space heater.
• Space heaters are not allowed in residence halls.
• Hot plates and toaster ovens should never be used for space heating.
• The Ohio University Department of Environmental Health & Safety reserve the right to inspect and declare "unapproved" any space heater that creates a hazard or is inappropriate to a particular location based on specific circumstances, or code and/or legal requirements.
• Do Not use space heaters or any other electric appliance around water.