Kerosene Heater Safety

There has been widespread concern about the safety of kerosene heaters. Open-flame heaters such as kerosene heaters deplete oxygen in the air and discharge carbon monoxide. Consequently, some local ordinances ban the use of open-flame heaters. You should check with local government agencies to learn what restrictions, if any, exist on kerosene heater use.

Some safety tips from the National Kerosene Heater Association include:

• Never use gasoline which, even in small amounts, creates the risk of flare-up and fire.
  
  
• Add fuel to the heater or cartridge tank out of the living area in a well ventilated location.
  
  
• Never move, refuel or service the heater when it is operating or hot.
  
  
• Operate the heater only in well ventilated areas.
  
  
• Keep heater more than 3' from materials such as furniture, clothing and draperies and out of high traffic areas.
  
  
• Extinguish heater before sleeping.
  
  
• Follow state and local regulations.
  
  
• Proper Use of Portable Kerosene Heaters Portable kerosene room heaters are equipped with many safety features. As with any heating appliance, proper precautions should be taken to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Following is a checklist for consumers:

• Burn only K-1 kerosene. Never use gasoline, white gas, campstove or other fuels. They are extremely dangerous if used in kerosene heaters.
  
  
• Kerosene should be water-clear. Yellow or colored kerosene will smoke, smell and interfere with wick operation.
  
  
• Store kerosene in an approved container, clearly marked KEROSENE, away from living quarters.
  
  
• Refill heater away from living quarters when heater is cool, using a siphon pump to prevent spillage.
  
  
• Place the heater more than 3' away from curtains, furniture, papers, clothes and other combustible materials.
  
  
• Some heater surfaces become hot. Keep children away and instruct them not to touch the controls. Perhaps provide a barrier around the heater to prevent them from touching it.
  
  
• Provide adequate ventilation, normally furnished by opening a door to an adjacent room. In totally closed rooms, a window should be opened slightly. Avoid drafts.
  
  
• Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for correct operation and maintenance of the heater. Keep the instruction booklet available for reference.
  
  
• Clean and maintain your heater according to manufacturer's instructions. Keep base tray free of dust, dirt or any obstruction.
  
  
• When turning the heater off, make sure the flame is completely extinguished. Always turn off the heater before sleeping and never leave it unattended.
  
  
• Because heaters have an open flame, do not use flammable solvents, aerosol sprays, lacquers or gasoline in the same room.
  
  
• Use only manufacturer-authorized wicks, check length and diameter for proper burning. Fiberglass and cotton wicks are not interchangeable

DISCLAIMER: Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of the information in this document. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor Aubuchon Hardware can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

National Kerosene Heater Association

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