Are Kerosene Heaters Safe in Enclosed Areas?
Using a portable heater is a common alternative means of heating for those who do not live in homes with central heating systems or who happen to be outdoors with no other sources of heat. Portable heaters are not immune from certain risks, however, regardless of their heat source. If an electric heater is placed close to a flammable material inside a home, it can easily catch fire. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also result from using a damaged electric or gas heater or even from improperly using a perfectly working electric or gas heater. Kerosene heaters, like other types, can kill you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Enclosed Areas
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Generally, avoid the use of any portable heater in an enclosed area at all times. If you must use a kerosene heater in an enclosed area, ventilation should be your chief concern. Ideally, you will choose a heater that vents harmful gases and particulates outside the enclosed area. If not, ventilate the area as much as possible; even if ventilation exposes the enclosed area to colder temperatures, the peace of mind of knowing that you can avoid inhalation of harmful gases far outweighs the slight discomfort of letting in a small amount of cold. Ventilation introduces fresh air to offset the harmful gases building up inside the enclosed area.
Fire Safety
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First, make sure nothing flammable is close to any part of the heater, particularly the area from which the heat radiates. Make sure no other combustible gases, like propane for a grill for instance, are being used inside the enclosed area. Always use the manufacturer-recommended type of kerosene fuel for the heater, and never run the gas for more than a second or two before it is ignited. All parts of the heater, not just the part that emits heat, become dangerously hot while the heater is in operation, so also take care to make sure no one touches any part of the heater until it has completely cooled.
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Carbon Monoxide
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Another major risk of using kerosene heaters is the buildup of carbon monoxide, a gas that is fatal to humans. Battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors are the first line of defense against this danger. The risk of carbon monoxide again highlights the importance of proper ventilation. Ignited kerosene burns oxygen, and an unventilated, enclosed area leaves a finite amount of oxygen. A lack of oxygen will lead to incomplete combustion, and unburned kerosene can build up inside the enclosed area, a perfect recipe for carbon monoxide exposure.
Other Considerations
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Continue to observe the same general safety practices with a kerosene heater as you would with any other type of heater. Never leave a heater running in an empty room, when you go to sleep, or even if you step outside of the enclosed area for a moment. Never use a heater to dry wet clothes, to dry off after a swim or a shower, or to heat any foods or liquids.
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