Space Heater Guidance and Safety for NPS

Portable space heaters are commonly employed to supplement heating in small, partially enclosed areas. While they can address temporary discomfort, space heaters are highly inefficient and pose significant fire hazards if not used correctly. The following guidelines outline the procedures and requirements for addressing cold workspaces and the proper acquisition and use of space heaters at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).

If Your Workspace is Cold

1. Submit a Trouble Call to NAVFAC: or

NPS Facilities at Facilities Portal - Power Apps

• • Submit a trouble ticket by emailing NAVFAC-SW-Monterey-Service-Desk@us.navy.mil with the following information:
    • Name
    • Phone Number
    • Email Address
    • Building No. or Facility
    • Room No. or Work Location
    • Description of the Issue (e.g., “Need adjustment to central heating”)

• • Temporary Measures:
    • Public Works Department (PWD) will temporarily sign out space heaters in the event of mechanical failure or loss of building heat.
    • If a long-term solution is needed, NSAM will evaluate the building’s power capacity. If sufficient capacity exists, the department or directorate may officially procure a space heater.

Acquiring Space Heaters at NPS

If a department or school decides to requisition space heaters, they must comply with the following procedures:

1. Approval by NPS Safety Office:
   • Submit the heater request through PRE PowerApps and ERP for review and approval by the NPS Safety Office to ensure compliance with standards.
2. Recommended Procurement Source:
   • Purchase heaters from GSA Advantage instead of third-party vendors like Amazon. Use the search term: “space heater UL ETL” to locate approved models.
3. Post-Purchase Inspection:
   • After heaters arrive, contact the NPS Safety Office (safety@nps.edu) to request an inspection of the intended usage area.

Space Heater Requirements

To ensure safety and efficiency, space heaters must meet the following criteria:

• Approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), such as UL or ETL.
• Equipped with an automatic tip-over safety switch.
• Include a thermostatic control to prevent overheating.
• Capable of maintaining temperatures below 212°F.
• Certified as Energy Star® or FEMP-recommended products.

Proper Use of Space Heaters

For safe and compliant operation, adhere to these guidelines:

1. Placement and Monitoring:
   • Keep heaters at least three feet away from combustibles (e.g., paper, furniture, draperies).
   • Never use space heaters near water unless plugged into a GFCI outlet.
2. Electrical Safety:
   • Only one space heater per electrical circuit.
   • Avoid using heaters with damaged parts, cords, or missing ground prongs.
3. Operation:
   • Turn off heaters when leaving your workspace. Heaters should never be left on unattended.
   • Unplug heaters at the end of the workday.
4. Compliance Checks:
   • Spot checks will be conducted to ensure adherence to these policies.

For further inquiries or assistance, contact the NPS Safety Office at safety@nps.edu or NPS Facilities via Facilities Portal - Power Apps.