portable heater fire risks: How can I identify the fire risks associated with using portable heaters in commercial properties?
portable heater fire risks are a common concern in commercial properties, and in this guide you will learn how to identify, assess and reduce those risks so you meet your legal duties and protect people and property. Suggested URL slug: portable-heater-fire-risks
This article explains the main hazards linked to portable heating, gives a step‑by‑step approach to spotting risks during a fire risk assessment, and sets out practical controls you can apply immediately. It also points to the official guidance you should consult and the services Total Safe offers to help you stay compliant.
Why portable heater fire risks matter in commercial settings
Portable heaters can create significant hazards when used in workplaces, retail spaces, communal areas and tenant properties. They may overheat, ignite nearby combustibles, or cause electrical faults that start fires. In addition, poor placement and lack of maintenance increase the chance of injury and damage.
The responsible person for a premises is legally required to identify fire hazards and take reasonable steps to reduce risk. Carrying out an effective fire risk assessment is central to that duty. gov.uk
Identifying where portable heaters are used and who is affected
Start by mapping exactly where portable heaters are located. Visit every floor and room and note the following for each device:
Heater make and model — record the manufacturer and model so you can check manuals and specifications.
Fuel type — electric, gas, paraffin; record the fuel source to assess storage and connection risks.
Age and visible condition — note wear, damage, or corrosion that might indicate imminent failure.
Proximity to combustibles — document distance to curtains, furniture, stock or stored materials.
Inappropriate use — note if the heater is used for drying clothing or other tasks it was not designed for.
Who uses or is exposed to the heater — staff, contractors, the public, or vulnerable people; record who could be harmed.
Record this information in your fire risk assessment. It gives you the evidence to justify controls and to prioritise higher‑risk areas.
Identifying portable heater fire risks in your premises
Next, assess specific hazards associated with each heater. Look for common fault patterns and document each finding clearly.
Combustible contact — heaters sited too close to materials that can ignite.
Overturning and trip hazards — units that can be knocked over or create trip risks.
Blocked ventilation — grills and air inlets obstructed by dust or debris.
Electrical faults — damaged cables, faulty plugs or overloaded sockets.
Inappropriate use — impromptu heating in storage rooms, plant rooms or near flammable liquids.
Fuel storage risks — loose gas cylinders or paraffin stored indoors.
Where portable heaters are used near the public or vulnerable individuals, the potential for a small ignition to become a major incident is higher. Make sure your assessment reflects both likelihood and potential severity.
Checklists and simple tests to spot immediate risks
Use short, repeatable checks to find the riskiest items fast. For electric heaters carry out a visual inspection and record results:
Cable and plug condition — Is the cable intact and the plug secure?
Placement — Is the heater on an even, non‑combustible surface?
Guards and damage — Is the unit guarded and free from damage?
Clear zone — Is there a clear zone around the heater (at least one metre where practicable)?
For gas or paraffin heaters confirm the following and record each check:
Fuel storage — cylinder or fuel storage is outdoors or in ventilated, designated areas.
Connections — connections are tight and leak‑free.
User competence — users are trained to change cylinders safely.
If anything fails the visual check, tag the device out of use and arrange prompt remedial action or replacement.
Assessing electrical safety and maintenance needs
Electrical faults are a key cause of fires involving portable heaters. The Electricity at Work Regulations and HSE guidance require employers to maintain portable electrical equipment so it does not become a danger. A formal maintenance regime should include user checks, periodic visual inspections and tests where indicated. hse.gov.uk
If your building uses many portable heaters, consider scheduling regular PAT testing and logging results. Total Safe can carry out PAT testing and keep records so you can demonstrate compliance and spot recurring problems early. PAT Testing with Total Safe
Consider occupant behaviour and misuse
Human behaviour often creates the greatest risk. Staff or tenants may place heaters too close to storage, leave units running overnight, or use them to dry clothing. To identify these risks, talk to users and include behavioural checks in your inspection rounds.
Training and rules — Provide simple written instructions near heaters and include heater‑use in induction training and fire marshal briefings. Total Safe offers training that ties fire safety responsibilities to everyday behaviours and emergency procedures. Fire safety and training services
Measure the consequences: how to judge severity and likelihood
When you find a hazard, judge both how likely it is to occur and how severe the outcome would be. For example, a faulty electric heater in a storeroom full of cardboard crates presents a high risk because ignition would spread rapidly. Conversely, a guarded wall heater in a staff room with little combustible material may be lower risk.
Document your reasoning so decision makers and inspectors can see why you prioritised certain actions.
Controls to reduce portable heater fire risks
Apply the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate and use personal protective measures.
Eliminate — where possible, remove portable heaters and rely on fixed heating systems.
Substitute — replace high‑risk fuel heaters with safer electric models that include tip‑over cutouts and thermostats.
Engineer — fit guards, secure units to prevent tipping and provide dedicated circuits where large numbers of heaters are used.
Administrate — set rules on heater placement, use times and storage of flammable materials.
Personal — ensure users know how to switch heaters off and when to report faults.
Where elimination is not possible, combine several controls. For instance, use guarded heaters, enforce clear zones, and schedule regular maintenance.
Practical steps to reduce risk right away
If your assessment shows immediate hazards, take these steps without delay:
Isolate and remove any heater judged unsafe.
Clear combustibles from around all heaters.
Attach permanent labels with safe‑use instructions to remaining units.
Assign responsibility for daily visual checks.
Arrange competent inspection for electrical safety or gas servicing.
These actions reduce short‑term risk while you implement longer‑term solutions such as replacing heaters or upgrading building heating.
Record keeping and evidence for compliance
A clear audit trail is vital. Records should show the following items and be kept readily available:
Findings from spot checks and risk assessments.
Maintenance and PAT test results.
Training and communications delivered to staff and tenants.
Decisions and actions taken, who authorised them and timescales for remedial work.
Chiefly, the Fire Safety Order requires the responsible person to carry out and keep records of risk assessments and to make them available on request. Keep documents organised so audits and insurer reviews are straightforward. gov.uk
When to involve specialists and professional services
Call in specialists in these circumstances and record the referral and findings:
Persistent electrical faults or repeated PAT failures.
Damaged gas or paraffin heaters that have been misused or show signs of unsafe operation.
Change of occupancy or function of a space that changes fire risk.
Need for formal assessment or certificates required by insurers.
Total Safe offers professional fire risk assessments and remedial works. A qualified assessor can recommend alternatives to portable heating and prepare documented actions to reduce risk. Arrange a Fire Risk Assessment
Useful references and official guidance
Consult authoritative guidance when forming your policy. The UK government explains the duties of the responsible person and their obligation to carry out fire risk assessments. gov.uk
HSE guidance clarifies how to maintain portable electrical equipment and what a sensible inspection regime looks like for low‑risk environments. It also explains that the law requires maintenance but does not set fixed test intervals. hse.gov.uk
The London Fire Brigade and local fire and rescue services publish practical, room‑level advice on safe distances and guarding for portable heaters; these recommendations help translate high‑level law into everyday practice. london-fire.gov.uk
Conclusion: next steps for responsible persons
Portable heater fire risks are manageable when you take a systematic approach. Begin with an accurate map of heater locations and simple visual checks. Then assess likelihood and consequence, prioritise actions, and apply the hierarchy of controls. Record everything and train users to reduce misuse.
If you have doubts about electrical safety, recurring faults or need a formal fire risk assessment to satisfy your legal duties, contact a professional. Total Safe can inspect heaters, perform PAT testing, advise on safer alternatives and carry out the remedial work needed to protect people and premises. Acting now reduces risk, supports compliance and demonstrates you take fire safety seriously. hse.gov.uk
FAQ
Q: Are portable heaters banned in commercial properties?
A: No. Portable heaters are not universally banned, but their use must be safe and justified within your fire risk assessment. If risks cannot be controlled, you may need to remove them.
Q: How far should a portable heater be from combustible material?
A: Wherever possible, allow at least one metre clearance around a portable heater and never place items on or above the unit. Check guidance from local fire services for specific recommendations. london-fire.gov.uk
Q: Do I need PAT testing for electric portable heaters?
A: You must maintain electrical equipment so it does not become dangerous. HSE guidance sets out sensible inspection and testing regimes rather than a fixed annual requirement; use the risk assessment to set frequencies and arrange professional testing where needed. hse.gov.uk
Q: Who is responsible if a heater causes a fire?
A: The responsible person for the premises has duties under the Fire Safety Order to assess and mitigate risks. Failure to act can lead to enforcement, fines or prosecution. gov.uk
Q: Where can I get professional help with heater risks?
A: For practical inspections, PAT testing and fire risk assessments you can contact Total Safe to arrange a site visit and a tailored action plan. Total Safe fire safety services
