Portable storage heaters with wheels

Due to these appliances being portable and therefore prone to being moved a lot, these were among the most common items that were found damaged. Our engineers also found that these items were regularly left plugged in overnight and weekends. We also found items of clothing that were left on the heaters which covered up the air vents of the appliances which can cause overheating and a potential fire hazard.

We also encountered a number of these heaters plugged into standard 4 outlet extension leads. A standard 4 outlet extension lead is equipped for power loads of up to 3000W with a typical portable heater drawing at least 1500W. The 4 outlet extension leads that we encountered invariably had additional electrical appliances plugged into them at the same time as the heater, thus causing the maximum load capacity of the 4 outlet extension lead to be reached and sometimes exceeded. Leaving items plugged in and drawing power overnight/over the weekend would not be recommended at any time and increases the risk of fire. We dont profess to be experts in insurance claims but in the event of a fire and a Fire Safety Inspector finding these appliances plugged in,in the manner described above would certainly affect any claim made against the fire insurance policies in place and affect any payout or compensation after the worst happens.

Recommendations:

1) All appliances drawing 1500W or higher should be plugged directly into their own electrical wall socket. If this is not available, a surge protector board should be fitted and the items plugged into this device for greater protection.
2) All staff should be warned against placing personal items over portable heaters and ensure that the air vents on the appliance are free from obstruction at all times. No appliances should be left plugged in overnight/over the weekend as a matter of policy. This not only protects against fire risk, it also saves money on electrical bills and can add to the longevity of your appliances for the future.

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Faulty plugs, damaged cables, or internal defects can lead to electric shock, burns, or fire. Because pluggable devices are frequently moved, handled, and connected to different sockets, they are more susceptible to wear and tear than fixed installations. Routine visual inspections combined with formal testing help identify defects before they escalate into serious hazards.

Testing regimes should be risk-based, considering the type of equipment, frequency of use, and environment in which it operates. For example, equipment used in construction or industrial settings may require more frequent checks than office-based devices. Maintaining accurate records of inspections and tests also demonstrates compliance and supports ongoing risk management.

Ultimately, proactive testing not only ensures legal compliance but also protects employees, reduces downtime, and fosters a safer working environment for all involved.

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