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Using portable heaters at CERN

As temperatures drop, some workplaces at CERN can feel cold, particularly in buildings that are less well insulated, and people’s tolerance of lower temperatures varies. Portable electric heaters were removed from the CERN Stores at the end of 2022 as an energy-saving measure, but many are still in use, either procured before 2022 or bought outside CERN.

Portable heaters are a common cause of workplace fires. They can ignite nearby materials such as paper, curtains or clothing, overload sockets and extension cords, and overheat when covered or left running unattended.

Portable heaters should only be used when other options aren’t enough, and must always be used in line with the guidelines below.

Choosing a heater

  • Use only CE-marked electric heaters. Open-flame, solid-fuel and liquid-fuel heaters are not permitted.
  • Choose a model with a timer, overheat cut-off or a thermostat.

Electrical connection

  • Plug the heater directly into a wall socket where possible, with only one heater per wall socket.
  • Check the power rating on the label. It must not exceed 1800 W. A 10 A socket supports a heater of up to 1800 W.
  • If an extension cord is unavoidable, it must be rated for the heater’s power and fully unwound.
    • Do not use multi-socket strips or connect extensions together.
  • Do not use CH/FR travel adapters. For approved alternatives, see Electrical safety: sockets.

Where to put it

  • Do not use heaters in areas with significant fire risk, such as where flammable liquids or gases are stored or handled, in dusty areas, or in storage rooms.
  • Keep the heater at least 1 metre from anything that can burn, such as curtains, clothing, paper and furniture.
  • Place it on a stable, level floor, out of walkways, doorways and escape routes, and away from fire detectors.
  • Never cover the heater or use it to dry clothing.

While it’s in use

  • Never leave a heater running unattended. Use the timer as a backup, not as a substitute for supervision.
  • Switch off and unplug it when you leave the room and at the end of the working day.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Stop using the heater if the cord, plug or casing is damaged.

If something goes wrong

  • If you smell burning or see smoke or sparks, switch off and unplug the heater if it is safe to do so.
  • Know where the nearest fire extinguisher and escape routes are, and follow the evacuation procedure for your building.
  • In case of fire or smoke, call the CERN Fire and Rescue Service on +41 22 767 4444 (74444 from a CERN phone). Activate the alarm and evacuate if needed.