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Coming Clean About Smith: A guide to custodial procedures
The Emergency Management office, in partnership with the Portland Fire Department, conducts periodic fire safety inspections of Smith spaces.
The Emergency Management office, in partnership with the Portland Fire Department, conducts periodic fire safety inspections of Smith spaces.
Can We Use a Portable Space Heater?
Can We Use a Portable Space Heater?
Portable heaters are permissible in Portland State University spaces only if they have been approved by the Facilities and Property Management (FPM) team as well as the Fire Prevention Coordinator. This process ensures that both the building heating and cooling systems are functioning to the best of their ability as well as adherence to fire code.
If you have a space heater in your office here are some requirements to follow in order to keep you safe and compliant.
Plug the heater directly into an outlet. Plug a portable electric heater directly into an outlet with sufficient power capacity. Using an extension cord to plug in the unit increases the chance of overheating, fires, and electrical shock injuries and is prohibited.
Give heaters their space. Position a portable space heater at least 3 feet away from furniture, rugs, and other combustibles. These items could easily catch fire if they come into contact with a unit’s electric heating element or hot surface.
Inspect and clean the heater regularly. Electric heaters should be inspected on an annual basis and cleaned frequently to ensure that they are in safe working condition. Remember, dust and contaminants can become fuel for a fire.
Shut off and unplug the heater when leaving it unattended. Upon leaving an area, turn off the portable space heater and unplug it.
Can we use surge protectors/extension cords?
Can we use surge protectors/extension cords?
Yes. But carefully. Surge protectors must be plugged into an outlet and not strung together.
During an early 2022 inspection two common violations were noted in many areas of Smith: daisy chaining and use of residential multiplug adapters or extension cords. If your specific office space was found in violation of either, the Fire Prevention Coordinator has likely already been in contact with you.
Daisy Chaining
Daisy Chaining
Surge protectors must not be connected to each other or "chained" together. Purchase long enough cords to meet the need of the space.
Residential Cords
Residential Cords
Common residential multiplug adapters or extension cords are temporary household solutions and should not be used in an office environment. When used poorly, they can overheat and start fires.
A more complete list of commonly found occupant related fire code violations can be found on the PSU Fire Prevention website.
Take a look around your office and make sure you aren’t violating any of these items to help keep PSU safe and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Thank you for keeping everyone safe in Smith.
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