Space heaters: avoiding fire risks

The Institut Pasteur Security Department would like to inform you of an incident caused by a space heater on campus this week and to remind you of some important safety guidelines.

The Security Operations Center was recently called to deal with a fire that had broken out from a heater of this type. The incident was quickly brought under control and did not have any serious consequences.

But since there is typically a rise in the number of space heaters used over winter, the Security Department would remind you that it is vital:

• to use equipment in good working order (make sure the power cables appear to be in good condition and there is no dust on the heating elements) that is certified (green APAVE sticker)

• not to use extension leads or power strips

• not to cover the heater

• not to install the heater near anything that may catch fire (curtains, lab coats, reams of paper, etc.)

• to turn the heater off every evening before leaving campus