Heater Safety

"Important Safety Leaflet for Liquid Oil Heaters"

If you use a Liquid Oil Heater (Wick or Electric Inverter Types) you should take precautions against a
number of hazards.

The most important thing that you must do is fully read the instruction manual that comes with the Heater and to follow is advice.

THESE DANGERS INCLUDE:

1. Fire or explosion: Fire could be caused by operating the heater too close to furniture, draperies or other combustibles, by knocking over a lighted heater, or by accidentally igniting fuel when filling the tank. Explosions could be caused by use of the wrong kind of fuel, or by operating the heater in an area where there are combustible fumes.
2. Burns: Burns could be caused by direct contact with a heater, or by ignition of combustible clothing. Children & pets especially should be kept at a safe distance from all operating heaters.
3. Asphyxiation: Liquid Oil Heaters consume oxygen as they burn. If they are operated in too small a room or in an inadequately ventilated area, oxygen in the air could be reduced to a dangerous level. Reduced oxygen supply could lead to incomplete combustion of fuel and the production of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which in sufficient concentrations, or if breathed over a period of time, can kill without warning. It is recommended that all homes fit Carbon Monoxide Detector in the room that the Heater is in use.
4. Indoor air pollution: In addition to carbon monoxide, liquid oil heaters can emit such pollutants as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Breathing these substances can create a risk, especially to such people as pregnant women, asthmatics, individuals with cardiovascular disease, elderly persons and young children.

These hazards can be minimized or averted by carefully following the manufacturers' instructions for use of your heater, and by adopting other common-sense safety measures.

DEALING WITH HAZARDS:

1. A well-designed Liquid Oil Heater using the recommended fuel emits no smoke or strong odor during normal operation. But you might notice a faint oil smell when you enter the house.
2. There's also an odor from Oil heaters for several minutes when they're turned on or off and when they run out of fuel. Thus, it's a good idea to check the fuel gauge regularly so that your tank does not run dry.
3. It is very important to have adequate ventilation to other rooms, and a source of fresh, outside air such as a window or door open at least one inch whenever you're using a Liquid Oil heater.
4. Emission of other major pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide is an extra reason why you need adequate ventilation and fresh, outside air.
5. Liquid oil heaters could be especially hazardous in bedrooms, particularly when units designed to heat large spaces are used in small rooms. Do not use a Liquid Oil Heater in a bedroom, Boat, Tent, Caravan or Camping van. Do not sleep beside a Liquid Oil Heater or gas heater and do not use one in a bed room.

USING YOUR LIQUID OIL HEATER SAFELY:

1. When you purchase a Liquid Oil heater, you'll have to allow time for buying fuel, fueling the heater and taking care of maintenance.
2. We and the manufacturer recommends that you only use Factory sealed drums of Tozane or SaxOil Heater Fuel in your Heater.
3. It is vital that no water or moisture contaminates your fuel supply. Otherwise your heater will not work correctly. You need to keep your Fuel Cans Sealed.
4. The first time you use a Liquid Oil Wick Heater allow the Fuel to soak into the wick for an hour before starting the heater.
5. If you are using a Wick Oil heater you'll need to check the wick every week or two during the heating season. If it's dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. It's also essential to always wipe up any fuel spillage at once - it's a fire hazard - and to remove dust and dirt regularly.
7. Never use a substitute such as Petrol or Diesel or camp stove fuel. In a Liquid oil heater, such fuels could start a fire or explode.
8. To avoid the risk of fire even in normal operation you should place your heaters several feet away from all furniture, curtains, papers, clothes, bedding and other combustible materials.
9. Remember that Fuel Oil heaters have a constant open flame and should not be used in a room where there are flammable solvents, aerosol sprays, lacquers, Petrol or Diesel, Fuel containers or any other type of oil.
10. Parents of babies, toddlers and young children, as well as pet owners, should be aware that touching any part of an operating heater above or in front of the open flame could result in a serious burn.
11. This is why safety cages - designed to keep small children and pets at a distance - have become popular.
12. Never attempt to move a lighted heater. Even a carrying handle could cause a burn. Extinguish the flame and allow the heater to cool before moving it.
13. And never refuel a heater in living quarters or when the heater is still hot. Wait for it to cool.
14. We strongly recommend that Liquid Oil heaters be turned off before you go to sleep. It's better to use your central heating system while the family is sleeping.
15. Remember that you can lessen the risk of fire, serious burns, pollution and asphyxiation dangers from Liquid Oil heaters by:
    1. Following safety tips.
    2. Maintaining a constant source of fresh air.
    3. Keeping doors to other rooms open.
16. It's recommended that in all houses no matter what types of heating you use to have good working smoke & carbon monoxide detectors fitted and a fire extinguisher present inside the house.

HANDLING FUEL:

1. With a portable liquid Oil heater, you'll be making frequent trips to a heater fuel dealer.
2. You need to have a clean separate storage can other than the Tank that comes with the heater. Be sure the Transport containers are clearly marked "Heater Fuel"
3. It's dangerous to mix petrol or diesel and heater fuel - or their containers. Never use a petrol or diesel can as a substitute for a heater fuel container.
4. Always fill your own cans. Never send a child under 16 years of age to collect fuel.
5. Once you get the containers back home, you'll need a safe place to keep the fuel cans and to refuel the heater. Keep your cans in a separate location to any other cans of fuel for cars, motorbikes or lawnmowers
6. In cases, a garage or shed is preferable to the house. If there's no garage, a basement location distant from the central heating system or an outside secure storage shed are possibilities. Keep all Children away form fuel
7. Do not refuel a hot heater. Switch it off and wait for it to cool.
8. Follow the siphon pump instructions and fill only about 90 % of the tank. Cold Fuel expands in a heater tank as it warms to room temperature and could overflow if there isn't enough room.
9. Return the heater to the spot where it will be turned on. Open at least one window slightly and ignite the heater according to the manufacturer's instructions.

SUMMER-Autumn Heater MAINTENANCE:

Here's what to do before your heater is stored for the summer:

1. Remove all fuel from the tank and discard correctly. Liquid Heater Fuel can change chemically and spoil over the summer.
2. Clean the wick if it's dirty. If it's worn out, replace according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replacement wicks are available.
3. Clean the heater and discard weak batteries. Store good batteries in a dry place, taping the ends.
4. Place the unit and accessories in a dust-free and moisture-free containers - possibly the box the heater came in.

Here's what to do when taking your heater out of storage in the Autumn:

1. Install batteries and inspect shut-off mechanism and wick for proper operation.
2. Fill the tank with fresh Heater Fuel.
3. Go through the owner's manual to make sure you remember all the operating and safety features.

Keep the Heater box to store your heater during the summer!