4.20 - Space Heaters

Policy Number - 4.20

Approved: 05/20/2025

Purpose

The purpose of this Space Heater Policy is to provide Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) staff and faculty guidance for limited use and prohibition of portable electric space heaters in college facilities.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals on all KCKCC properties.

Policy Statement

Based on fire code NFPA 70-2022 and to promote fire safety at Kansas City Kansas Community College, personal space heaters are prohibited in all College properties, including student living facilities. The College Facilities Serviesc Division is responsible for maintaining an acceptable temperature range in all KCKCC properties.

Workspace Temperature Issues

Facility Services will strive to maintain room temperatures as follows: Winter 70°F (+/-2°) and Summer 74°F (+/-2°). Employees who identify temperature problems in workspaces or other spaces at KCKCC should submit a ticket to Facility Services. Facility Services will assess and attempt to repair any heating issues identified within the workspace. If deemed appropriate, Facility Services may provide a heating or cooling device to maintain temperature ranges in KCKCC workspaces or classrooms.

Reasonable Accommodation

If Human Resources determines that reasonable accommodation is necessary for staff or faculty membersrequiring use of a space heater, Human Resources will submit a ticket to Facility Services providing the name of the individual and workspace location. Facility Services will provide a space heater for temporary use.

Based on temperature regulation or reasonable accommodation, Facility Services will be responsible for providing a safe, compliant space heater which meets the following standards:

1. Providing a space heater of standard voltage (110 v) and the heater cannot be rated for more than
   1500 watts.
2. The heater has an automatic safety switch (tip-over switch) that turns the unit off if it is tipped
   over.
3. Regular inspections of the space heater.
4. Heater is approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), such as
   Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL). The heater is a minimum three feet away from combustible
   materials (e.g., cardboard, paper, cloth, furniture, and clothing, etc.).
5. The heater is unplugged when not in use and plugged into an electrical wall outlet when in use,
   not an extension cord or power strip.
6. Visually inspecting the heater weekly to ensure it is in good working condition.
7. The heater is not placed in a high traffic area.