Safety standards apply
Electric room heaters sold in Australia must be manufactured to Australian Standards. NSW Fair Trading is responsible for monitoring and approving these heaters and ensuring that they are manufactured to Australian Standards. If you want to buy a heater, make sure that it is clearly marked with the approval number. These numbers or marks are normally found on the information sticker attached to the heater or within the information moulded into the body of the heater. Only Australian approval marks are acceptable on goods sold in Australia. Marks such as ‘CE’ are not recognised Electrical Safety Approval marks.
Where an approval mark or number is not visible
If you cannot see an approval number or mark on the heater, ask the sales person to show it to you. If they cannot show it to you, do not buy the heater. Purchase another heater, which is numbered or marked appropriately.
If you find a store selling heaters that have no approval numbers or markings, contact NSW Fair Trading. We are responsible for monitoring the safety of electrical goods sold in NSW.
Using a heater safely
Apart from checking to make sure that the room heater is approved and manufactured to Australian Standards, you should also take care while using any heater in your home. The way you use your room heater is just as important as how the heater was made.
Here are some essential safety tips for room heaters:
- Do not place the room heater too close to other furniture items in your home. The heat produced by the heater could ignite the other furniture.
- Do not place clothing or other items too close to the room heater. Some materials burn very easily and could start a fire in your home.
- Do not allow children or pets to play, stand or sit too close to the room heater.
Older style room heaters
Modern heaters are manufactured to the latest standards. They are made from modern materials and incorporate additional safety features that your older style heater may not have.
Caution: older style heaters with rusted reflectors or frames could cause hot spots and may be a source of danger.
Remember, keep children, pets, clothes, furnishings, curtains and bedding well away from all room heaters.