EIU Media Relations

University Newsletter

Notice on use of campus space heaters

Facilities Planning & Management (FPM), Health & Safety, and Risk Management remind all faculty, staff, and students to please refrain from providing and using space heaters on campus in order to remain in compliance with Chapter 5 of our campus Safety Manual, which states the following:

• The management of heat generating sources is the responsibility of the department heads and/or Chairperson. Heat generating sources, which include flames, candles, halogen lamps, torch lamps, space heaters, and any other heat sources, are prohibited in Campus Facilities and Residence Halls. If any heat generating source mentioned above appears to have been used, (e.g. a candle with burnt wick), the heat source must be removed from the building.

In addition to nonconformance with the campus Safety Manual, the use of personal space heaters has recently resulted in several electrical issues and complications with building temperature controls.

If your area is unusually cold, please report this to FPM Work Control through our site at eiu.edu/fpm/workcontrol.  All efforts will be made to correct the issue expeditiously or provide temporary heat.

If you require an accommodation for warmer space temperatures than what is normally provided, please submit for accommodations as follows:

• Students: EIU Office of Accessibility and Accommodations:
  eiu.edu/accommodations
• Employees: EIU Human Resources:
  eiu.edu/humanres/forms/ada_procedures.pdf

If unauthorized space heaters are found in use, you will be asked to remove them.  If nobody is around to ask, the heater will be unplugged and placed on the desk.  Repeat offenses will be subject to discipline in accordance with Internal Governing Policies: eiu.edu/environ/manual/Safety%20Manual%20Chapter%205.pdf