Space Heaters

Are space heaters allowed in offices within a healthcare occupancy?

Regarding portable space heaters, the restrictions imposed by the Life Safety Code® are that the space heaters are used only in 1) non-sleeping staff and employee areas; and 2) the heating elements do not exceed 212°F.  (Please see the excerpt below.)  Therefore, I would say that space heaters would be allowed in your offices as long as the above criteria are met. You should also check with your local AHJ or fire marshal and get his/her blessing as well.

LSC 2000 Edition

19.7.8 

Portable Space-Heating Devices. Portable space-heating devices shall be prohibited in all health care occupancies, unless both of the following criteria are met:                 

(1)   Such devices are used only in nonsleeping staff and employee areas.

(2)   The heating elements of such devices do not exceed 100°C (212°F).