A wood heater requires good common sense for the most part to operate it safely and efficiently.
The outside surface of wood heaters gets hot enough to cook food and boil water, and in fact may reach temperatures of 1000 C, so care must be taken to prevent accidental burns from contact with the heater.
In addition care must be taken to properly maintain the flue and heater to prevent fires from starting. In order to safely operate a wood heater consider the following:
• If young children are present safety screens should be placed around the wood heater to prevent any burns. Children will be naturally inquisitive about the fire and may reach out to touch the glass door or the wood heater itself. The screens should be far enough away from the heater to prevent a child from leaning over the screen or falling onto it.
• Children should not be left unsupervised in a room with a wood heater.
• Children should not add wood to the heater as they may fall forward or burn themselves by accidentally making contact with the surface area.
• If the wood heater is equipped with a cooking surface make sure children are well supervised with preparing food.
• Make sure the wood heater is the correct distance from walls and ceilings to allow proper clearances.
• Keep any and all furniture, papers or other combustible items away from wood heaters at all times.
• Use a floor protector that is the correct size to stop any sparks or debris from wood heaters getting on the carpet or floor. This will prevent fires and also prevent any damage to the floor covering.
• Correctly install the flue through the ceiling and provide the correct protection around the flue to prevent build-up of heat and possible fire in the flue. Flue fires occur when creosote builds up in the flue and ignites. A flue fire can reach temperatures of 1200 C.
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