Safe Use of Heaters, Geysers and Fans

Why older adults are at higher risk

• Reduced feeling in the skin, particularly with diabetes or neuropathy, so burns are not felt; see neuropathy foot care.
• Thin skin, which burns deeper and faster; see hot water and scald safety for older skin.
• Feeling cold and sitting too close to heat.
• Slower reactions and balance problems, so a trip over a cable or a stumble into a heater is more likely.
• Memory lapses, leaving appliances on.
• Poor sight and hearing, missing warning signs.
• Loose clothing, such as sarees, shawls and dupattas.
• Heavy sleep or sedatives, missing smoke or fumes.
• Older wiring and appliances in many homes.

Room heaters

Types. Radiant (rod or bar) heaters, fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, convection heaters, halogen heaters and, in some homes, coal or charcoal braziers and kerosene heaters.

Safer choices. - Oil-filled radiators and thermostatically controlled convection heaters have no exposed element and surfaces that are less likely to ignite things, though they can still be hot. They are generally safer than radiant bar heaters. - Look for tip-over switch-off, overheat protection and a thermostat. A timer that switches the heater off helps people who fall asleep. - Avoid open-element heaters, kerosene heaters and charcoal or coal braziers (angeethi) indoors. They cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, and should not be used in closed rooms; see below. - Choose a heater that is stable with a wide base, and a cool-touch body if possible. - Check electrical ratings. Heaters draw high current; use a suitable socket and wire. - Buy from a reputable maker with a safety mark; see spotting fake or poor quality care products.

Safe use. - Keep at least one metre from beds, curtains, furniture, clothes and bedding. - Never dry clothes or shawls on a heater. - Place on a flat, hard surface, not on a carpet, bed or table that can be tipped. - Plug directly into the wall socket, not an extension board or multi-plug, and do not share the socket with other high-power devices. - Switch off and unplug when leaving the room, going to sleep or going out. - Do not cover the heater. - Check the cord and plug for damage or warmth; replace if frayed. - Do not place a heater near water or in a bathroom unless it is made for the purpose and installed by an electrician. - Ventilate: a slightly open window prevents stuffiness and condensation (see temperature and ventilation at home). - Dress warmly instead: layers, a cap, socks and blankets reduce the need for a heater; see cold weather health risks for seniors.

Carbon monoxide: a silent killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuel burns without enough air. It cannot be seen or smelled. It causes headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and drowsiness, and can kill, particularly in a sleeping person. Sources in Indian homes include charcoal or coal braziers, wood fires, kerosene heaters, gas geysers in small closed bathrooms, generators and blocked chimneys.

• Never burn charcoal, coal or wood in a closed room, even for a short time.
• Never run a generator inside or in a covered area.
• Use gas geysers only with proper ventilation and outside venting; prefer electric geysers in small bathrooms, or place a gas geyser outside the bathroom.
• Keep windows slightly open when using any fuel-burning appliance.
• Install a CO alarm if fuel-burning appliances are used.
• Do not sit with a brazier under a blanket.
• If you suspect CO poisoning: move everyone to fresh air at once, call 112, and seek medical help.

See smoke and gas safety for older adults.

Geysers and water heaters

Types. Storage electric geysers, instant electric geysers, gas geysers, solar water heaters and immersion rods.

Scald prevention. - Set the thermostat to the lowest setting that gives comfortable warm water; very hot settings are not necessary and are dangerous. Ask an electrician or plumber to check and limit the maximum. - Always mix with cold water, and test the temperature with your hand or a thermometer before the person gets under the water; see hot water and scald safety for older skin. - A thermostatic mixing valve can fix the maximum temperature at the tap; ask a plumber. - Use a handheld shower to direct water carefully; see handheld shower guide. - Do not leave the person alone in the shower if they have reduced sensation or confusion. - Teach the household not to turn on other taps while someone is bathing, to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Electrical safety. - Earthing: a geyser must be properly earthed, with a three-pin plug and earth wire. Check with an electrician. - An earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB or RCD) on the geyser circuit cuts the power in the event of a shock hazard. - Switch off at the wall before cleaning or when not in use. - Do not touch switches with wet hands, and place switches outside the bathroom or out of splash range. - Check for leaks, rust and corrosion; water leaking from a geyser onto electrical parts is dangerous. - Service annually, including the safety valve and thermostat. - Use a timer so the geyser is on only when needed, saving power and reducing risk. - Pressure relief valve: never block it. - Gas geysers: have a qualified technician install, ventilate and service. Never use in a closed bathroom.

Immersion rods. - Use a rod with an ISI or equivalent safety mark, in a non-metal bucket (not an unprotected metal one), with the rod fully immersed before switching on. - Switch on and off at the wall socket only when the rod is in the water, and always switch off and unplug before touching the water or removing the rod. - Never touch the bucket or water while the rod is on. - Do not leave it unattended, and keep it away from children and confused people. - Replace damaged rods and cords. - Prefer a geyser, kettle or other safer option for an older person who is forgetful; see auto-off kettle and stove safety.

Fans, coolers and air conditioners

• Choose a stable fan with guarded blades, a firm base and a cord kept out of walkways. Wall or ceiling fans keep floors clear.
• Do not place fans where they can be knocked over or pulled on.
• Clean fan blades and guards regularly, since dust and insects accumulate; switch off at the wall before cleaning.
• Do not point a fan directly at a sleeping person for hours, especially in cold or air-conditioned rooms; it can cause chills, dryness and muscle aches.
• Ceiling fans: check mounting, especially in old buildings. Do not stand on unstable stools to clean.
• Desert coolers: keep water clean, change often to avoid mosquitoes and mould; keep electrical parts away from water; ensure earthing; do not touch the cooler with wet hands. See pest, damp and mould at home.
• Air conditioners: set to a moderate temperature (about 26 to 28 degrees Celsius), avoid very cold air on the person, clean filters and service regularly. See keeping a bedridden parent cool in Indian summers.
• Battery or rechargeable fans help in power cuts; see power cuts and older adults.
• Fans and medical equipment: keep cables clear.

Electrical basics for all appliances

Do not overload sockets or extension boards; give high-power items such as heaters, geysers and kettles their own socket. Replace frayed cords and damaged plugs, keep sockets dry, and use a licensed electrician for wiring. Fit an earth leakage breaker (ELCB or RCD) and test it monthly. A warm plug, burning smell, sparks or buzzing means switch off at the mains and call an electrician. See electricity safety tips for elderly and safe use of oxygen and electrical equipment.

Electric blankets and heating pads

Use only those with automatic shut-off, a thermostat and a safety mark, never on someone who cannot feel heat or remove it (neuropathy, stroke, dementia), and switch off before sleeping unless the maker says otherwise. For hot water bottles, see hot pack safety for older skin.

A simple bedtime and leaving-home checklist

Before bed or leaving: heater, geyser and immersion rod off; gas regulator off; no charcoal or coal burning; sockets not overloaded and cords clear of walkways; smoke alarm working; phone, torch and pendant in place; see night safety for a parent alone and monthly home safety check.

What to do if something goes wrong

For an electric shock, switch off the power at the mains or push the person away with a dry wooden object, then call 112. For a burn, cool with running water for about 20 minutes and seek help; see hot water and scald safety for older skin. In a fire, get out and call 112 (fire service 101). For gas or carbon monoxide, open windows, leave and call for help; see smoke and gas safety for older adults.

When to ask a professional

Ask a licensed electrician to check wiring, earthing, ELCB and appliances. Ask a plumber or the geyser maker about thermostat settings, safety valves and mixing valves. Ask a gas technician for gas geysers. Ask a doctor or occupational therapist if your parent has reduced feeling, memory problems or balance problems that raise risk. For information on services for senior citizens, call Elderline 14567. In a fire or any emergency, call 112.