Anyone with experience of using kerosene PSHs in the workplace? Post insurance visit statement was "PSH are to be removed". Surely with good ventilation and sited in a suitable location away from flammables and a ssow and maintenance plan in place there is little chance of harm occuring to employees or significant fire risk? Another case of insurance playing at enforcement and regulation?? Any views? GC

We had similar with our insurers within our factory units. gas bottle run space heaters, not helped by when we found the staff heating up the bottle because of low temperatures...we also received complaints of a build up in gas fumes due to all the doors and roller shutters being closed. Currently trialling other types but only time will tell.

I agree with bleve. From an insurance underwriter's persepctive there are to many variables and consequent potential for major fire (fuelling, fuel storage and transport, proximity to combustibles, portability, human behaviour, condition of the appliance etc). Get your broker to earn their commission or fee by negotiating on your behalf, so long as you have a reasonable argument to put forward. It's a commercial contract arrangement. If you don't like the terms, enter in to a new contract at renewal time. There is little chance of unannouced official enforcement visits these days and insurers are probably the only external body that have any influence on safety/health/fire management for many employers.

What about the long-term health risks ? Fumes: Carbon monoxide, dioxide, various nitrogen oxides, small particulates (unburnt hydrocarbons/soot) Humidity... Sorry, I'm with the insurance guys.....if I'm asked to work in a w/shop heated by portable liquid-fuelled space heaters...I'm outa there..... Cheapskate alternative to decent healthy(ish) heaters.