June 20, 2025

Essential Winter Safety: Eskom Warns of Deadly Heating Hazards as Cold Sets In

As winter temperatures drop across South Africa, Eskom has issued an urgent safety warning about the potentially deadly risks associated with home heating devices. The power utility is highlighting an annual spike in house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning cases linked to unsafe heating practices during the colder months.

Heating Equipment Safety Essentials

Eskom's Senior Manager for Health and Safety, Miranda Moahlodi, emphasizes that all heating appliances—whether electric, gas, or open-flame—come with specific safety requirements. "Avoid makeshift heating devices. They may seem harmless—but they often become silent hazards in our homes," warns Moahlodi.

Key safety measures include:

• Using only SABS-approved heating devices
• Reading and following manufacturer instructions
• Never leaving heaters unattended, especially overnight
• Avoiding homemade or improvised heating solutions

The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide Risk

For South Africans using gas or paraffin heaters, proper ventilation is critical. Carbon monoxide—an odorless, colorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances—can cause death within minutes when concentrated in enclosed spaces.

"It is tempting to shut every window during cold nights, but please leave one slightly open—your life may depend on it," Moahlodi advises.

The utility strongly cautions against using outdoor equipment such as braais, camping stoves, or generators inside homes, as these pose significant carbon monoxide poisoning risks.

Electrical Safety and Fire Prevention

With many households relying on electric heaters, Eskom warns against common electrical safety mistakes that can trigger house fires:

• Never plug heaters into multi-plugs or extension cords
• Regularly inspect power cords for damage
• Maintain at least 1 meter distance between heaters and any flammable materials
• Unplug heating devices when not in use

"A tiny spark can cause a significant disaster. Therefore, it is important to remind our children and all family members to unplug heaters as soon as they are done using them," notes Moahlodi.

Community Safety Initiative

Eskom reports it is actively engaging with communities to distribute safety information materials and collaborate with municipalities, local leaders, and schools on awareness campaigns.

The utility also encourages community members to look out for vulnerable neighbors. "Community safety is shared safety. Please check on your elderly neighbours, friends who live alone, and those without access to safe heating," urges Moahlodi.

Outlook: Winter Safety Challenges

With meteorological forecasts predicting a particularly cold winter in many parts of South Africa, heating safety concerns are likely to remain heightened through August. While loadshedding currently remains suspended, households should include safety considerations in their heating strategies regardless of power supply status.

The risks are especially pronounced in informal settlements and low-income areas, where improvised heating methods and overcrowding can increase danger. Public health officials typically report dozens of preventable heating-related fatalities each winter season.

Key Terms Explained

• Carbon Monoxide: An invisible, odorless gas produced when fuels burn incompletely. It replaces oxygen in the bloodstream and can cause death within minutes at high concentrations.
• SABS Approval: Certification from the South African Bureau of Standards indicating a product meets national safety and quality standards.
• Zero Harm: Eskom's safety philosophy aiming to prevent all injuries, occupational diseases, and environmental incidents.

For additional information about electrical safety, Eskom directs the public to visit www.eskom.co.za or contact their nearest Eskom office.