What is a primary concern when using portable heaters in relation to safety?

When considering the use of portable heaters, flame supervision is a primary concern regarding safety. This is because portable heaters that utilize an open flame present a significant risk of fire if the flame is not properly monitored. It is critical that any heater with an open flame has a mechanism to either keep the flame under constant supervision or to extinguish it if it is accidentally tipped over or if the surrounding environment becomes unsafe.

The need for flame supervision is particularly pronounced in settings where the heater may be left unattended or where children and pets are present, as they may inadvertently interact with the heater. Additionally, ensuring that the heater has proper flame supervision systems significantly reduces the risk of carbon monoxide leakage and combustion hazards, maintaining a safer environment.

While aspects like fuel efficiency, heat output, and ease of use are important factors in selecting and operating a portable heater, they do not directly address the critical safety issues associated with open flames. Therefore, the focus on flame supervision is paramount to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation of portable heaters.