A warm prayer space must also be a safe one. Mosque teams should follow appliance instructions, local fire and gas-safety rules and qualified professional advice. Visitors should report concerns rather than adjusting unfamiliar heaters.
Have heating checked before use
Ask a qualified technician to inspect heating appliances and their flues or exhaust arrangements. Use equipment only in the setting for which it was designed; do not improvise connections, bypass safety devices or use a damaged appliance.
Assign a responsible person to the heating arrangements. Check the manufacturer's instructions and local requirements for installation, maintenance and safe operation rather than relying on an online checklist alone.
Ventilation and carbon monoxide matter
Gas heaters and other fuel-burning appliances can produce carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and has no colour or smell. Keep required ventilation and flues clear; warmth is not a reason to seal a room around a fuel-burning heater.
Do not use charcoal angeethis, barbecues or outdoor fuel-burning heaters inside the mosque or another enclosed space. Charcoal can continue producing carbon monoxide even when visible flames have gone. Use suitable carbon monoxide alarms as advised by local safety guidance and their manufacturer; an alarm does not replace safe installation and ventilation.
Keep heat away from carpets and exits
Keep heaters stable and at the manufacturer's required distance from carpets, curtains, bedding, prayer mats and clothing. Do not drape anything over a heater or use it to dry shoes or garments.
Keep entrances, escape routes and electrical cables clear. Do not overload sockets or use damaged leads. Children should not be left near heaters without supervision. Never leave heaters on unattended; the responsible person should follow the appliance's safe shutdown procedure before leaving.
Respond to concerns without delay
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, you suspect fumes or a gas leak, or people feel unwell around a heater, get everyone out into fresh air and call local emergency services or the gas provider from a safe place. Seek urgent medical advice for suspected carbon monoxide exposure and do not re-enter until professionals say it is safe.
If there is a fire, raise the alarm, leave by a safe exit and call the local fire service. Do not put yourself at risk attempting repairs or firefighting. Mosque teams should have a clear evacuation plan and accessible exits.