My bed is positioned very closely to a cast iron, steam radiator, is this a safety issue, or is that nothing to worry about?
Nothing to worry about, except for the lack of heat circulation. A radiator never gets hot enough to burn skin.
There is no fire danger but there could be a comfort issue if you get too hot. Is there a grill or grate that will keep you from possibly burning your bare skin? If so, there really is not a safety issue... That being said, I don't think i would want my face near it in case it springs a leak!
In the winter you want the bed as far as possible from it for many reasons: You want the heat to distribute through the room. The bed will keep the heat from radiating properly. When the heat comes out it will overheat you. Consistent heat on your bedding will eventually dry rot it. I suggest you look for a cover for it if you keep the bed where it is to avoid random skin burns. You can find great covers at Architectural Salvage shops. You can even fashion one from an old fireplace mantle.
