PLEASE NOTE: Very tarry chimneys present a higher risk of chimney fires even if swept regularly. Loose lining material may continue to fall, no matter how often the chimney is swept. Serious cases will need relining. Fire risk indicates a potential danger,which should be acted upon before the fire is lit again.
The smoke evacuation check does not guarantee the integrity of the chimney, You should be particularly careful as to the condition of your flue and chimney if using solid fuel, oil or gas and your attention is drawn to Smoke Testing of chimneys above If you have any concerns in this regard please talk to
your Sweep who will be delighted to do all he can to help. Regular chimney sweeping is important to protect you and your home safely
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Never try to control the pull of the flue by restricting the flue with a damper if provided, as toxic exhaust gases must have free passage at all times.
• Never store your fuel too close to a working appliance as it could instantly combust if it over heats.
CHIMNEYS USING SOLID FUEL, OIL & GAS NEED REGULAR CHIMNEY CLEANING, SERVICING & INSPECTION
Whatever type of appliance you have, it is essential that you do not allow soot, fly ash, vermin nests or other matter to build up where it can prevent or hinder smoke and the products of combustion, passing safely out of its flue. Please read manufactures instructions and follow as some appliances require internal flues cleared every 4 weeks when in use and prior to lighting.AIR SUPPLY: • DO NOT make the room airtight because the heating appliance can start to deplete the oxygen levels & this is dangerous to anybody within the dwelling. You may need an extra vent or airbricks into the room to provide extra oxygen for the appliance. In order to
safeguard your life.
SERVICING: • For safety reasons have your appliance serviced at the manufacturer’s
recommended intervals by qualified tradesmen.Never block existing vents or airbricks, or
appliance flue ways.
SOLID FUEL: • Always have your flues swept at least once a year more often if you use the
appliance year round.
• More frequent sweeping is advisable to prevent chimney fires, particularly if you burn wood.
• Burn only suitable fuels and operate the appliance in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions at all times.
• Ensure all flue ways in the appliance are kept clear.
• Some room heaters have a throat plate at the top of the firebox. It is essential that this is
removed and cleaned at least once a month. If the plate is not easily removed it may need
gentle tapping. Older plates might disintegrate or crack when removed this is not the fault of
the sweep or service engineer.
GAS: • Chimneys serving gas appliances should be cleaned once a year. Try to arrange for the
chimney to be cleaned prior to the appliance being serviced.
NOTE: It is a requirement that flues are swept when changing to gas from any other fuel or
if it has not been used for a long period.
• Always use an accredited gas service engineer.
GAS LEAKS: • DO NOT operate any electrical appliances or switches – extinguish all naked
flames and inform the appropriate authority.
• DO NOT re-light the fire or appliance until the problem has been investigated and rectified by
a competent person.
OIL: • Chimneys serving oil appliances should be cleaned once a year. Try to arrange for the flue to be cleaned prior to the appliance being serviced. The service engineer can then service the appliance & check the flue draw
after servicing.
SMOKE TESTING OF CHIMNEYS: • For Solid Fuel, to ensure the integrity of your flue it is
recommended that the flue or appliance is smoke tested or draft tested after sweeping. FUMES: If incomplete combustion of a carbon based fuel (solid fuel including coal, smokeless fuel, gas, oil,
wood or charcoal for guidance) then carbon monoxide will be produced. If you see smoke or staining where
smoke has stained brickwork or elements, or signs of water these all point to blockages within flues, and the
possible generation of carbon monoxide.
ALL FUELS can release carbon monoxide (with the exception of electric) and are potentially lethal. If a carbon
monoxide alarm should sound.
• Open all windows and doors to outside air where possible but only if it is safe to do so.
• Vacate the dwelling of all occupants, including pets.
• Let the fire go out; attempting to put the fire out can be lethal.
• Notify the appropriate authority.
DISCLAIMER: The following information is given as part of the service provided by your sweep. It is given in good faith, but as your sweep can only carry out a brief visual inspection and has not investigated any inaccessible and/or concealed areas, the information must not be relied upon in any way.
Chimneys are affected by the way they are used, the weather and many other conditions not known to your sweep. If you have any safety concerns, please talk to your sweep who will be able to help This is not a certificate of guarantee or warranty that any fireplace, heating appliance, boiler, flue or
chimney stack is safe. Unless your sweep is Qualified to test the inaccessible and concealed areas of the flue, your Sweep cannot warrant that there are no potential defects in the flue or your chimney arising from fair wear and tear, wilful damage, accident, negligence by you or any third party, use otherwise
as recommended by the manufacture of the appliance. Failure to follow the manufacture's instructions, or any alteration or repair carried out by you or any third party