Solid Fuel Safety

This page refers mainly to Solid Fuel Appliances but ALL Heating Appliances need regular servicing to ensure efficient operation and to meet safety standards

Get your chimney swept at least once a year if you are burning solid fuel.

If you don't one of these things will happen sooner or later:

The chimney gets choked with soot that smoke comes back into the room
The soot falls down into the room
The soot in the chimney starts to burn – setting the chimney alight

If you have a gas fire the chimney needs cleaning at least once every three years.

All heating appliances operate more reliably, efficiently and, most importantly, safely, if they are installed and serviced correctly.

Following a few simple guidelines will ensure safe and efficient operation.

Ventilation is Vital

Heating appliances, whatever fuel they burn, need to be able to 'breathe' in order to function efficiently and safely. To 'breath', they need a constant and sufficient flow of air so the room must not be completely airtight. If your home has draught-proofing or double-glazing fitted you may need vents or airbricks in an exterior wall of the room. If vents or airbricks are already there always ensure they are not blocked or covered.

If in doubt contact your local HETAS heating engineer to check your ventilation.

Flue Cleaning

To enable your appliance to 'breathe' efficiently do not allow soot or ash to build up where it can hinder or prevent the free flow of smoke and other products of combustion.

Empty and check the ash can every day.

Flue ways at the back of the boiler should be cleaned once a week, but always let the fire go out and allow ashes to cool before cleaning.

The throat plates at the top of the room heater should be removed and cleaned monthly.

Have your chimney swept at least once every year, preferably before each winter. Always use a recommended chimney sweep, preferably a member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps an association of true professionals in the field. Check in Yellow Pages for a list of members in your area

Safety Checklist

Ensure proper ventilation.

Regular cleaning and sweeping.

Always use the right fuel.

Never leave an open fire unattended without a fireguard.

Always use a securely fitted fireguard when children are in the house

Trouble-shooter

If, your appliance begins to burn slowly, goes out frequently or if you smell or suspect fumes you must:

Open doors and windows.

Carefully put out the fire, or allow it to burn itself out.

Do not stay in the room any longer than necessary.

Do not attempt to re-light the appliance until a professional has checked it.

It is strongly recommended that chimneys using the following fuels
are cleaned at the recommended intervals:

Smokeless fuels at least once a year
Bitumous coal at least twice a year
Wood Quarterly when in use
Oil Once a year
Gas Once a year