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CHIMNEY SAFETY
Annual Sweeping and Inspection |
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Whether
you burn coal, smokeless fuels or wood, your chimney
should be swept at least once a year by a qualified
chimney sweep - more often if you use the fire all
the year round. |
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Have
your fireplace and chimney inspected annually. They
should be properly vented and free of blockages. |
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If
your fire is not burning as well as usual it may
be a sign that the chimney needs sweeping. |
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Keeping
your chimney clean will pay off in increased safety
and efficiency. |
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If
your fireplace or stove doesn't get enough oxygen,
because the chimney isn't functioning properly,
carbon monoxide
is produced. |
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Bird
Guards
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Protect
the top of your chimney with a bird
guard that keeps out birds and small animals.
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| Corrosion |
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Corrosion
caused by acidic water condensing inside the flue
may cause the liner, mortar, and brickwork to flake
and crumble. Chimney sweeps often find this debris
creating blockages in the flue, potentially exposing
the occupants of the home to carbon
monoxide and other dangerous combustion by-products,
a situation not to be taken lightly. |
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| Signs
of Corrosion |
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Damp patches
on interior walls or exterior walls |
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Peeling
wallpaper |
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Blistered
paint |
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Stains
on the ceiling around the chimney |
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White
stains on the outside of the masonry chimney |
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Eroded
mortar joints |
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Crumbling
bricks |
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| Solving
Corrosion Problems |
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If
a problem is found, the solution may involve reaming
and installing a correctly sized, insulated liner.
This upgrade is designed to re-size the flue for
better draft, minimise the condensation, and contain
the acidic by-products within the liner to protect
the surrounding masonry. |
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| Chimney
Fires |
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A
chimney fire occurs when a creosote or soot build-up
ignites and burns inside the chimney and stove pipes.
A loud whooshing noise or glowing stovepipe are
possible indication of a chimney fire. There are
several types of chimney fire extinguishers available,
and one should always be kept on hand for this type
of emergency. The cost is very inexpensive compared
to the possible consequences. |
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If
a chimney fire does occur, immediately shut off
the air supply by closing all dampers and air openings
on the stove or glass doors of the fireplace. If
the fire in the stove or fireplace can be extinguished
safely, put it out as quickly and safely as possible.
A dry chemical fire extinguisher works well in putting
out a wood fire. Never throw water on a stove fire
as it could cause a large burst of steam and also
possible burns. When working around a wood stove
or fireplace a good pair of fireproof gloves are
a must. |
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FIREPLACE SAFETY
General |
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Although
chopping your own wood can be great exercise as
well as relieving some of your stress and anxiety,
please be aware of safety. Use proper tools and
goggles for the job. |
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The
type of wood you burn is not as important a factor
in wood burning as improper burning technique. There
is not much difference between creosote forming
from burning dry softwood as compared to burning
green hardwoods. Hardwood, if unseasoned or wet,
could even produce more creosote than pine. |
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Season
wood for at least six months - Store under cover.
Hardwoods are preferred. |
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Keeping
a small fire at a low burn will cause creosote build-up.
Building a hot roaring fire for a few minutes at
the beginning of each fire will go a long way in
preventing the formation of creosote. |
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Never
leave an open fire unattended without a spark guard
and a fireguard. |
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Never
use gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid to start
a fire. For extra safety, light fires with long-stemmed
matches. |
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Never
close the flue or damper while a fire is still smouldering.
Carbon monoxide
could build up. |
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Keep
flammables such as newspapers, magazines, rugs and
carpeting well away from the fireplace. |
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Remove
holiday decorations from the fireplace and mantle
before building a fire to avoid having the decorations
ignite. Keep Christmas tree well away from fire. |
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Although
you must use a fire guard by law (see below), teach
children to stay back from the fireplace. |
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Keep
a fire extinguisher handy. |
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Place
at least one smoke detector on each floor of your
home and outside each sleeping area. Test detectors
monthly and replace batteries once a year. Replace
smoke detectors after 10 years. |
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Click
here for the Fire Safety
Checklist |
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Fire
Guards
The
law requires you to use a fireguard to protect
children under 12 years of age (7 in Scotland)
in a room with an open fire or other heating
appliance.
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A 'nursery' fireguard made to a British Standard
offers the best protection to old and young alike.
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A
fireguard protects people and animals from getting
burned by accidentally touching the stove or fireplace.
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A
fireguard does NOT stop sparks |
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Spark
Guards
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Protect
against sparks by enclosing a fireplace's opening
with glass doors or a sturdy screen. |
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Spark
guards do not prevent you falling into the fire
but they reduce the danger of sparks setting the
room on fire. Ideally they should be in place whenever
the fire is alight - especially if the room is empty. |
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APPLIANCE SAFETY
General |
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Before
1st use, check that the chimney has been swept and
inspected for blockages and faults. |
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With solid
fuel heaters, boilers and cookers follow the operating
instructions and burn only recommended fuels. |
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Every
month remove and clean the metal tray (the throat-plate)
at the top of the fire-box. Make sure that any internal
pipes and the smoke exit are clear of ash or soot.
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If your fire isn't working properly, DON'T USE
IT and seek expert help at once.
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Never
burn charcoal or use a hibachi in your fireplace.
Both produce deadly carbon
monoxide. |
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Do
not use an oversized stove for your heating requirements.
Always try to burn a hot fire. |
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VENTILATION
General |
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Fires
need air to burn safely. Never block vents or air
bricks. Draught proofing helps cut fuel bills but
you could become ill if you seal off the air supply. |
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Click
here to find out about CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING |
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IN CASE OF FIRE
General |
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If
a fire does break out, take immediate action. Smoke
and flames spread rapidly. Get out of the house
right away, then call the fire department from a
neighbor's house or a mobile phone. Fumes overcome
most victims long before flames reach them. Use
your safest exit. If you must escape through smoke,
get down and crawl low under the smoke, keeping
your head about 12-24 inches off the floor. |
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Don't
attempt to fight a fire unless you know you have
the right extinguisher to handle that type of fire,
and be sure to keep your back to a safe exit. |
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Help
your entire family to prepare for a fire before
it happens - use the Fire
Safety Checklist |
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these simple rules and enjoy your fire in safety! |
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| ChimneyProblems.co.uk |
