Boiler Flues in Ceiling Spaces
Important advice for consumers who have flues which run in
ceiling spaces
Some properties, mainly flats and apartments, have been built
with boiler flues which cannot be inspected because they are hidden
behind walls or ceilings. The boiler flues that this information
relates to are connected to room-sealed fan assisted
boilers. If you live in one of these homes then
please read on for more information so you know what to
do.
Gas Safe registered engineers need to be able to see the
flue − which take fumes away from the boiler − as part of essential
safety checks whenever the boiler is worked on. A flue in poor
condition, combined with a boiler that is not working properly,
could put you and your family in danger from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death
or serious injury.
If your boiler is situated on an outside wall, it is unlikely
you have this type of flue. Alternatively, if your engineer can see
all of the flue, you will not need to take any further action in
relation to this matter.
If you do have a boiler where all, or part of, the flue cannot
be seen, you, or your landlord, will need to arrange for inspection
hatches to be fitted. This does not mean that your flue
system is suddenly unsafe. As long as the boiler passes a
series of safety checks − including having audible carbon monoxide
alarms fitted − it can be used normally for the time being.
Carbon monoxide alarms are not an alternative to being able to
see the flue and you will still need to have inspection hatches
fitted. You have until 31 December 2012 for this
work to be completed. It is recommended that inspection hatches are
fitted as soon as you are able to do so. From 1 January
2013, any Gas Safe registered engineer will turn the
boiler off, with your permission and formally advise you not
to use it until inspection hatches have been fitted in
appropriate places.
Although most of the affected boiler and flue systems are
relatively new (installed since 2000), the risk of faults leading
to the release of carbon monoxide increases as the system gets
older, especially if it is not serviced regularly. It is important
that you have your gas appliances serviced
annually.
You need to take action now
If your property is less than two years old then contact your
builder. If your property is between two and ten years old contact
your home warranty provider, as you may be covered by them if
there are defects in the flue. A list of the main home warranty
providers is shown below. If your property is 10 years or older you
should contact a Gas Safe registered
engineer.
If you are a tenant, it is the responsibility of your landlord
to ensure that inspection hatches are installed and that the boiler
and flue are checked every year.
If you have any questions please see the list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a
specific enquiry e.g. around building warranties please direct it
one of the groups listed below.
For any additional enquiries not answered through these routes
please send questions to: fluesinvoids@gassaferegister.co.uk
and it will be dealt with by a member of the group
To find a Gas Safe registered engineer in your
area:
List of main home warranty providers
This advice has been developed by the Flues in Voids cross-industry
team. It is made up of representatives of Gas Safe Register, house
builders, home warranty providers, registered gas engineers,
appliance manufacturers (including HHIC) and others and assisted by
HSE, to provide clear communication to industry and consumers
around the issue of flues being located in voids which do not allow
inspection.
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