Solid Fuel Safety

Solid Fuel in Safe Hands

ALL Solid Fuel, Gas and Oil Heating Appliances and their associated flues, need regular servicing to ensure efficient operation and to meet Health and Safety Standards

Your chimney must be swept at least once a year if you are burning solid fuel. If left unswept:

• The chimney gets choked with soot, smoke and carbon monoxide then enters into the room.
• The build up of soot falls down the flue into the room
• The excess soot in the chimney starts to burn – setting the chimney alight

All solid fuel, gas and oil 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 safely and efficiently.

For appliances to 'breathe' the room must never be completely airtight, they need a constant and sufficient flow of air. Purpose vents or airbricks in an exterior wall of the room are necessary. Always ensure vents or airbricks are not blocked or covered.

If in any doubt, contact Shropshire solid fuel to check your appliance ventilation is adequate.

Essential Appliance and 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 pan 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 regularly.

Have your chimney swept at least once every year, preferably before each winter.

Safety Checklist

• Regular chimney sweeping.
• Regular appliance servicing and cleaning.
• Ensure adequate, purpose ventilation.
• Always use the right fuel for your appliance.
• Never leave an open fire unattended without a fireguard.
• Always use a securely fitted fireguard when children are present.

Trouble-shooter

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

• Immediately open doors and windows.
• Carefully put out the fire, or allow it to burn 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 swept and checked 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

Shropshire Solid Fuel is the only local company fully accredited and qualified to maintain solid fuel, gas, and oil appliances and flues. Our operatives are chimney and heating experts, trained, qualified and registered with CORGI (Gas), OFTEC (Oil) and HETAS (Solid Fuel).

Contact us today

For free independent advice, a no obligation survey and quotation.
Call us now on 01630 656161