Gas engineers need to be able to see and inspect the entire length of the flue – this is the tube that takes the fumes away from your boiler. This is a very important safety check. A flue in poor condition in combination with a boiler that is not working properly, could put you and your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which could lead to serious injury or death.
If you have a boiler where all, or part of, the flue cannot be seen, then you or your landlord, will need to arrange to have inspection hatches fitted. Please note that 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 CO alarms fitted – it can be used up until 31 December 2012. When a Gas Safety inspection is carried out and the flue is inside a void or a chimney where it can’t be fully inspected it will be notified upon the Gas Safety Certificate as “Not To Current Standards”. The Gas Engineer will carry out a Risk Assessment for flues within voids or chimneys, to determine if the flue is “Not To Current Standards” or “at Risk”.
In either case he will advise on the course of action that is required. Where inspection panels are required you or your landlord will need to carry out the works by the 31 December 2012. After this date if the works have not been carried out the Gas engineer with your permission will be required by law to turn the appliance off to protect you.
For more information you should contact Gas Safe on 0800 4085500 or go to: –
http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/fluesinvoids
Great blog on flues, something that people don’t usually have an opportunity to learn about. thanks! Ruby http://www.airplantsheating.co.uk/