coal, smokeless, solid fuel

All the appliances you have in the home operate more reliably, efficiently and, most importantly, safely, if they are installed and serviced correctly.

Solid fuel appliances are no exception to this and following these few simple guidelines will ensure safe and efficient operation.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas which can cause illness, permanent health damage and far too often, death. It is formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels –gas, coal, wood and oil. A certain amount will be formed during the normal process of burning the fossil fuel but the gas is evacuated safety up the chimney and away. However, if your chimney is blocked, or leaking, or if your appliance airways or throat plate are not clear, then the gases will not escape into the atmosphere, but flow back into your house, or on occasion into your neighbours house, through a common chimney, with possible deadly results. It is also important to note that in extreme weather conditions, fumes can be forced back down the chimney. The dangers are greatest with closed appliances. If you are burning a smokeless fuel, you may not see any smoke. Elderly people are often more vulnerable because they have lost their sense of smell and although the gas is odourless, the other combustion products from the fuel are not. Almost all cases of carbon monoxide poisoning with solid fuel are the result of a blocked or leaking chimney or poor maintenance. Follow the advice below to be safe and enjoy your fire.

Fact sheet - Carbon Monoxide - download here (.pdf 23KB)

Safety leaflet- Carbon Monoxide - download here (.pdf 62KB)

Guidance leaflet - Carbon Monoxide download here (.pdf 24KB)

Other sites to visit: www.co-awareness.co.uk & www.co-gassafety.co.uk & www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com

FOR YOUR SAFETY!
Carbon Monoxide Alarm ... now available from the Solid Fuel Association, more information here

	Ventilation Air 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 it is absolutely essential that you 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 roomheater 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 or the Guild of Master Sweeps, both being associations of true professionals in the field. Check in Yellow Pages or contact us for a list of members in your area

Your Safety Checklist

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:

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.
Contact your local HETAS heating engineer or the Solid Fuel Advice Line on 0845 601 4406

part of the Solid Fuel Association website