Flues-in-voids – are you affected?
There are some properties which have boiler flues that cannot be inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer due to being hidden behind walls or ceilings (in a void).
Since 1st January 2013 any Gas Safe registered engineer will classify a boiler with a hidden flue as “At Risk”. This means, with the customer’s permission, the engineer will turn the boiler off and formally advise that the boiler is not to be used until inspection hatches have been fitted in appropriate places.
Family safety
Flues take poisonous fumes such as Carbon Monoxide, away from the boiler. Gas Safe registered engineers need to be able to inspect the flue in order to carry out essential safety checks when they work on the boiler. A family could be put in danger from carbon monoxide poisoning if a flue is in poor condition and combined with a room-sealed boiler that is not working properly. This can cause serious illness or even death.
Inspection hatches for flues
However, carbon monoxide detectors are not an appropriate alternative to being able to see and inspect the flue, and customers are still required to have inspection hatches fitted in order for checks to be carried out on the flue. This does not mean that the flue system is suddenly unsafe.
What should you do
If you think your flue is concealed as describe above, or if you are unsure, contact us and one of our registered gas engineer’s will be able to check if it is safe, assess the installation and provide you with advice regarding inspection hatches etc.
It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that the boiler is checked in a rented property on a yearly basis and that the flue is accessible for examination.
If it is found that inspection hatches are required, Custom Heat can arrange the installation of such and bring your appliance up to current regulations.
Source: Gas Safe Register
