Gas Boiler flues must be installed so that combustion fumes are discharged safely and efficiently to atmosphere. Incorrectly fitted flues or flues that have deteriorated could cause poisonous carbon monoxide gas to leak into occupied parts of buildings.

Following a death caused by carbon monoxide inhalation in 2008, the Health and Safety Executive issued a Safety Alert which was followed by a Safety Notice in December 2010, aimed at Owners of gas boilers, Landlords, Engineers and Contractors.  Boiler flues must be continuous, all joints must be correctly assembled and flue systems must be adequately supported.

As part of boiler servicing and maintenance procedures, Gas Engineers must be able to inspect the flue system. Some properties have been built with boiler flues that cannot be inspected because they are hidden behind walls or ceilings. Where all or part of the boiler flue cannot be seen, inspection hatches must be fitted by 31^st December 2012.

If a boiler flue cannot be fully inspected but the installation passes a series of safety checks and has audible carbon monoxide alarms fitted, it can be used until 31^st December 2012. Inspection hatches must be fitted by the 31^st December 2012. From 1st January 2013, any Registered Gas Engineer will turn off the boiler if flue inspection hatches are not fitted, and will issue formal advice that the boiler must not be used. This would deprive the premises of heating and hot water.

Landlords’ Responsibilities

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations specifically deal with the installation, maintenance and use of gas appliances, fittings and flues in domestic and certain commercial premises. They place obligations on some Landlords to ensure that gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for Tenants’ use are safe, for example:-

• Gas fittings and flues must be maintained in safe condition. Gas appliances should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. This should be undertaken by a Registered Gas Engineer as part of an annual service.

• Annual gas safety checks must be carried out on each appliance/flue.

• Records of each safety check must be kept for at least 2 years

Actions To comply with the HSE Safety Notice, Owners and Landlords must ensure that boiler flue inspection hatches are installed by 31 December 2012. Systems that do not have hatches can continue in use until 31 December 2012 if safety checks are carried out by a Registered Gas Engineer and audible carbon monoxide gas alarms fitted.  Landlords must ensure that adequate gas servicing and inspection procedures are in place and that full records are kept.

How We Can Help  

Flatt Consulting’s Engineers provide advice to Clients on all aspects of Building Services Engineering Systems and Safety.

This includes:

Site Surveys and Investigations.

Risk Assessments and Regulation Compliance.

System Performance Testing.

F.M. Documentation Audits and Records.