Oil and Solid Fuels
***The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1st October 2015 requiring landlords to install a carbon monoxide detector in every room containing a solid fuel burning appliance. These must be installed regardless of when a tenancy commenced and must be checked and in a working condition at the start of every new tenancy. These regulations apply to properties in England only. ***
Oil and Solid Fuels
Carbon Monoxide can also be released from applicances using other fuels, such as wood, coal or oil.
***The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1st October 2015 requiring landlords to install a carbon monoxide detector in every room containing a solid fuel burning appliance. These must be installed regardless of when a tenancy commenced and must be checked and in a working condition at the start of every new tenancy. These regulations apply to properties in England only. ***
Oil and Solid Fuels
Carbon Monoxide can also be released from applicances using other fuels, such as wood, coal or oil. Whilst there are no specific regulations like the Gas Safety Regulations, it is still the landlords responsibility to make sure that any such applicances provided are safe and working properly.
Several bodies exist to provide information and advice on these areas and help find registered installers or engineers that may provide you with some confidence of their expertise. Their websites can be found in the Additional Resources section at the end of this subject.
Oil Firing Technical Association
The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) was launched in April 1991 to construct a framework within which oil firing in the United Kingdom and Republic Of Ireland could operate with a greater degree of technical expertise and efficiency. One of its first priorities was to set up a system of training and registration for Technicians engaged in commissioning, servicing, installation and plant operation with oil firing equipment. The scope of the scheme has since been extended to cover Technicians engaged in oil delivery.
OFTEC tests and approves oil-firing equipment, and represents the industry in discussions with regulatory agencies. OFTEC’s Codes of Practice set standards for the industry, and are followed by its Members and Registered Technicians.
Customers choose registered OFTEC suppliers because they trust the OFTEC symbol as a sign of high quality workmanship. OFTEC offer a wide range of courses for oil firing technicians. OFTEC training and registration are recognised as professional standards throughout the industry.
National Association of Chimney Sweeps
The National Association of Chimney Sweeps is in its 24th year since its formation in 1982 as a professional trade association, with a current membership of over 250 members. NACS promotes high standards for the sweeping, inspection and maintenance of chimneys. It is an active member of the European Federation of Chimney Sweeps (ESCHFOE). It is the national trade association in the UK to represent Chimney Sweeps and is exclusively recommended by all major fuel organisations – Solid Fuel Association, HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme), British Gas, OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association), National Fireplace Association.
All new Members must undertake compulsory training and on-site assessment and are also checked, prior to enrolment, for public liability insurance and all the necessary tools and adequate equipment to ensure the public is well protected by the services of a professional sweep.
Members work strictly to the NACS Code of Practice and Code of Conduct for the cleaning of chimneys. On completion of work, NACS Sweeps issue a Certificate of Chimney Sweeping and recommend when future cleaning is necessary.
NACS has also been instrumental, with other chimney related bodies, in helping set up the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Chimney Engineering. The NACS Chimney Training Centre (CTC) facility is accredited by the CITB/City & Guilds.
Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme
HETAS is the official body recognised by government to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services. Its work in approving products covers boilers, cookers, open fires and stoves and room-heaters. It also lists in its Official Guide, factory made chimneys and carbon monoxide detectors and alarms suitable for use with solid fuel.
HETAS collaborates with the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) in supervising a solid fuel orientated course for chimney sweeps which results in successful candidates being “HETAS Approved”.
In association with the Solid Fuel Association (SFA), HETAS operates a registration scheme for heating engineers with special skills in the installation and maintenance of solid fuel heating systems.
HETAS represents the industry with government in matters such as Building Regulations and in the setting of standards both in the UK and Europe where its staff manage and chair committees drafting new British and European Standards. Its “three tick” Logo is the Approval Mark to be looked for in solid fuel domestic heating products and services.
Solid Fuel Association
The Solid Fuel Association is funded by solid fuel producers and distributors and was established to encourage greater awareness of the benefits of domestic solid fuel heating among the general public.
Operating as an advice centre, the Solid Fuel Association welcomes communication on all matters concerning the use of solid fuels both from domestic consumers and professionals such as heating installers and architects.