new requirement for hidden boiler flues

Boiler flues in flats and apartments can be hidden - This is a significant problem due to these boilers being unable to be checked for the deadly gas carbon monoxide. It is doubtful that you have this type of flue if your boiler is located on an outside wall.

There are now new regulations that means that homeowners/landlords will need to install inspection hatches. These need to be installed by January 1st 2011. However, carbon monoxide alarms can be installed until the hatch has been completed - giving an added 2 years to the completion deadline.

Inspection hatches will allow the gas engineer to easily check the flue and immediately identify any problems. The boiler's flue removes fumes away from the boiler. CO problems occur if boilers are poorly maintained or when they are not installed correctly. Therefore they should be checked yearly otherwise you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Inspection hatches will need to be installed, otherwise gas engineers will have authority to turn off the gas supply to your boiler from January 1st 2013.

Are you unsure about your property? Buildings over 10 years old will need to be checked by a Gas Safe engineer. New buildings (that are less than two years old) will require you to contact the builder, as they will probably have all the information available to them. If the property is between two and ten years old, then you may be covered by home warranty providers to have the inspection hatches installed. Tenants should contact their landlord to check that they are aware of this recent announcement.

CO alarms will ensure you safety until (and after) the inspection hatches have been installed in your home.

This is article was contributed by FireAngel.