The measures were introduced in a bid to cut the number of deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty installations. Now every fireplace installation must pass the stringent testing procedures.
The new regulations mean that buyers of fireplaces must consult their local authority building control department prior to installation, and subsequently must obtain a commissioning certificate from the installer, to be displayed next to the fireplace or alongside an electricity or gas meter in the building.
Dealers in period fireplaces are now legally obliged to advise buyers of any kind of fireplace fittings of this new legislation.
More information is available from the Guild of Fireplace Installers at www.fireplaceinstallers.co.uk or by contacting Paul Boyce on 0121 459 9119.
Reminder of grate expectations…
DEALERS and salvage experts are being reminded that they must adhere to strict new rules over the installation of antique fireplaces. The Guild of Fireplace Installers have sent out reminders that, under new legislation introduced on April 1, all fireplace installations, antique or reproduction, whether intended for solid fuel, oil or gas, must be fitted by a “competent person under the Buildings Regulation Act 2000”.
