Heating fire safety

This page contains advice on open fires, chimney safety and portable heater safety.

Open fire and chimney safety

Have you had your chimney swept?

Chimney fires can have serious results in houses. We strongly recommended that you have your chimney swept and follow the advice below.

Fire Kills chimney safety

Remember:

have your chimney swept at least once a year – more frequently if you burn wood
avoid burning resinous woods
only burn suitable fuels
do not overload your fire place
let the fire burn out completely before you go bed
always check round the fire place for hot embers or sparks
use a British Standard fire guard to prevent sparks escaping
make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly
maintain your appliance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
inspect your chimney breast, particularly the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks
avoid storing items in the roof space close to your chimney
fit a smoke alarm on each floor of the building, check the batteries weekly and change the batteries yearly (unless you have 10 year batteries)
consider having a carbon monoxide detector fitted as an additional safeguard against the build up of poisonous fumes

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

make sure you have your appliances installed and regularly serviced by a qualified engineer
all gas appliances should be installed and regularly serviced by a Safe Gas registered engineer
ensure your home is properly ventilated – never block vents
make sure all chimneys are regularly swept and flues are kept clear.

Portable heaters

Portable heaters provide solutions to heating in multiple locations.

They are quick and simple to operate and will provide good service if they are used carefully and sensibly. However, any type of portable heater can start a fire if it is misused.

Follow the safety tips below for all types of portable heaters:

Fire Kills never dry or air cloths near a portable heater

Never air or dry clothing on heaters.
Keep heaters away from furniture, bedding, or curtains.
Don’t leave children or pets unattended if portable heaters are switched on.
Turn off portable heaters before going to bed at night.
Never move the heater while it is alight or switched on.
Don’t stand or sit too close, your clothing may melt or ignite.
Don’t place heaters where they can be knocked over.
Don’t place a heater where a door could open on to it.
Choose an appliance that meets the British or European safety standard.
Follow the manufacturers operating and maintenance instructions.
Keep them clean and serviced regularly.
Extra checks are required if the heater has been stored and not used for a period of time
Ventilate rooms where the heater is to be used.
Ensure a permanent safety guard is fitted. If the heater is to be used in one place, fix it securely to a floor or a wall.
Do not use flammable adhesives, cleaning fluids or aerosol sprays near a heater. Remember that fumes given off from some products are heavier than air and will travel some distance.

Portable Electrical Heaters:

Keep flexes as short as possible. Position the flex so that it will not cause a trip hazard, ensure it will not pass under doors or carpets. Never operate with worn or damaged flex.
Ensure that the flex is not exposed to the heat from the appliance or from high temperatures from other sources.
Check and fit the correct rated fuse in the plug.
Plug the heater directly into the mains socket and avoid using multi-way adaptors.
Unplug when not in use.
Do not control a radiant heater with a timer switch or a thermostat unless fitted as an integral part of the heater.

Portable Gas Heaters:

There are now many forms of powerful domestic heaters available, which are fuelled by liquid petroleum Gas (LPG).

Ensure a Gas Safe (formally CORGI) qualified person services the appliance regularly.
Change cylinders in the open air. If this is not possible then open windows and doors to increase ventilation. Extinguish other heaters and all other ignition sources, e.g. Cigarettes, pilot lights on cookers. Keep smokers away.
Never change a cylinder on a stairway or on an escape route.
Check that the valve on the empty cylinder is fully closed before disconnecting the heater.
Do not turn on valve of the new cylinder until the heater is securely reconnected.
If you suspect a leak do not operate the heater. Remove it to a safe place outside the building. Brush soapy water onto the flexible hoses and valve assembly. This will show any leak by ‘bubbling’. The equipment should not be used until all leaks have been rectified by replacing faulty parts in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Take extra care with small camping heaters designed for use with a pierceable cartridge. Before removing it, ensure the cartridge is empty and the heater valve in the off position. Check that the sealing washer is intact before fitting the new cartridge.
Store spare cylinders separate to the heater in use. Keep them outside and in an upright position. Never store them in basements or cupboards under the stairs, or near to electrical switchgear or meters.