Safety Alert

Gas Boilers - Flues in Voids

Advice for Homeowners

02 October 2008

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued a safety alert to raise awareness of a potential risk from a particular arrangement of flues for gas boilers that are located on internal walls and which may have a flue that runs through a void, such as a ceiling void.

If the flue has not been installed correctly or has fallen into disrepair, then this could affect the performance of the boiler.  If the boiler is not working correctly this could then result in carbon monoxide entering the void through any faults in the flue and into the living space, placing occupants at risk.

What you should do

As part of the normal maintenance of your home, gas central heating installations should be regularly checked by a competent heating engineer so that they remain safe.  Engineers should be registered with CORGI (Council of registered gas installers).

If a check has been done within the last 12 months, the engineer should have brought any problems to your attention.  If necessary refer back to them if you have concerns or need further advice.

If the installation has not been checked in the last 12 months, you should arrange to have a check carried out by a CORGI registered heating engineer.  Details of CORGI registered engineers can be obtained from CORGI - tel: 0800 915 0485, web: www.trustcorgi.com

If your property is rented and a landlord or managing agent arranges the checks, you should contact them for advice.

NHBC cover - properties up to 2 years old

In the first 2 years of your Buildmark cover, your builder is responsible to put right any defects or damage reported to them, which are caused by non-compliance with NHBC technical standards.

If you have concerns or require advice on the installation, you should contact your builder in the first instance.  If you do not have your builder's details, contact NHBC Customer Services on 0844 633 1000.

If you believe there may be a problem and the builder has not fully investigated, then contact NHBC Claims for advice on 0844 633 1000  

NHBC cover - properties over 2 years old

In years 3-10, NHBC provides insurance cover for any defect in a flue or chimney resulting from non-compliance with NHBC standards which causes a present or imminent danger to physical health and safety. 

In the first instance you should arrange for a visit to be carried out by a CORGI registered heating engineer to check the installation.  If their report indicates any problems with the flue that could result in a danger to heath and safety, you should contact NHBC Claims on 0844 633 1000.

If you have any immediate safety concerns about any gas installation you should stop using the appliance and contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. 

This homeowner alert is also available as a pdf. 

If you are a builder or developer, more information is available here.