Hidden Flues (TB 008) legislation
What are hidden flues?
Some properties, mainly flats and apartments, have been built with boiler flues which cannot be inspected because they are hidden behind walls or ceilings. If your boiler is situated on an outside wall it is unlikely you have this type of flue.
If you live in or own a home where all, or part of the flue cannot be seen there are new regulations that you need to abide by.
If I have a hidden flue what do I need to do?
From January 1st 2011 if you do have a boiler where all, or part of, the flue cannot be seen, you or your landlord will need to arrange for inspection hatches to be fitted. The homeowner or landlord will have 2 years to ensure these inspection hatches are fitted but in the interim period carbon monoxide alarms must be installed.
Why do I need to have inspection hatches fitted?
Gas engineers are required by law to be able to see the flue - which takes fumes away from the boiler - as part of essential safety checks. A flue in poor condition, or a boiler that is not working properly, could put you or your tenants in danger from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death or serious injury. Installing these inspection hatches will mean that gas engineers will be able to make sure that your flue is safe. This does not mean that your flue system is suddenly unsafe. As long as your boiler passes a series of safety checks from a gas engineer - including having an audible carbon monoxide - it can be used normally for the time being.
What will happen if I don't fit inspection hatches?
From January 1st 2013, a registered gas engineer will turn off the gas supply to your boiler until inspection hatches have been fitted in appropriate places.
What do I need to do now?
If your property is less than two years old you should contact your builder.
If your property is between two and ten years old, contact your home warranty provider, as you may be covered by them to have these inspection hatches fitted.
If your property is 10 years or older you should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If you are a tenant, it is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that inspection hatches are fitted and that the boiler and flue are checked every year. You should contact your landlord.
Getting inspection hatches fitted may take time, especially if you are contacting your builder or home warranty provider, or you may be waiting for your next scheduled boiler service. By getting your boiler serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer and fitting an audible carbon monoxide alarm you are helping to manage any risk until the inspection hatches have been installed.
What type of carbon monoxide alarm do I need to fit?
Carbon monoxide alarms must comply with BS EN 50291:2001. All of First Alert's carbon monoxide alarms comply to this standard.
More information
For detailed information concerning Technical Bulletin 008 (concealed flues) click here to visit the
Gas Safe register website.