british regulations

PAGE

Use of Guidance 3

The Requirements 5

Section 0: General guidance 6

Introduction to the provisions 6

Explanation of terms used 6

Measuring the size of flues and ducts 12

Section 1: Provisions which applygenerally to combustion installations 13

Performance 13

Air supply for combustion appliances 13

Permanently open ventilation of rooms 13

Permanent ventilation of appliancecompartments 13

Ventilation of other rooms or spaces 13

Permanently open air vents 15

Provisions complying with both Part Fand Part J 16

Interaction of mechanical extract ventilationand open-flued combustion appliances 17

Provision of flues 18

Condensates in flues 18

Construction of masonry chimneys 18

Construction of flueblock chimneys 19

Material change of use 19

Connecting flue pipes 20

Repair of flues 20

Re-use of existing flues 20

Use of flexible metal flue liners for therelining of chimneys 20

Use of plastic fluepipe systems 20

Factory-made metal chimneys 20

Configuration of natural draught fluesserving open-flued appliances 21

Inspection and cleaning openings in flues 22

Flues discharging at low levelnear boundaries 22

Dry lining around fireplace openings 22

Condition of combustion installationsat completion 22

Notice plates for hearths and flues 23

Access to combustion appliancesfor maintenance 23

PAGE

Section 2: Additional provisions forappliances burning solid fuel 24

Air supply to appliances 24

Size of flues 24

Height of flues 25

Outlets from flues 25

Connecting fluepipes 25

Location and shielding of connectingfluepipes 25

Debris collecting space 27

Masonry and flueblock chimneys 27

Separation of combustible material fromfireplaces and flues 27


Lining and relining of flues in chimneys 29

Formation of gathers 29

Hearths 31

Fireplace recesses and prefabricatedappliance chambers 32

Fireplace lining components 35

Walls adjacent to hearths 35

Alternative approach 35

Section 3: Additional provisions,for gas burning appliances 36

Gas Safety (Installation and Use)Regulations 36

Gas fires (other than flueless gas fires) 37

Flueless gas appliances 37

Air supply to gas fires and other appliances 38

Flued Decorative Fuel Effect (DFE) fires 38

Flued appliances other than DecorativeFuel Effect fires 38

Air supply to flueless appliances 38

Size of natural draught flues for open-flued appliances 38

Height of natural draught flues for open-flued appliances 41

Outlets from flues 41

Provision of flues 41

Connecting fluepipe components 41

Masonry chimneys 42

Flueblock chimneys 42


Location and shielding of flues 44

Contents

Combustion appliances and fuel storage systemsApproved Document J1

J

PAGE

Relining of flues in chimneys 44

Debris collection space for chimneys 45

Bases for back boilers 45

Hearths 46

Shielding of appliances 46


Section 4: Additional provisions for oilburning appliances 48

Scope 48

Appliances fitted in bathrooms andshower rooms 48

Air supply to appliances 48

Size of flues (other than balanced flues andflues designed to discharge through oradjacent to walls) 48

Outlets from flues and flue heights 48

Flues for oil-fired appliances: flue gastemperature 48

Provisions for flue gas temperatures inexcess of 250°C 51

Provisions for flue gas temperatures notexceeding 250°C 51

Connecting fluepipe components 51

Masonry chimneys 51

Flueblock chimneys 51


Location and shielding of flues 51

Relining of flues in chimneys 52

Flues for appliances burning Class D oil 52

Hearths for oil-fired appliances 52

Shielding of oil-fired appliances 53


Section 5: Provisions for liquid fuelstorage and supply 54

Performance 54

Heating oil storage installations 54

Protective measures against fire 54

Oil supply pipe systems: means ofautomatic isolation 55

Provisions where there is a risk ofoil pollution 55

LPG storage installations 55

Tank location and protective measures 55

Location and support of cylinders 57

PAGE

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Checklist for checkingand testing of hearths, fireplaces,flues and chimneys 58

Appendix B: Opening areas of large orunusual fireplaces 60

Appendix C: Example calculation ofthe ventilation requirements of a gasfired appliance 61

Appendix D: Example calculation ofthe ventilation requirements of an oilfired appliance 62

Appendix E: Methods of checkingcompliance with requirement J2 63

Appendix F: Addresses 66

Standards referred to 67

Other publications referred to 68

Approved Documents

Approved Document JCombustion appliances and fuel storage systems2

J

THE APPROVED DOCUMENTSThis document is one of a series that has beenapproved and issued by the Secretary of Statefor the purpose of providing practical guidancewith respect to the requirements of Schedule 1to and regulation 7 of the Building Regulations2000 (SI 2000/2531) for England and Wales.SI 2000/2531 has been amended by the Building(Amendment) Regulations 2001 (SI2001/3335).

At the back of this document is a list of allthe documents that have been approved andissued by the Secretary of State for thispurpose.

Approved Documents are intended to provideguidance for some of the more commonbuilding situations. However, there may well bealternative ways of achieving compliance withthe requirements. Thus there is no obligation toadopt any particular solution contained in anApproved Document if you prefer to meet therelevant requirement in some other way.

Other requirements

The guidance contained in an ApprovedDocument relates only to the particularrequirements of the Regulations which thedocument addresses. The building work willalso have to comply with the requirements ofany other relevant paragraphs in Schedule 1 tothe Regulations.

There are Approved Documents which giveguidance on each of the Parts of Schedule 1and on regulation 7.

LIMITATION ON REQUIREMENTSIn accordance with regulation 8, therequirements in Parts A to K and N (except forParagraphs H2 and J6) of Schedule 1 to theBuilding Regulations do not require anything tobe done except for the purpose of securingreasonable standards of health and safety forpersons in or about buildings (and any otherswho may be affected by buildings or mattersconnected with buildings).

Paragraphs H2 and J6 are excluded fromregulation 8 because they deal directly withprevention of the contamination of water. PartsL and M are excluded because theyrespectively address the conservation of fueland power and access and facilities fordisabled people. These matters are amongstthe purposes, other than health and safety, thatmay be addressed by Building Regulations.

MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIPAny building work which is subject to therequirements imposed by Schedule 1 to theBuilding Regulations should, in accordance with

regulation 7, be carried out with propermaterials and in a workmanlike manner.

You may show that you have complied withregulation 7 in a number of ways. These includethe appropriate use of a product bearing CEmarking in accordance with the ConstructionProducts Directive (89/106/EEC)1 as amendedby the CE Marking Directive (93/68/EEC)2, or aproduct complying with an appropriatetechnical specification (as defined in thoseDirectives), a British Standard, or an alternativenational technical specification of any statewhich is a contracting party to the EuropeanEconomic Area which, in use, is equivalent, or aproduct covered by a national or Europeancertificate issued by a European TechnicalApproval Issuing body, and the conditions ofuse are in accordance with the terms of thecertificate. You will find further guidance in theApproved Document supporting regulation 7 onmaterials and workmanship.

Independent certification schemesThere are many UK product certificationschemes. Such schemes certify compliancewith the requirements of a recogniseddocument which is appropriate to the purposefor which the material is to be used. Materialswhich are not so certified may still conform toa relevant standard.

Many certification bodies which approve suchschemes are accredited by UKAS.

Technical specificationsUnder section 1(a) of the Building Act, BuildingRegulations may be made for various purposesincluding health, safety, welfare, convenience,conservation of fuel and power and preventionof contamination of water. Standards andtechnical approvals are relevant guidance tothe extent that they relate to theseconsiderations. However, they may alsoaddress other aspects of performance such asserviceability, or aspects, which although theyrelate to the purposes listed above, are notcovered by the current Regulations.

When an Approved Document makes referenceto a named standard, the relevant version ofthe standard is the one listed at the end of thepublication. However, if this version has beenrevised or updated by the issuing standardsbody, the new version may be used as a source

Use of guidance


JTHE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2000

1 As implemented by the Construction ProductsRegulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/1620).

2 As implemented by the Construction Products(Amendment) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/3051).

of guidance provided it continues to addressthe relevant requirements of the Regulations.

The appropriate use of a product whichcomplies with a European Technical Approvalas defined in the Construction ProductsDirective will meet the relevant requirements.

The Department intends to issue periodicamendments to its Approved Documents toreflect emerging harmonised EuropeanStandards. Where a national standard is to bereplaced by a European harmonised standard,there will be a co-existence period duringwhich either standard may be referred to. Atthe end of the co-existence period the nationalstandard will be withdrawn.

THE WORKPLACE (HEALTH,SAFETY AND WELFARE)REGULATIONS 1992The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)Regulations 1992 contain some requirementswhich affect building design. The mainrequirements are now covered by the BuildingRegulations, but for further informationsee- Workplace health, safety and welfare.Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)Regulations 1992. Approved Code ofPractice L24. Published by HSE Books 1992(ISBN 0 7176 0413 6).

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)Regulations 1992 apply to the common parts offlats and similar buildings if people such ascleaners and caretakers are employed to workin these common parts. Where therequirements of the Building Regulations thatare covered by this Part do not apply todwellings, the provisions may still be requiredin the situations described above in order tosatisfy the Workplace Regulations.


J THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2000

This Approved Document, which takes effecton 1 April 2002, deals with the followingRequirements which are contained in theBuilding Regulations 2000 (as amended bySI 2001/3335).

Particular reference should be made to:

Approved Document B for guidance oncompartmentation of buildings for fire safetypurposes and for appropriate degrees of fireresistance for compartment boundaries.

Approved Document F for guidance onventilation for health, and provision of extractventilation using open flued combustionappliances.

Guidance on the UK implementation ofEuropean Standards for chimneys and flues

Guidance in this Approved Document draws onreferences to British Standards. In the life of

this Approved Document, some of these BritishStandards will be withdrawn and be replacedby European standards for chimney andflue products.

The Department and a panel of the relevantBritish Standard committees has sponsored thepublication of guidance on the application ofthe Construction Products Directive (CPD) tochimney products and information on howproducts specified by reference to EuropeanStandards (ENs) fits with the guidance in thisApproved Document (see other publicationsreferred to on Page 68).

The Requirements J1, J2, J3, J4, J5 and J6


JCOMBUSTION APPLIANCES AND FUEL STORAGE SYSTEMS

Air supplyJ1. Combustion appliances shall be so installed that there is an

adequate supply of air to them for combustion, to prevent over-heating and for the efficient working of any flue.

Discharge of products of combustionJ2. Combustion appliances shall have adequate provision for the

discharge of products of combustion to the outside air.

Protection of buildingJ3. Combustion appliances and fluepipes shall be so installed, and

fireplaces and chimneys shall be so constructed and installed, asto reduce to a reasonable level the risk of people suffering burnsor the building catching fire in consequence of their use.

Provision of informationJ4. Where a hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney is provided or extended,

a durable notice containing information on the performancecapabilities of the hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney shall beaffixed in a suitable place in the building for the purpose ofenabling combustion appliances to be safely installed.

Part J Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems

Requirement Limits on application

Requirements J1, J2 and J3 apply only to fixedcombustion appliances (including incinerators).

Protection of liquid fuel storage systems J5. Liquid fuel storage systems and the pipes connecting them to

combustion appliances shall be so constructed and separatedfrom buildings and the boundary of the premises as to reduce toa reasonable level the risk of the fuel igniting in the event of firein adjacent buildings or premises.

Protection against pollutionJ6. Oil storage tanks and the pipes connecting them to

combustion appliances shall-

(a) be so constructed and protected as to reduce to areasonable level the risk of the oil escaping andcausing pollution; and

(b) have affixed in a prominent position a durable noticecontaining information on how to respond to an oilescape so as to reduce to a reasonable level the riskof pollution.

Requirement J5 applies only to-

(a) fixed oil storage tanks with capacities greaterthan 90 litres and connecting pipes; and

(b) fixed liquefied petroleum gas storageinstallations with capacities greater than 150litres and connecting pipes,

which are located outside the building and whichserve fixed combustion appliances (includingincinerators) in the building.

Requirement J6 applies only to fixed oil storagetanks with capacities of 3500 litres or less, andconnecting pipes, which are -

(a) located outside the building; and(b) serve fixed combustion appliances

(including incinerators) in a building usedwholly or mainly as a private dwelling,

but does not apply to buried systems.

GENERAL GUIDANCE

Introduction to the provisions0.1 This Approved Document gives guidanceon how to satisfy the requirements of Part J.Although Part J applies to the accommodationof any combustion installation and liquid fuelstorage system within the Limits onApplication, the guidance in this ApprovedDocument has been prepared mainly withdomestic installations in mind, such as thosecomprising space and water heating systemsand cookers and their flues, and their attendantoil and LPG fuel storage systems.

0.2 The guidance applies to combustioninstallations having power ratings and fuelstorage capacities up to the limits shown in a)to c) below. Guidance which applies generallyis given in this section and Section 1. Morespecific guidance is then given in:

a) Section 2 for solid fuel installations of upto 50kW rated output;

b) Section 3 for gas installations of up to70kW net (77.7kW gross) rated input;

c) Section 4 for oil installations of up to45kW rated heat output;

Section 5 gives guidance on requirement J5 forheating oil storage installations with capacitiesup to 3500 litres and liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) storage installations with capacities upto 1.1 tonne, although there is no size limit onthe application of requirement J5. Section 5also gives guidance on requirement J6, whichis limited to installations where the capacity ofthe oil storage tank is 3500 litres or less,serving buildings used wholly or mainly asprivate dwellings.

0.3 For installations subject to therequirements of part J but outside the scope ofthis Approved Document, such as incineratorsor installations with higher ratings than thosementioned above, specialist guidance may benecessary. However some larger installationsmay be shown to comply by adopting therelevant recommendations to be found in theCIBSE Design Guide Volume B and practicestandards produced by BSI and the Institutionof Gas Engineers.

Explanation of terms used0.4 The following definitions have beenadopted solely for the purposes of providingclarity in this Approved Document.

1. An appliance compartment is anenclosure specifically constructed or adaptedto accommodate one or more gas or oil-firedappliances.

2. A balanced compartment is a method ofinstalling an open-flued appliance into acompartment which is sealed from theremainder of the building and whose ventilationis so arranged in conjunction with the applianceflue as to achieve a balanced flue effect.

3. A balanced flue appliance is a type ofroom-sealed appliance which draws itscombustion air from a point outside the buildingadjacent to the point at which the combustionproducts are discharged, the inlet and outletbeing so disposed that wind effects aresubstantially balanced. Balanced flues may runvertically, but in the most common configurationthey discharge horizontally through the externalwall against which the appliance is situated.

4. The boundary is the boundary of the landor buildings belonging to and under the controlof the building owner. Depending upon theparagraphs of this Approved Document to

which it applies, it may be drawn only aroundthe perimeter of the land in question orextended to the centreline of adjacent routes orwaterways as shown in Diagram 0.1.

5. A Building Control Body is a body thatcarries out checks for compliance with theBuilding Regulations on plans of building workand on the building work itself. The BuildingControl Body may be either the Local Authorityor an Approved Inspector. For further details,see the manual to the Building Regulations.

6. The capacity of an oil tank is its nominalvolume as stated by the manufacturer. It isusually around 97% of the volume of liquidrequired to fill it to the brim.

Section 0


J GENERAL GUIDANCE

Diagram 0.1: Boundaries in thisApproved Document

Building

A

B E

F

C D

Canal, river, railway or right ofway, such as a path or street

The boundary for the purposes of:

is ACDF

is ABEF

Paragraph 1.51Diagrams 3.4 and 4.2

Paragraphs 5.1, 5.15, 5.16 and 5.18Diagram 5.1Tables 5.1 and 5.2

7. A chimney is a structure consisting of awall or walls enclosing one or more flues(see Diagram 0.2). In the gas industry, thechimney for a gas appliance is commonlycalled the flue.

8. A combustion appliance (or appliance)is an apparatus where fuel is burned togenerate heat for space heating, water heating,cooking or other similar purpose. The appliancedoes not include systems to deliver fuel to it orfor the distribution of heat. Typical combustionappliances are boilers, warm air heaters, waterheaters, fires, stoves and cookers.

9. The designation system inBS EN 1443:1999 expresses the performancecharacteristics of a chimney or its components,as assessed in accordance with an appropriateEuropean product standard, by means of acode such as EN1234 T400 P1 S W 1 R22 C50.

In the foregoing example, EN 1234 stands forthe European standard in question and theremainder of the code gives classes ofperformance achieved in relation to thatstandard. For example, T400 indicates a productwith a nominal working temperature of 400ºC.

Chimney products tested in accordance withEuropean standards may carry such adesignation or a shorter Class to indicatewhich designation applies. For example, clayceramic flue liners with the designationEN 1457 T600 N2 S D 3 are described asbeing of Class A1N2.

10. A draught break is an opening formedby a factory-made component into any part ofthe flue serving an open-flued appliance.Such openings may be provided to allowdilution air to be drawn into a flue or tolessen the effects of down-draught oncombustion in the appliance.


JGENERAL GUIDANCE

soot door

flue

flue liner

debris collection space

chimney

appliance flue outlet

appliance

flue-pipe

possiblepositionsfor access

Diagram 0.2: Chimneys and flues

11. A draught diverter is a form of draughtbreak intended to prevent conditions in the mainlength of flue from interfering with thecombustion performance of an open-fluedappliance (see Diagram 0.3(a)). It allows theappliance to operate without interference fromdown-draughts that may occur in adverse windconditions and excessive draught.

12. A draught stabiliser is a factory madecounter-balanced flap device admitting air tothe flue, from the same space as thecombustion air, to prevent excessive variationsin the draught (see Diagram 0.3(b)). It is usualfor these to be in the fluepipe or chimney, butthey may be located on the appliance.

13. Factory-made metal chimneys (alsoknown as system chimneys) are prefabricatedchimneys that are commonly manufactured assets of components for assembly on site(although they can be supplied as one unit),having the performance appropriate for theintended appliance. They are available invarious materials but typical types range fromsingle walled metal chimneys suitable for somegas appliances to chimneys with insulationsandwiched between an inner liner and anouter metal wall which are designed for oil orsolid fuel use.

14. In a fanned draught installation, theproper discharge of the flue gases dependsupon the operation of a fan, which may beseparately installed in the flue or may be anintegral part of the combustion appliance. Fansin combustion appliances may either extractflue gases from the combustion chamber ormay cause the flue gases to be displaced fromthe combustion chamber if the fan is supplyingit with air for combustion. Appliances with fansproviding the combustion air (including mostoil-fired and many gas-fired boilers) are also

commonly referred to as forced draughtappliances (see Diagram 0.4). Flues in fanneddraught installations run horizontally orvertically and can be at higher or lowerpressures than their surroundings, dependentupon the location of the fan.

15. A fire compartment is a building or part ofa building comprising one or more rooms,spaces or storeys constructed to prevent thespread of fire to or from another part of the samebuilding or an adjoining building. (A roof-spaceabove the top storey of a fire compartment isincluded in that fire compartment). A separatedpart of a building is a form ofcompartmentation in which part of a building isseparated from another part of the samebuilding by a compartment wall. Such walls runthe full height of the part and are in one verticalplane. Further information on this is given inApproved Document B (see Section 9Compartmentation and Appendix C Methods ofMeasurement).

16. A fireplace recess is a structural opening(sometimes called a builder’s opening) formed ina wall or in a chimney breast, from which achimney leads and which has a hearth at itsbase. Simple structural openings (Diagram 0.5(a))are suitable for closed appliances such asstoves, cookers or boilers but gathers (Diagram0.5(b)) are necessary for accommodating openfires. Fireplace recesses are often lined withfirebacks to accommodate inset open fires(Diagram 0.5(c)). Lining components anddecorative treatments fitted around openingsreduce the opening area. It is the finishedfireplace opening area which determines the sizeof flue required for an open fire in such a recess.

17. Fire resistance. The fire resistance of acomponent or construction is a measure of itsability to withstand the effects of fire in one ormore ways for a stated period of time.Guidance on determination of performance interms of fire resistance is given in ApprovedDocument B (Fire Safety).

18. A fire wall is a means of shielding a fueltank from the thermal radiation from a fire. ForLPG tanks, it also ensures that gas accidentallyleaking from the tank or fittings must travel bya longer path and therefore disperse safely,before reaching a hazard such as an opening ina building, a boundary or other potentialignition source.

19. A flue is a passage that conveys theproducts of combustion from an appliance tothe outside air (see Diagram 0.2).

20. Flueblock chimney systems consist of aset of factory-made components, made fromprecast concrete, clay or other masonry units,that are designed for assembly on site toprovide a complete chimney having theperformance appropriate for the intendedappliance. There are two types of commonsystems, one being solely for use with gas


J GENERAL GUIDANCE

Flue outlet

Draughtdiverter

Draughtstabiliser

Appliance(a) (b)

Diagram 0.3: Draught diverters anddraught stabilisers

burning appliances and the other, often calledchimney block systems, being primarilydesigned for solid fuel burning appliances.

21. A flue box is a factory made unit, usuallymade of metal, which is similar to a prefabricatedappliance chamber except that it is designed toaccommodate a gas burning appliance inconjunction with a factory-made chimney.

22 A flueless appliance is one which isdesigned to be used without connection to aflue. Its products of combustion mix with thesurrounding room air and are eventually

transported to the outside as stale air leaves theroom (see Diagram 0.4(g)).

23. A flue liner is the wall of the chimney thatis in contact with the products of combustion(see Diagram 0.2), such as a concrete flue liner,the inner liner of a factory-made chimney systemor a flexible liner fitted into an existing chimney.

24. A flue outlet is the point at which theproducts of combustion are discharged fromthe flue to the outside atmosphere, such as thetop of a chimney pot or flue terminal.


JGENERAL GUIDANCE

The letters A, B and C are further qualified by numbers to identify the existence and mode of use of fans anddraught diverters, as applicable. (e.g. B for an open flued natural draught appliance with draught diverter)11

Type A – Flueless appliances

Type B – Open flued

Type C – Room sealed

Open flued Room sealed

Nat

ura

l dra

ug

ht

flu

eFa

nn

ed f

lue

Fan

ned

or

forc

edd

rau

gh

t bu

rner

Flueless

Note – For gas appliances only: CEN CR1749 classifies gas appliances according to their method of evacuating the products of combustion:

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

(g)

Diagram 0.4: Types of installation

25. A fluepipe is a pipe, either single walled(bare or insulated) or double walled, whichconnects a combustion appliance to a flue in achimney. For clarity, when used in this way, itmay be called a connecting fluepipe. (Fluepipeis also used to describe the tubularcomponents from which some factory madechimneys for gas and oil appliances are madeor from which plastic flue systems are made).

26. A hearth is a base intended to safelyisolate a combustion appliance from people,combustible parts of the building fabric and softfurnishings. The exposed surface of the hearthprovides a region around the appliance whichcan be kept clear of anything at risk of fire. Thebody of the hearth may be thin insulating board,a substantial thickness of material such asconcrete or some intermediate provisiondependent upon the weight and downward heatemission characteristics of the appliance(s) uponit. For solid fuel open fires it is common to obtainthe substantial thickness of material necessaryby providing a constructional hearth, as part ofthe building structure, on which may be placed adecorative superimposed hearth to provide theclear surface (see Diagram 0.6).

27. The heat input rate is the maximum rateof energy flow into a gas appliance that couldbe provided by the prevailing rate of fuel flowinto the appliance, if the fuel were to be burned

in an ideal manner, with full oxidation. It iscalculated as the rate of fuel flow to theappliance multiplied by either the fuel’s grossor net calorific value, depending upon whetheror not it is assumed that conditions allow thelatent heat due to the condensation of water incombustion products to be included in the heatobtained from the fuel. The gross calorific valueincludes the latent heat of condensation andthe gross heat input rate is thus a larger figurethan the net heat input rate. The calculation isentirely theoretical and either heat input ratingcould be used for any given appliance.However, it is now the norm to express therating of a gas appliance as a net heat inputrate (kW (net)).

28. Independently certified products: seethe explanation of “Independent certificationschemes” in the Use of Guidance section onPage 3.

29. Installation instructions are thoseinstructions produced by manufacturers toenable installers to correctly install and testappliances and flues and to commission theminto service.

30. In a natural draught flue, the combustionproducts flow into the flue as a result of thebuoyancy force produced due to the differencebetween the temperature of the gases within


J GENERAL GUIDANCE

Recess comprising structural opening ( lined to receive an inset open fire and with decorative surround. See also Diagram 2.13

as (b)) Structural opening prepared to receive e.g. a free standing fire basket.

Not suitable for an open fire without a canopy

(c)

(a) Simple recess suitable for closed appliances such as roomheaters and cookers that are connected to their chimneys

(b)

Diagram 0.5: Fireplace recesses

the flue and the temperature of the ambient air.Draught increases with the height of the flue.Except for those balanced flue applianceswhich are designed to discharge directlythrough the wall adjacent to the appliance, asatisfactory natural draught requires anessentially vertical run of flue (see Diagram 0.4(a) and (b)).

31. Non-combustible material. This is thehighest level of reaction to fire performance.Non-combustible materials comprise:

a) Any material which when tested toBS 476:11: 1982 (1988) does not flame norcause any rise in temperature on either thecentre (specimen) or furnace thermocouples; and

b) Products classified as non-combustiblein tests following the procedures inBS 476-4: 1970 (1984).

Typical examples of such materials to be foundin buildings include totally inorganic materialssuch as concrete, fired clay, ceramics, metals,plaster and masonry containing not more than1% by weight or volume of organic material.(Use in buildings of combustible metals suchas magnesium-aluminium alloys should beassessed in each individual case).

32. A Notified Body, for the purposes of theGas Appliances (Safety) Regulations (1995),means:

a) a body which is approved by theSecretary of State for Trade and Industry asbeing competent to carry out the requiredAttestation procedures for gas appliances andwhose name and identification number hasbeen notified by him/her to the Commission ofthe European Community and to other memberStates in accordance with the Gas Appliances(Safety) Regulations 1995;

b) a body which has been similarly approvedfor the purposes of the Gas AppliancesDirective by another member State and whosename and identification number has beennotified to the Commission and to other memberStates pursuant to the Gas Appliances Directive.

33. An open-flued appliance is one whichdraws its combustion air from the room orspace within which it is installed and whichrequires a flue to discharge its products ofcombustion to the outside air (see Diagram 0.4(a), (c) and (e)).

34. A prefabricated appliance chamber is aset of factory-made pre-cast concretecomponents designed to provide a fireplacerecess to accommodate an appliance such as astove, and incorporates a gather when usedwith an open fire. The chamber is normallypositioned against a wall and may be designedto support a chimney. The chamber andchimney are often enclosed to create a falsechimney breast. (see also “flue box” defined inParagraph 0.4 (21)).

35. The rated heat input (sometimesshortened to rated input) for a gas appliance isthe maximum heat input rate at which it can beoperated, as declared on the appliance dataplate. For gas appliances it is now the norm toexpress this rating as a net value (kW (net))although the gross value (kW (gross)) was useduntil recently (see Paragraph 0.4 (27)).

36. The rated heat output for an oil applianceis the maximum declared energy output rate(kW) as declared on the appliance data plate.

37. The rated heat output for a solid fuelappliance is the maximum manufacturers’declared energy output rate (kW) for theappliance. This may be different fordifferent fuels.


JGENERAL GUIDANCE

combustible materiale.g. flooring

non-combustible materiale.g. concrete or masonry

Body of hearth resists heat flow so that surroundingfabric remains at safe temperatures

Surface of hearth segregates floor androom contents from heat and fallingembers. Usually decorative tiling finish. (Optional superimposed

hearth shown. Usually astone hearth slab, bricks, ortiles on a concrete plinth, forexample to BS 1251: 1987)

Combustion Zone

Diagram 0.6: The functions of hearths

38. A room-sealed appliance means anappliance whose combustion system is sealedfrom the room in which the appliance is locatedand which obtains air for combustion from aventilated uninhabited space within the buildingor directly from the open air outside thebuilding and which vents the products ofcombustion directly to open air outside thebuilding (see Diagram 0.4 (b), (d) and (f)).

39. A throat is a contracted part of the fluebetween a fireplace recess and its chimney(see Diagrams 2.6). Throats are usually formedfrom prefabricated components as shown inDiagram 2.13.

Measuring the size of fluesand ducts0.5 The size of a flue or duct (area, diameteretc) should be measured at right angles to thedirection in which gases flow. Where offsetcomponents are used, they should not reducethe flue area to less than the minimum requiredfor the combustion appliance (see Diagram 0.7).


J GENERAL GUIDANCE

gas flow

gas

flow right

wrong

Diagram 0.7: Measurement of flues and ducts

PROVISIONS WHICH APPLYGENERALLY TO COMBUSTIONINSTALLATIONS

Performance1.1 In the Secretary of State's viewrequirements J1 to J4 will be met if the buildingprovisions for the safe accommodation ofcombustion appliances:

a) enable the admission of sufficient air for:

i) the proper combustion of fuel andthe operation of flues; and

ii) the cooling of appliances wherenecessary;

b) enable normal operation of applianceswithout the products of combustion becominga hazard to health;

c) enable normal operation of applianceswithout their causing danger through damageby heat or fire to the fabric of the building;

d) have been inspected and tested toestablish suitability for the purpose intended;

e) have been labelled to indicateperformance capabilities.

Air supply for combustionappliances1.2 Combustion appliances require ventilationto supply them with air for combustion.Ventilation is also required to ensure the properoperation of flues or, in the case of fluelessappliances, to ensure the products ofcombustion are safely dispersed to the outsideair. In some cases, combustion appliances mayalso require air for cooling control systemsand/or to ensure that casings remain safe totouch (see Diagram 1.1). General guidance onwhere it may be necessary to install air ventsfor these purposes is given below.

1.3 Air vent sizes, which are dependent uponthe type of fuel burned, are given in Sections 2,3 and 4 and are for one combustion applianceonly. The air supply provisions will usually needto be increased where a room contains morethan one appliance (such as a kitchen containingan open-flued boiler and an open-flued cooker).

Permanently open ventilation ofrooms1.4 A room containing an open-fluedappliance may need permanently open airvents. An open-flued appliance must receive acertain amount of air from outside(“combustion air” in Diagram 1.1) dependentupon its type and rating. Infiltration through thebuilding fabric may be sufficient but abovecertain appliance ratings permanent openingsare necessary (see Diagram 1.1).

Permanent ventilation ofappliance compartments1.5 Appliance compartments that encloseopen-flued combustion appliances should beprovided with vents large enough to admit all ofthe air required by the appliance for combustionand proper flue operation, whether thecompartment draws its air from a room ordirectly from outside (see Diagram 1.1(b and c)).

1.6 Where appliances require cooling air,appliance compartments should be largeenough to enable air to circulate and high andlow level vents should be provided (seeDiagram 1.1(d, e, f and g)).

1.7 Where appliances are to be installedwithin balanced compartments (see Paragraph0.4(2)), special provisions will be necessary andthe appliance and ventilation systemmanufacturer's instructions should be followed.

Ventilation of other rooms orspaces1.8 If an appliance is room-sealed but takesits combustion air from another space in thebuilding (such as the roof void) or if a flue hasa permanent opening to another space in thebuilding (such as where it feeds a secondaryflue in the roof void), that space should haveventilation openings directly to outside. Wherethe roof space is to be used as a source of airfor a combustion installation serving a dwelling,the dwelling roof ventilation provisionssuggested in Approved Document F wouldnormally be satisfactory.

1.9 Where flued appliances are supplied withcombustion air through air vents which openinto adjoining rooms or spaces, the adjoiningrooms or spaces should have air vent openingsof at least the same size direct to the outside.Air vents for flueless appliances however,should open directly to the outside air.

Section 1


JPROVISIONS WHICH APPLY GENERALLY TO COMBUSTION INSTALLATIONS


J PROVISIONS WHICH APPLY GENERALLY TO COMBUSTION INSTALLATIONS

Open-flued Room-sealed

infiltrationair

permanently open air vents

(a) Appliance in room

(b) Appliancein appliancecompartmentwith internal vent

(c) Appliancein appliancecompartmentwith external vent

(d) (f)

(g)(e)

(h)

No provisions necessary

Air for combustionand operation of the flue

Air for combustionand to carry awayits products

Where cooling air is needed

combust-ion air

combust-ion air

combust-ion air

infiltrationair

permanently open air vents

combustionproducts

combustionair

FLUELESS

Diagram 1.1: General air supply to a combustion appliance(For sizes see Sections 2, 3 and 4)

Permanently open air vents1.10 Permanently open air vents should benon-adjustable, sized to admit sufficient air forthe purpose intended and positioned wherethey are unlikely to become blocked.Ventilators should be installed so that buildingoccupants are not provoked into sealing themagainst draughts or noise. They should not bemade in fire resisting walls other than externalwalls (although they should not penetrate thoseparts of external walls shielding LPG tanks). Airvents should not be located within a fireplacerecess except on the basis of specialist advice.

1.11 A way of meeting the requirement wouldbe to size permanently open air vents so thattheir free area or their equivalent free area if ofa more complex design, is sufficient for theappliance(s) to be installed (taking accountwhere necessary of obstructions such as grillesand anti vermin mesh), and to site them:

a) outside fireplace recesses and beyondthe hearths of open fires so that dust or ashwill not be disturbed by draughts; and

b) in a location unlikely to cause discomfortfrom cold draughts.

1.12 Where ventilation is to be provided via asingle proprietary assembly, for example whenit is proposed to use a proprietary ventilatorwith integral grilles to bridge a cavity wall, theequivalent free area of the ventilator may betaken to be the manufacturer’s value (themanufacturer may call this a free area orequivalent free area) (see Diagram 1.2(a)).

1.13 Where two or more components are to beused to provide a non-proprietary assembly,the assembly should be kept as simple andsmooth as possible. The assembly should betaken to have an equivalent free area equal tothat of the component with the smallest freearea in the assembly. The free area of eachcomponent should be its manufacturer’s figureor, where that is not available, its free areameasured in accordance with Paragraph 1.14(see Diagram 1.2(b)).

1.14 The measured free area of a ventilatorcomponent is its total unobstructed crosssectional area, measured in the plane wherethis area is at a minimum and at right angles tothe direction of air flow. For an airbrick, grilleor louvre, it will be the aggregate free area ofthe individual apertures (see Diagram 1.2(c)).



A1

A2

A1

A2

A3

A3

(a) Proprietary unit incorporating baffles, grilles etc: use the manufacturer’s stated free area

Free area 1*Free area 2*

Duct area

(b) Ventilator assembled on site from components ( free area as marked on component or as measured by builder - see below )Use whichever is the smaller of Free area 1, Free area 2 or the Duct area

*

(c) Measuring the free area of components on site Free area = A + A + A1 2 3

Diagram 1.2: Ventilator free areas

1.15 Grilles or meshes protecting air ventsfrom the entry of animals or birds should haveaperture dimensions no smaller than 5 mm.

1.16 Discomfort from cold draughts can beavoided by placing vents close to appliances(for example by using floor vents), by drawingair from intermediate spaces such as hallwaysor by ensuring good mixing of incoming coldair by placing air vents close to ceilings. (seeDiagrams 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5). In noisy areas, itmay be necessary to install proprietary noiseattenuated ventilators to limit the entry of noiseinto the building.

1.17 Buildings may have air tight membranesin their floors to isolate them from the groundbelow. Ventilation ducts or vents installed tosupply air to combustion appliances should notpenetrate these membranes in a way that willrender them ineffective. Such membranes(including radon-proof membranes) aredescribed in BRE Report BR 414 (2001) andBRE Report BR 211 (1999) which give guidancewhen service penetrations are necessary.

Provisions complying with bothPart F and Part J.1.18 Rooms or spaces intended to containopen-flued combustion appliances may needpermanent ventilation to comply with Part J

and adjustable ventilation to comply with PartF. Permanently open air vents for combustionappliances can be accepted in place of someor all of the adjustable background ventilationfor health, dependent upon opening area andlocation. However adjustable vents installed tomeet the requirements of Part F cannot beused as substitutes for the ventilation openingsneeded to comply with Part J unless they arefixed permanently open.

1.19 Rooms or spaces intended to containflueless appliances may need: permanentventilation and rapid ventilation (such asopenable windows) to comply with Part J; andadjustable ventilation and rapid ventilation tocomply with Part F. Permanent ventilationprovisions to comply with Part J may beacceptable in place of adjustable ventilationprovisions for Part F subject to the limitationsdescribed in Paragraph 1.18. Openableelements installed for the rapid ventilation ofrooms and other provisions made for therapid ventilation of kitchens, in order tocomply with Part F, may be acceptable inplace of openable elements for the rapidventilation of rooms or spaces containingflueless appliances.



Well ventilatedroof space

Hall

Living room (example)

Well ventilated space

Combustionappliance

Suspended floor

Diagram 1.3: Location of permanent air vent openings, some examples

Interaction of mechanical extractventilation and open-fluedcombustion appliances1.20 Extract fans lower the pressure in abuilding, which can cause the spillage ofcombustion products from open fluedappliances. This can occur even if theappliance and the fan are in different rooms.Ceiling fans produce air currents and hencelocal depressurisation which can also causethe spillage of flue gases from open-flued gasappliances or from solid fuel open fires. Inbuildings where it is intended to installopen-flued combustion appliances and extractfans, the combustion appliances should be

able to operate safely whether or not the fansare running. A way of showing compliance inthese circumstances would be to follow theinstallation guidance below, and to show bytests that combustion appliances operatesafely whether or not fans are running.

a) For gas appliances: where a kitchencontains an open-flued appliance, the extractrate of the kitchen extract fan should notexceed 20 litres/second (72m3/hour).

b) For oil appliances: limit fan capacities asdescribed in OFTEC Technical Information NoteTI/112 and then carry out flue draughtinterference tests as described in TI/112.



fireplace

duct

duct

floor vent

airbrick

air-brick

hearth

PLAN

Airbrick, duct and grille should have an equivalent free area at least that recommended in Sections 2,3 or 4 as relevant

mixingchamber

Diagram 1.4: Provision of permanent air vent openings in a solid floor

insulation

at least 300mm

cage shielding ventfrom blockageRoof space

Diagram 1.5: Provision of ventilator communicating with a roof space (e.g. a loft)

c) For solid fuel appliances: avoid installingextract ventilation in the same room oralternatively seek further guidance from HETAS(see Appendix F).

d) For commercial and industrialinstallations, specialist advice may benecessary regarding the possible need for theinterlocking of gas heaters and any mechanicalventilation systems.

e) When fans are used to extract radon frombelow a building follow the guidance in BREGood Building Guide GBG 25.

1.21 A suitable test would be to check forspillage when appliances are subjected to thegreatest possible depressurisation. Aprerequisite for this condition is that allexternal doors, windows and other adjustableventilators to outside are closed. Thedepressurisation at the appliance will dependon the particular combination of fans inoperation (fans in the room containing theappliance and fans elsewhere in the building)and the pattern of open internal doors,hatches etc which is established at the time ofthe test (when fans should be on theirmaximum useable setting), and the specificcombination causing the greatestdepressurisation at the appliance dependsupon the circumstances in each case. Severaltests (which should include a test with thedoor leading into the room of installationclosed and all fans in that room switched on)may therefore be necessary to demonstratethe safe operation of the appliance withreasonable certainty. The effect of ceiling fansshould be checked during the tests.

1.22 The presence of some fans may beobvious, such as those on view in kitchens, butothers may be less obvious: fans installed indomestic appliances such as tumble dryersand fans fitted to other open flued combustionappliances can also contribute todepressurisation. In addition, fans may also beprovided to draw radon gas from the groundbelow a building (see Paragraph 1.17).

1.23 The appliance manufacturer's installationinstructions may describe a suitable spillagetest for gas appliances but the procedure inBS 5440-1:2000 can be used. The effects offans on oil-fired appliances can be checked bymeasuring the combustion conditions: theappliance should be shown to operatesatisfactorily both with and without the fansrunning.

Provision of flues1.24 Appliances other than flueless appliancesshould incorporate or be connected to suitableflues which discharge to the outside air.

1.25 This Approved Document providesguidance on how to meet the requirements interms of constructing a flue or chimney, where

each flue serves one appliance only. Fluesdesigned to serve more than one appliance canmeet the requirements by following theguidance in BS 5410-1:1997 for oil andBS 5440-1:2000 for gas-fired systems.However, each solid fuel appliance should haveits own flue.

Condensates in flues1.26 Chimneys and flues should providesatisfactory control of water condensation.Ways of providing satisfactory control include:

a) for chimneys that do not serve condensingappliances, by insulating flues so that flue gasesdo not condense in normal operation;

b) for chimneys that do serve condensingappliances:

i) by using lining components that areimpervious to condensates andsuitably resistant to corrosion andby making appropriate provisionsfor draining, avoiding ledges,crevices etc;

ii) making provisions for the disposal ofcondensate from condensingappliances.

Construction of masonry chimneys1.27 New chimneys should be constructedwith flue liners and masonry suitable for theintended application. Ways of meeting therequirement would be to use bricks, mediumweight concrete blocks or stone (with wallthicknesses as given in Sections 2, 3 or 4according to the intended fuel) with suitablemortar joints for the masonry and suitablysupported and caulked liners. Liners suitablefor solid fuel appliances (and generally suitablefor other fuels) could be:

a) liners whose performance is at leastequal to that corresponding to thedesignation T450 N2 S D 3, as described inBS EN 1443:1999, such as:

i) clay flue liners with rebates orsockets for jointing meeting therequirements for Class A1 N2 orClass A1 N1 as described inBS EN 1457:1999; or

ii) concrete flue liners independentlycertified as meeting the requirementsfor the classification Type A1, TypeA2, Type B1 or Type B2 as describedin prEN 1857(e18) January 2001; or

iii) other products that are independentlycertified as meeting the criteria in a).

b) imperforate clay pipes with sockets forjointing as described in BS 65: 1991 (1997).



1.28 Liners should be installed in accordancewith their manufacturer’s instructions.Appropriate components should be selected toform the flue without cutting and to keep jointsto a minimum. Bends and offsets should onlybe formed with matching factory-madecomponents. Liners need to be placed with thesockets or rebate ends uppermost to containmoisture and other condensates in the flue.Joints should be sealed with fire cement,refractory mortar or installed in accordancewith their manufacturer’s instructions. Spacesbetween the lining and the surroundingmasonry should not be filled with ordinarymortar. In the absence of liner manufacturer'sinstructions, the space could be filled with aweak insulating concrete such as mixtures of:

a) one part ordinary Portland cement to 20parts suitable lightweight expanded clayaggregate, minimally wetted; or

b) one part ordinary Portland cement to 6parts Vermiculite; or

c) one part ordinary Portland cement to 10parts Perlite.

Construction of flueblock chimneys1.29 Flueblock chimneys should beconstructed of factory-made componentssuitable for the intended application installed in

accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.Ways of meeting the requirement for solid fuelappliances (and generally suitable for otherfuels) include using:

a) flueblocks whose performance is atleast equal to that corresponding to thedesignation T450 N2 S D 3, as described inBS EN 1443:1999, such as:

i) clay flueblocks at least meeting therequirements for Class FB1 N2 asdescribed in BS EN 1806:2000;

ii) other products that are independentlycertified as meeting the criteria in a);

b) blocks lined in accordance withParagraph 1.27 and independently certified assuitable for the purpose.

1.30 Joints should be sealed in accordancewith the flueblock manufacturer’s instructions.Bends and offsets should only be formed withmatching factory-made components.

Material change of use1.31 Where a building is to be altered fordifferent use (e.g. it is being converted intoflats) the fire resistance of walls of existingmasonry chimneys may need to be improvedas shown in Diagram 1.6.



To maintain thecompartmentationof dwellings,additional fireprotection may beneeded to meetthe Requirementsin Part B

Diagram 1.6: Material change of use: fire protection of chimneys passingthrough other dwellings

Connecting fluepipes1.32 Satisfactory components for constructingconnecting fluepipes include:

a) cast iron fluepipes complying withBS 41: 1973 (1998);

b) mild steel fluepipes complying withBS 1449: Part 1: 1991, with a flue wallthickness of at least 3mm;

c) pipes made from stainless steel asdescribed in BS EN 10088-1: 1995 grades1.4401, 1.4404, 1.4432 or 1.4436 with a fluewall thickness of at least 1mm;

d) vitreous enamelled steel pipe complyingwith BS 6999: 1989 (1996);

e) other fluepipes independently certified ashaving the necessary performance designationfor suitable use with the intended appliance.

1.33 Fluepipes with spigot and socket jointsshould be fitted with the socket facing upwardsto contain moisture and other condensates inthe flue. Joints should be made gas-tight. Asatisfactory way of achieving this would be touse proprietary jointing accessories or, whereappropriate, by packing joints with non-combustible rope and fire cement.

Repair of flues1.34 It is important to the health and safety ofbuilding occupants that renovations,refurbishments or repairs to flue liners shouldresult in flues that comply with therequirements of J2 to J4. The test proceduresreferred to in paragraph 1.53 and in AppendixE can be used to check this.

1.35 Flues are controlled services as definedin Regulation 2 of the Building Reguations, thatis to say they are services in relation to whichPart J of Schedule 1 imposes requirements. Ifrenovation, refurbishment or repair amounts toor involves the provision of a new orreplacement flue liner, it is “building work”within the meaning of Regulation 3 of theBuilding Regulations. “Building work” and mustnot be undertaken without prior notification tothe local authority. Examples of work thatwould need to be notified include:

(a) relining work comprising the creation ofnew flue walls by the insertion of new liningssuch as rigid or flexible prefabricatedcomponents.

(b) a cast in situ liner that significantly altersthe flue’s internal dimensions.

Anyone in doubt about whether or not anyrenovation, refurbishment or repair workinvolving a flue is notifiable “building work”,could consult the building control departmentof their local authority, or an approvedinspector.

Re-use of existing flues1.36 Where it is proposed to bring a flue in anexisting chimney back into use or to re-use aflue with a different type or rating of appliance,the flue and the chimney should be checkedand, if necessary, altered to ensure that theysatisfy the requirements for the proposed use.A way of checking before and/or after remedialwork would be to test the flue using theprocedures in Appendix E.

1.37 A way of refurbishing defective flueswould be to line them using the materials andcomponents described in Sections 2, 3, and 4dependent upon the type of combustionappliance proposed. Before relining flues, theyshould be swept to remove deposits.

1.38 A flue may also need to be lined toreduce the flue area to suit the intendedappliance. Oversize flues can be unsafe.

1.39 If a chimney has been relined in the pastusing a metal lining system and the applianceis being replaced, the metal liner should alsobe replaced unless the metal liner can beproven to be recently installed and can be seento be in good condition.

Use of flexible metal flue liners forthe relining of chimneys1.40 A way of relining a chimney would be touse an independently certified flexible metalflue liner, specifically made to suit the types offuels to be burnt. Flexible flue liners shouldonly be used to reline a chimney and shouldnot be used as the primary liner of a newchimney. They can be used to connect gasback boilers to chimneys where the applianceis located in a fireplace recess.

Use of plastic fluepipe systems 1.41 Plastic fluepipe systems can beacceptable in some cases, for example withcondensing boiler installations, where thefluepipes are supplied by or specified by theappliance manufacturer, and approved by aNotified Body or independently certified asbeing suitable for purpose.

Factory-made metal chimneys1.42 Ways of meeting the requirementswhen proposing factory-made metalchimneys include:

a) using component systems independentlycertified as complying with the relevant sections ofBS 4543-1:1990 (1996), BS 4543-2:1990 (1996)and BS 4543-3:1990 (1996) (Part 1 withdrawn April2000; partially superseded by BS EN 1859:2000)and installing them in accordance with the relevantrecommendations in BS 7566-1:1992 (1998),BS 7566-2:1992 (1998), BS 7566-3:1992 (1998)and BS 7566-4:1992 (1998);



b) for gas and for oil appliances where fluetemperatures will not normally exceed 250ºC,using twin wall component systems (and, forgas, single wall component systems) complyingwith BS 715:1993 and installing them inaccordance with BS 5440-1:2000;

c) using any other chimney system that isindependently certified as being suitable forthe intended purpose and installed inaccordance with the relevant recommendationsin BS 7566-1:1992 (1998), BS 7566-2:1992(1998), BS 7566-3:1992 (1998) andBS 7566-4:1992 (1998) or BS 5440-1:2000, asappropriate to the type of appliance beinginstalled.

1.43 Where a factory-made metal chimneypasses through a wall, sleeves should beprovided to prevent damage to the flue orbuilding through thermal expansion. Tofacilitate the checking of gas-tightness, jointsbetween chimney sections should not beconcealed within ceiling joist spaces or withinthe thicknesses of walls.

1.44 When providing a factory-made metalchimney, provision should be made towithdraw the appliance without the need todismantle the chimney.

1.45 Factory-made metal chimneys should bekept a suitable distance away from combustiblematerials. Ways of meeting the requirement forchimneys complying with BS 4543-2:1990(1996) or BS 4543-3:1990 (1996) comprise:

a) locating the chimney not less thanDistance “X” from combustible material, where

“X” is defined in BS 4543-1: 1990 (1996) asshown in Diagram 1.7;

b) where a chimney passes through acupboard, storage space or roof space, providinga guard placed no closer to the outer wall of thechimney than the distance in a) above.

1.46 Where a factory made metal chimneypenetrates a fire compartment wall or floor, itmust not breach the fire separationrequirements of Part B. See ApprovedDocument B for more guidance but therequirements may be met by:

a) using a factory-made metal chimney ofthe appropriate level of fire resistance; or

b) casing the chimney in non combustiblematerial giving at least half the fire resistancerecommended for the fire compartment wallor floor.

Configuration of natural draughtflues serving open-fluedappliances1.47 Flue systems should offer least resistanceto the passage of flue gases by minimisingchanges in direction or horizontal length. A wayof meeting the requirement would be to buildflues so that they are straight and verticalexcept for the connections to combustionappliances with rear outlets where thehorizontal section should not exceed 150mm.Where bends are essential, they should beangled at no more than 45° to the vertical.



No combustible materialin shaded zone. Width ofshaded zone at leastequal to manufacturer'sdeclared minimumdistance (Xmm) asdefined by testing toBS 443 Part 1: 1990 (1996)

Distance X

plasterboardTimber

non-combustibleplate with spacere.g. manufacturer'sfire stop component

Diagram 1.7: The separation of combustible material from a factory made metalchimney meeting BS 4543: Part 1: 1990

1.48 Provisions should be made to enableflues to be swept and inspected. A way ofmaking reasonable provision would be to limitthe number of changes of direction betweenthe combustion appliance outlet and the flueoutlet to not more than four 45° bends with notmore than two of these being between anintended point of access for sweeping andeither another point of access for sweeping orthe flue outlet. (90° factory made bends,elbows or Tee pieces in fluepipes may betreated as being equal to two 45° bends (seeDiagram 1.8)).

Inspection and cleaning openingsin flues1.49 A flue should not have openings intomore than one room or space except for thepurposes of:

a) inspection or cleaning; or

b) fitting an explosion door, draught break,draught stabiliser or draught diverter.

1.50 Openings for inspection and cleaningshould be formed using purpose factory-madecomponents compatible with the flue system,having an access cover that has the same levelof gas-tightness as the flue system and anequal level of thermal insulation. Openings forcleaning the flue should allow easy passage ofthe sweeping brush. Covers should also benon-combustible except where fitted tocombustible fluepipe (such as plastic fluepipe).After the appliance has been installed, it shouldbe possible to sweep the whole flue.

Flues discharging at low levelnear boundaries1.51 Flues discharging at low level nearboundaries should do so at positions where thebuilding owner will always be able to ensuresafe flue gas dispersal. A way of achieving thiswhere owners of adjacent land could build upto the boundary would be to adopt thesuggestions in Diagrams 3.4 or 4.2, as relevant.

Dry lining around fireplace openings1.52 Where a decorative treatment, such as afireplace surround, masonry cladding or drylining is provided around a fireplace opening,any gaps that could allow flue gases to escapefrom the fireplace opening into the void behindthe decorative treatment, should be sealed toprevent such leakage. The sealing materialshould be capable of remaining in placedespite any relative movement between thedecorative treatment and the fireplace recess.

Condition of combustioninstallations at completion1.53 Responsibility for achieving compliancewith the requirements of Part J rests with theperson carrying out the work. That “person”may be, e.g., a specialist firm directly engagedby a private client or it may be a developer ormain contractor who has carried out worksubject to Part J or engaged a sub-contractorto carry it out. In order to document the stepstaken to achieve compliance with therequirements, a report should be drawn up



45°

45°

= 2 x 45°

= 2 x 45°

maximum 150mmhorizontal sectionfrom back outletof appliance

90° withcleaningaccess

Angle shouldnot be morethan 45°

Bends

Offset

90° bend notsuitable for solid fuelappliances

Diagram 1.8: Bends in flues

showing that materials and componentsappropriate to the intended application havebeen used and that flues have passedappropriate tests. A suggested checklist forsuch a report is given at Appendix A andguidance on testing is given at Appendix E.Other forms of report may be acceptable.Specialist firms should provide the report tothe client, developer or main contractor, whomay be asked for documentation by thebuilding control body.

1.54 Flues should be checked at completionto show that they are free from obstructions,satisfactorily gas-tight and constructed withmaterials and components of sizes which suitthe intended application. Where the buildingwork includes the installation of acombustion appliance, tests should coverfluepipes and [the gas-tightness of] jointsbetween fluepipes and combustion applianceoutlets. A spillage test to check forcompliance with J2 should be carried outwith the appliance under fire, as part of theprocess of commissioning to check forcompliance with Part L, and (in relevantcases) as required by the Gas Safety(Installation and Use) Regulations.

1.55 Hearths should be constructed withmaterials and components of sizes to suitthe intended application and should show thearea where combustible materials shouldnot intrude.

Notice plates for hearths and flues(Requirement J4)1.56 Where a hearth, fireplace (including a fluebox), flue or chimney is provided or extended(including cases where a flue is provided aspart of the refurbishment work), informationessential to the correct application and use of

these facilities should be permanently postedin the building. A way of meeting thisrequirement would be to provide a notice plateas shown in Diagram 1.9 conveying thefollowing information:

a) the location of the hearth, fireplace(or flue box) or the location of the beginning ofthe flue;

b) the category of the flue and generic typesof appliances that can be safely accommodated;

c) the type and size of the flue (or itsliner if it has been relined) and themanufacturer's name;

d) the installation date.

1.57 Notice plates should be robust,indelibly marked and securely fixed in anunobtrusive but obvious position within thebuilding such as:

a) next to the electricity consumer unit; or

b) next to the chimney or hearth described; or

c) next to the water supply stop-cock.

1.58 For chimney products whoseperformance characteristics have beenassessed in accordance with a EuropeanStandard (EN) and which are supplied ormarked with a designation as described inParagraph 0.4 (9), the installer may optionallyinclude this designation on the label as shownin Diagram 1.9.

Access to combustion appliancesfor maintenance1.59 There should be a permanent means ofsafe access to appliances for maintenance. Forappliances installed in roof spaces, walkwaysmay be necessary for this purpose.



Diagram 1.9: Example notice plate for hearths and flues

Essentialinformation

Optionaladditionalinformation

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONThis label must not be removed or covered

Property address ..............................................

The hearth and chimney installedin the ..............................................................

are suitable for ................................................

Chimney liner ..................................................

Suitable for condensing appliance ....................

Installed on ......................................................

20 Main Street

New Town

lounge

decorative fuel effect gas fire

double skin stainless steel flexible, 200mmdiameter

no

date

Other information (optional) ..............................

e.g. installer’s name, product trade names,installation and maintenance advice, Europeanchimney product designations, warnings onperformance limitations of imitation elementse.g. false hearths.

Designation of stainless steel liner stated bymanufacturer to be T450 N2 S D 3

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FORAPPLIANCES BURNING SOLIDFUEL WITH A RATED OUTPUT UPTO 50KWNote: This section should be read inconjunction with Sections 0 and 1

Air supply to appliances2.1 A way of meeting the requirement wouldbe to adopt the general guidance given inSection 1, beginning at Paragraph 1.2, inconjunction with the guidance below.

2.2 Any room or space containing anappliance should have a permanent air ventopening of at least the size shown in Table 2.1.For appliances designed to burn a range ofdifferent solid fuels the air supply should bedesigned to accommodate burning the fuel thatproduces the highest heating output.

2.3 Some manufacturers may specify evenlarger areas of permanently open air vents oromit to specify a rated output (for example in thecase of a cooker). In these cases, manufacturersinstallation instructions should be followed.

Size of flues2.4 Fluepipes should have the same diameteror equivalent cross sectional area as that of theappliance flue outlet and should not be smallerthan the size recommended by the appliancemanufacturer.

2.5 Flues should be at least the size shown inTable 2.2 relevant to the particular appliance,and not less than the size of the appliance flueoutlet or that recommended by the appliancemanufacturer.

2.6 For multifuel appliances, the flue shouldbe sized to accommodate burning the fuel thatrequires the largest flue.

2.7 For fireplaces with openings larger than500mm x 550mm or fireplaces exposed on twoor more sides (such as a fireplace under acanopy or open on both sides of a centralchimney breast) a way of showing compliancewould be to provide a flue with a crosssectional area equal to 15% of the total facearea of the fireplace opening(s) (see AppendixB). However, specialist advice should besought when proposing to construct flueshaving an area of:

a) more than 15% of the total face area ofthe fireplace openings; or

b) more than 120,000mm2 (0.12m2).

Section 2


J ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR APPLIANCES BURNING SOLID FUEL

Table 2.1: Air supply to solid fuel appliances

Open appliance, such as an open fire with nothroat, e.g. a fire under a canopy as in Diagram 2.7.

Open appliance, such as an open fire with athroat as in Diagrams 2.6 and 2.13.

Other appliance, such as a stove, cooker orboiler, with a flue draught stabiliser.

Other appliance, such as a stove, cooker orboiler, with no flue draught stabiliser.

Permanently open air vent(s) with a total free area of at least 50% of the crosssectional area of the flue.

Permanently open air vent(s) with a total free area of at least 50% of the throatopening area. (2)

Permanently open air vent(s) as below:(3)

Total free area

First 5kW of appliance rated output 300mm2/kW

Balance of rated output 850mm2/kW

A permanent air entry opening or openings with a total free area of at least550mm2 per kW of appliance rated output above 5kW.

Notes:1. Divide the area given in mm2 by 100 to find the corresponding area in cm2

2. For simple open fires as depicted in Diagram 2.13, the requirement can be met with room ventilation areas as follows:

Nominal fire size (fireplace opening size) 500mm 450mm 400mm 350mm

Total free area of permanently open air vents 20,500mm2 18,500mm2 16,500mm2 14,500mm2

3. Example: an appliance with a flue draught stabiliser and a rated output of 7kW would require a freearea of: [5 x 300] + [2 x 850] = 3200mm2

Type of appliance Type and amount of ventilation (1)

Height of flues 2.8 Flues should be high enough to ensuresufficient draught to clear the products ofcombustion. The height necessary for this willdepend upon the type of the appliance, theheight of the building, the type of flue and thenumber of bends in it, and a carefulassessment of local wind patterns. However, aflue height of 4.5m could be satisfactory if theguidance in Paragraphs 2.10 to 2.12 isadopted. As an alternative approach, thecalculation procedure within BS 5854:1980(1996) can be used as the basis for decidingwhether a chimney design will providesufficient draught.

2.9 The height of a flue serving an open fireis measured vertically from the highest pointat which air can enter the fireplace to the levelat which the flue discharges into the outsideair. The highest point of air entry into thefireplace could be the top of the fireplaceopening or, for a fire under a canopy, thebottom of the canopy.

Outlets from flues2.10 The outlet from a flue should be abovethe roof of the building in a position where theproducts of combustion can discharge freelyand will not present a fire hazard, whatever thewind conditions.

2.11 Flue outlet positions which can meet therequirements in common circumstances are shownin Diagram 2.1. The chimney heights and/orseparations shown may need to be increased inparticular cases where wind exposure, surroundingtall buildings, high trees or high ground could haveadverse effects on flue draught.

2.12 A way of meeting the requirements whereflues discharge on or in close proximity to roofswith surfaces which are readily ignitable, suchas where roofs are covered in thatch orshingles, would be to increase the clearancesto flue outlets to those shown in Diagram 2.2.

Connecting fluepipes2.13 For connecting fluepipes a way of meetingthe requirements would be to follow the generalguidance in Paragraphs 1.32 and 1.33.

Location and shielding ofconnecting fluepipes2.14 Connecting fluepipes should only be usedto connect appliances to their chimneys. Theyshould not pass through any roof space, partition,internal wall or floor, except to pass directly into achimney through either a wall of the chimney or afloor supporting the chimney. Connectingfluepipes should also be guarded if they could beat risk of damage or if the burn hazard theypresent to people is not immediately apparent.

2.15 Connecting fluepipes should be locatedso as to avoid igniting combustible material.Ways of meeting the requirement includeminimising horizontal and sloping runs and:

a) separation by not less than three-quarters of the outside diameter of ordinaryinsulated pipes if the insulation is at least12mm thick and has thermal conductivity notexceeding 0.065W/mK; or

b) separation by shielding in accordancewith Diagram 2.3; or

c) following the guidance in Paragraph 1.45where the connecting fluepipe is afactory-made metal chimney.


JADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR APPLIANCES BURNING SOLID FUEL

Table 2.2: Size of flues in chimneys

Fireplace with an opening of up to500mm x 550mm.

Fireplace with an opening in excess of500mm x 550mm or a fireplace exposed ontwo or more sides.

Closed appliance of up to 20kW rated output which:a) burns smokeless or low volatiles fuel(2);orb) is an appliance which meets the

requirements of the Clean Air Act whenburning an appropriate bituminous coal (3).

Other closed appliance of up to 30kW ratedoutput burning any fuel.

Closed appliance of above 30kW and up to50kW rated output burning any fuel.

200mm diameter or rectangular/square flues having the same cross sectionalarea and a minimum dimension not less than 175mm.

See Paragraph 2.7. If rectangular/square flues are used the minimumdimension should not be less than 200mm.

125mm diameter or rectangular/square flues having the same cross sectionalarea and a minimum dimension not less than 100mm for straight flues or125mm for flues with bends or offsets.



Notes:1. Closed appliances include cookers, stoves, room heaters and boilers.

2. Fuels such as bituminous coal, untreated wood or compressed paper are not smokeless or low volatiles fuels.

3. These appliances are known as “exempted fireplaces”.

Installation (1) Minimum flue size



Clearances to flue outlet

at or within 600mmof the ridge.

at least 600mmabove the ridge.A

Belsewhere on a roof(whether pitched or flat)

at least 2300mm horizontallyfrom the nearest point on theweather surface and:

below (on a pitched roof)or within 2300mmhorizontally to an openablerooflight, dormer windowor other opening.

within 2300mm of anadjoining or adjacent building,whether or not beyond theboundary.

at least 600mm above theadjacent building.

at least 1000mm above thetop of the opening.

C

D

A

B

C

D

150 mmmax

Datum for horizontal measurements

Datum for vertical measure-ments

The datum for vertical measurements is the point of discharge of the flue, or 150 mm above the insulation, whichever is the lower

a) at least 1000mm above thehighest point of intersectionof the chimney and the weathersurface; orb) at least as high as the ridge.

Point where flue passesthrough weather surface (Notes 1, 2)

(Note 3)

(Note 3)

Notes1) The weather surface is the building external surface, such as its roof, tiles or external walls2) A flat roof has a pitch less than 10°3) The clearances given for A or B, as appropriate, will also apply.

Diagram 2.1: Flue outlet positions for solid fuel appliances

Debris collection space2.16 Where a chimney cannot be cleanedthrough the appliance, a debris collectingspace which is accessible for emptying, andsuitably sized opening(s) for cleaningshould be provided at appropriate locations inthe chimney.

Masonry and flueblock chimneys2.17 Masonry chimneys should be built inaccordance with Paragraphs 1.27 and 1.28.Flueblock chimneys should be built inaccordance with Paragraphs 1.29 and 1.30.The thickness of the walls around the flues,excluding the thickness of any flue liners,should be in accordance with Diagram 2.4.

Separation of combustiblematerial from fireplaces and flues2.18 Combustible material should not belocated where it could be ignited by the heatdissipating through the walls of fireplaces orflues. A way of meeting the requirement wouldbe to follow the guidance in Diagram 2.5 sothat combustible material is at least:

a) 200mm from the inside surface of a flueor fireplace recess; or

b) 40mm from the outer surface of amasonry chimney or fireplace recess unless itis a floorboard, skirting board, dado or picturerail, mantel-shelf or architrave. Metal fixings incontact with combustible materials should beat least 50mm from the inside surface of a flue.



600mm

1800mm

at least2300mm

A

B B

Location of flue outlet

at least 1800mm vertically above the weather surfaceandat least 600mm above the ridge.

A

at least 1800mm vertically above the weather surface,andat least 2300mm horizontally from the weather surface.

B

Area

at least1800mm

Outlets shouldbe above theshaded areas

Diagram 2.2 : Flue outlet positions for solid fuel appliances – clearances to easilyignited roof coverings(Note: This diagram needs to be read in conjunction with Diagram 2.1)



D D

Elevationwithout shield

Elevationwith shield

at least1.5 x D

at least1.5 x D

at least1.5 x D

at least1.5 x D

at least 3 x D

at least 3 x D

at le

ast

3 x D

at least1.5 x D

air space of at least 12mm between non-combustibleshield and combustiblematerial

Plan withoutshield

Plan withshield

Flue-pipe

indicates combustiblematerial

Shields should either: a) extend beyond the fluepipe by at least 1.5 X D; or b) make any path between fluepipes and combustible material at least 3 X D long

Diagram 2.3: Protecting combustible material from uninsulated fluepipes for solidfuel appliances

100100

100

100

200

Another fire compartmentor another dwelling

Outside

Dimensionsin mm

Diagram 2.4: Wall thicknesses for masonry and flueblock chimneys

Factory-made metal chimneys2.19 A way of meeting the requirements wouldbe to comply with Paragraphs 1.42 to 1.46 inSection 1 (but not Paragraph 1.42(b).

Lining and relining of flues inchimneys2.20 Lining or relining flues may be buildingwork and, in any case, such work should becarried out so that the objectives of J2 to J4are met (see Paragraphs 1.34 and 1.35).Existing flues being re-used should be checkedas described in Paragraph 1.36. Ways ofmeeting the requirements include the use of:

a) liners whose performance isindependently certified as being at least equalto that corresponding to the designation T450N2 S D3, as described in BS EN 1443:1999,such as:

i) factory-made flue lining systemssuch as a double skin flexiblestainless steel lining which isindependently certified as suitable foruse with solid fuel burningappliances;

ii) a cast in-situ flue relining systemwhere the material and installation

procedures are independentlycertified as suitable for use with solidfuel burning appliances;

iii) other systems which areindependently certified as beingsuitable for use with solid fuelburning appliances and meeting thecriteria in (a);

b) liners as described in Paragraph 1.27.

Formation of gathers2.21 To minimise resistance to the properworking of flues, tapered gathers should beprovided in fireplaces for open fires. Ways ofachieving these gathers include:

a) using prefabricated gather componentsbuilt into a fireplace recess, as shown inDiagram 2.6(a); or

b) corbelling of masonry as shown inDiagram 2.6(b); or

c) using a suitable canopy, as shown inDiagram 2.7; or

d) using a prefabricated appliance chamberincorporating a gather.



skirting board,dado rail,picture rail etc

combustible materialon metal fastening orsupport

metal fastening or support

combustible material

combustible materialother than skirting board,dado rail, picture rail etc

flueliner

at least 40mm

less than200mmat least

200mm

at least200mm

at least50mm

Diagram 2.5: Minimum separation distances from combustible material in ornear a chimney



Chimney may be supportedby gather unit or by seperateload bearing lintel

Front of gather shaped toform throat - may beseparate

Prefabricatedgather unit

Gather unit may be built in at time of constructionof recess or retro-fittedinto rectangular recess

Flue

Front elevation(a)

(b)

Sideelevation

Flue

Gather formedwith corbelledbrickwork

Throat fromningfront lintel

Smooth finish to gatherat an angle of not morethan 45º to the vertical

Chimney may besupported on loadbearing lintel

Diagram 2.6: Construction of fireplace gathers

Front view

angle notmore than 45º

angle notmorethan 45º

canopycanopy

firebed

Side view

Diagram 2.7: Canopy for an open solid fuel fire

Hearths2.22 Hearths should be constructed of suitablyrobust materials and to appropriate dimensionssuch that, in normal use, they preventcombustion appliances setting fire to thebuilding fabric and furnishings, and they limitthe risk of people being accidentally burnt. Away of making provision would be adopt theguidance in Paragraphs 2.23 to 2.28 and toprovide a hearth appropriate to thetemperatures the appliance can create aroundit. The hearth should be able to accommodatethe weight of the appliance and its chimney ifthe chimney is not independently supported.

2.23 Appliances should stand wholly above:

a) hearths made of non-combustible

board/sheet material or tiles at least 12mmthick, if the appliance is not to stand in anappliance recess and it has been independentlycertified that it cannot cause the temperatureof the hearth to exceed 100ºC; or

b) constructional hearths in accordance withthe paragraphs below.

2.24 Constructional hearths should:

a) have plan dimensions as shown inDiagram 2.8; and

b) be made of solid, non-combustiblematerial, such as concrete or masonry, at least125mm thick, including the thickness of anynon-combustible floor and/or decorative surface.



(a) Fireplace recess (b) Freestanding

at least150mm at least 840mm

at least840mm

projectionat least500mmfrom jamb

Plan

Diagram 2.8: Constructional hearth suitable for a solid fuel appliance (including open fires)

at least 125mm

air space ofat least 50mm

combustible material

top surface of hearth

Section through hearth

at least250mm

Diagram 2.9 : Constructional hearths suitable for solid fuel appliances(including open fires)

2.25 Combustible material should not beplaced beneath constructional hearths unlessthere is an air-space of at least 50mm betweenthe underside of the hearth and thecombustible material, or the combustiblematerial is at least 250mm below the top of thehearth (see Diagram 2.9).

2.26 An appliance should be located on ahearth so that it is surrounded by a surfacefree of combustible material as shown inDiagram 2.10. This surface may be part of thesurface of the hearth provided in accordancewith Paragraph 2.23, or it may be the surfaceof a superimposed hearth laid wholly or partlyupon a constructional hearth. The edges ofthis surface should be marked to provide awarning to the building occupants and todiscourage combustible floor finishes such ascarpet from being laid too close to theappliance. A way of achieving this would be toprovide a change in level.

2.27 Combustible material placed on or besidea constructional hearth should not extendunder a superimposed hearth by more than25mm or to closer than 150mm measuredhorizontally to the appliance.

2.28 Some ways of making these provisionsare shown in Diagram 2.11.

Fireplace recesses andprefabricated appliance chambers2.29 Fireplaces need to be constructed suchthat they adequately protect the building fabricfrom catching fire. A way of achieving therequirements would be to build:

a) fireplace recesses from masonry orconcrete as shown in Diagram 2.12; or

b) prefabricated factory-made appliancechambers using components that are made ofinsulating concrete having a density ofbetween 1200 and 1700kg/m3 and with theminimum thickness as shown in Table 2.3.Components should be supplied as sets forassembly and jointing in accordance with themanufacturer's instructions.



appliance

opening to firebed

appliance

opening to firebed

at least:225mm for a closedappliance; or300mm for an openappliance and aclosed appliance thatcan properly be usedwith its front open

constructional hearthdimensions in Diagram 2.8 at least

150mm orto a suitablyheat resistantwall

perimeter shouldbe clearly markede.g. edge ofsuperimposedhearth

perimeter shouldbe clearly markede.g. edge ofsuperimposedhearth

hearth surfacefree of combustible

material

at least150mm

a) Fireplace recess b) Free standing

Diagram 2.10: Non-combustible hearth surface surrounding a solid fuel appliance



appliance

clearances from Diagram 2.10

non-combustibleboard or tile at least 12mm

a) Appliance that cannot cause hearth temperature to exceed 100 Co

constructional hearth

appliance

dimensions from Diagram 2.8


e.g. flooring

b) Any appliance standing directly on a constructional hearth

constructional hearth

superimposed hearth

appliance

at least 150 mm

dimensions from Diagram 2.8


at most 25mm

e.g. flooring

c) Any appliance in a fireplace recess with a superimposed hearth

combustiblematerial

combustiblematerial

combustiblematerial

change in level tomark safe perimeter



Diagram 2.11: Ways of providing hearths

Table 2.3: Prefabricated appliance chambers: Minimum thickness

base 50

side section, forming wall on either side of chamber 75

back section, forming rear of chamber 100

top slab, lintel or gather, forming top of chamber 100

Component minimum thickness (mm)



recess

(a) Solid wall (b) Cavity wall

(c) Back to back (within the same dwelling)

at least200mm

at least 200mm each leaf at least 100mm

at least200mm

at least200mm

jamb

at least 100mm

Plan

Diagram 2.12: Fireplace recesses

Sand/cementbenching

Throat forming component

Throat

ElevationFireback(BS 1251:1987)

Plan

Insulatinginfill

110 ±10mm

either integrated intoprefabricated gatheror prefabricatedappliance chamber

or throat forming lintel(BS 1251:1987)

protectsfireplacesurround }

Diagram 2.13: Open fireplaces: throat and fireplace components

Fireplace lining components2.30 A fireplace recess may requireprotection from heat if it is to provide adurable setting for certain appliances such asinset open fires. Suitable protection would befireplace lining components as shown inDiagram 2.13 or lining the recess withsuitable firebricks.

Walls adjacent to hearths2.31 Walls that are not part of a fireplacerecess or a prefabricated appliance chamberbut are adjacent to hearths or appliances alsoneed to protect the building from catchingfire. A way of achieving the requirement isshown in Diagram 2.14. Thinner materialcould be used provided it gives the sameoverall level of protection as the solidnon-combustible material.

Alternative approachThe requirements may also be met by adoptingthe relevant recommendations in thepublications listed below to achieve anequivalent level of performance to thatobtained by following the guidance in thisApproved Document:

a) BS 6461: Installation of chimneys andflues for domestic appliances burning solid fuel(including wood and peat). Code of practice formasonry chimneys and flue pipes. Part 1: 1984(1998); and

b) BS 7566: Installation of factory madechimneys to BS 4543 for domestic appliancesParts 1 to 4: 1992 (1998); and

c) BS 8303: Installation of domestic heatingand cooking appliances burning solid mineralfuels. Parts 1 to 3: 1994.



T

X

X

appliance

at least 150mm

See table

H

(Note 1)

(Note 1)

at least

150mm

clearances fromDiagram 2.10

solid, non-combustiblematerial e.g. masonryor concrete

Location of hearth or applianceSolid, non-combustibe material

Thickness (T) Height (H)

where the hearth abuts a wall and theappliance is not more than 50mm fromthe wall

where the hearth abuts a wall and theappliance is more than 50mm but notmore than 300mm from the wall

where the hearth does not abut a walland is no more than 150mm from the wall(see Note 1)

200mm

75mm

75mm

at least 300mm above theappliance and 1.2m abovethe hearth

at least 300mm above theappliance and 1.2m abovethe hearth

at least 1.2m above the hearth

Note: 1. There is no requirement for protection of the wall where X is more than 150mm

Diagram 2.14: Walls adjacent to hearths

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FORGAS BURNING APPLIANCESWITH A RATED INPUT UP TO70KW (NET)Note: This section should be read inconjunction with Sections 0 and 1

Gas Safety (Installationand Use) Regulations3.1 All combustion installations must beaccommodated in ways that meet therequirements of the Building Regulations. Howevergas installations also have to comply with the GasSafety (Installation and Use) Regulations whichrequire professional work to be undertaken by amember of a class of persons approved by theHealth and Safety Executive (HSE). Because ofthis, the Building Regulations allow that work neednot be notified to Building Control Bodies if itsolely comprises the installation of a gasappliance and it is to be undertaken by a memberof such an approved class of persons. The GasSafety (Installation and Use) Regulations cover thesafe installation of gas fittings, appliances andflues. The following paragraphs give builders andlay readers an outline of some of the mainrequirements of the Gas Safety (Installation andUse) Regulations but for further informationreference should be made to the Health andSafety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice(see below) or Building Control Bodies.

3.2 The Gas Safety (Installation and Use)Regulations require that (a) gas fittings,appliances and gas storage vessels must only beinstalled by a person with the requiredcompetence and (b) any person having control toany extent of gas work must ensure that theperson carrying out that work has the requiredcompetence and (c) any gas installationbusinesses, whether an employer orself-employed, must be a member of a class ofpersons approved by the HSE; for the time beingthis means they must be registered with CORGI,the Council for Registered Gas Installers.

3.3 Guidance on the individual competencyrequired for gas work is given in the Health andSafety Commission’s Approved Code ofPractice “Standards of training in safe gasinstallation”. Persons deemed competent tocarry out gas work are those who hold a currentcertificate of competence in the type of activityto be conducted issued under the ApprovedCode of Practice arrangements, or under anationally accredited certification scheme.

3.4 The Gas Safety (Installation and Use)Regulations control all aspects of the wayscombustion systems fired by gas (includingnatural gas and LPG) are installed, maintainedand used, mainly in domestic and commercial

premises, and the classes of persons who mayundertake gas work. The Regulations may beamended from time to time and whicheverRegulations are currently in force at the time aninstallation is carried out must be complied with.The advice given below reflects the present stateof the Gas Safety (Installation and Use)Regulations following the amendments that cameinto effect on 31 October 1998.

3.5 The text of the Regulations and guidanceon how to comply with them are contained in theHealth and Safety Executive (HSE) ApprovedCode of Practice “Safety in the installation anduse of gas systems and appliances”. Importantelements of the Regulations include that:

a) any appliance installed in a room used orintended to be used as a bath or shower roommust be of the room-sealed type;

b) a gas fire, other gas space heater or gaswater heater of more than 14kW (gross) heatinput (12.7kW (net) heat input) must not beinstalled in a room used or intended to be usedas sleeping accommodation unless theappliance is room-sealed;

c) a gas fire, other space heater or gaswater heater of up to 14kW (gross) heat input(12.7kW (net) heat input) must not be installedin a room used or intended to be used assleeping accommodation unless it is roomsealed or equipped with a device designed toshut down the appliance before there is abuild-up of a dangerous quantity of theproducts of combustion in the room concerned;

d) the restrictions in (a)–(c) above also applyin respect of any cupboard or compartmentwithin the rooms concerned, and to anycupboard, compartment or space adjacent to,and with an air vent into such a room;

e) instantaneous water heaters (installed in anyroom) must be room-sealed or have fitted a safetydevice to shut down the appliance as in (c) above;

f) precautions must be taken to ensure that allinstallation pipework, gas fittings, appliances andflues are installed safely. When any gas applianceis installed, checks are required for ensuringcompliance with the Regulations, including theeffectiveness of the flue, the supply of combustionair, the operating pressure or heat input (or wherenecessary both), and the operation of theappliance to ensure its safe functioning;

g) any flue must be installed in a safe position;

h) no alteration is allowed to any premises inwhich a gas fitting or gas storage vessel is fittedwhich would adversely affect the safety of thatfitting or vessel, causing it no longer to complywith the Regulations;

i) LPG storage vessels and LPG firedappliances fitted with automatic ignitiondevices or pilot lights must not be installed incellars or basements.

Section 3


J ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR GAS BURNING APPLIANCES

Gas fires (other than fluelessgas fires)3.6 These appliances fall into the maincategories shown in Diagram 3.1 and thebuilding provisions for accommodating themsafely differ for each type.

3.7 Provided it can be shown to be safe, gasfires may be installed in fireplaces which haveflues designed to serve solid fuel appliances.Certain types of gas fire may also be installedin fireplaces which have flues designedspecifically for gas appliances. The GasAppliances (Safety) Regulations 1995 requirethat particular combinations of appliance, flue

box (where required) and flue must be selectedfrom those stated in the manufacturer’sinstructions as having been shown to be safeby a Notified Body (see Paragraph 0.4 (32)).

Flueless gas appliances3.8 Flueless appliances should meet therequirements, including requirement J2. A wayof achieving this would be to follow theguidance on ventilation provisions for fluelessappliances beginning at Paragraph 3.15.

3.9 A flueless instantaneous water heatershould not be installed in a room or spacehaving a volume of less than 5m3.


JADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR GAS BURNING APPLIANCES

Radiant convector gas fires,convector heaters andfire / back boilers, as describedin BS 5871: Part 1

Inset Live Fuel Effect (ILFE) fires,as described in BS 5871: Part 2

(a)

(b)

Decorative Fuel Effect (DFE) fires,as described in BS 5871: Part 3

(c)

These are gas-fired imitations whichcan be substituted for the solid fuelappliances in open fires. Wheresuitable, they can also be used influeboxes designed for gas appliancesonly.

Common designs include beds ofartificial coals shaped to fit into a fireplace recess or baskets ofartificial logs for use in larger fireplacesor under canopies.

These stand fully or partially within afireplace recess or suitable flueboxand give the impression of an openfire. The appliance covers the fullheight of the fireplace opening sothat air only enters through purposedesigned openings and the flue gasesonly discharge through the spigot.

These stand in front of a closureplate which is fitted to the fireplaceopening of a fireplace recess orsuitable fluebox. The appliancecovers the full height of the fireplaceopening so that air only entersthrough purpose designed openingsand the flue gases only dischargethrough the flue spigot.

Note: For illustration purposes, this diagram shows gas fires installed at or within afireplace recess formed by fireplace components within a builders opening. Theactual setting for an appliance depends upon its type and manufacturer’sinstallation instructions.

heatexchanger

air inlet

heatexchanger

Diagram 3.1: Types of gas fire

Air supply to gas fires and otherappliances3.10 A way of meeting the requirements wouldbe to follow the general guidance given inSection 1, beginning at Paragraph 1.2, inconjunction with the guidance below.

Flued Decorative Fuel Effect (DFE) fires

3.11 Any room or space intended to contain aDFE fire should have permanently open airvents as described in (a) or (b) below, unlessthe installation is in accordance withParagraph 3.12:

a) for a DFE fire in a fireplace recess with athroat, the air vent free area should be at least10,000mm2 (100cm2);

b) for a DFE fire in a fireplace with nothroat, such as a fire under a canopy, the airvent free area should be sized in accordancewith Section 2 of this Approved Document, asif the room were intended to contain a solidfuel fire (see Table 2.1).

3.12 Permanently open air vents may not benecessary for DFE fires with ratings notexceeding 7kW (net) that have beenindependently certified by a Notified Body ashaving a flue gas clearance rate (withoutspilling) not exceeding 70m3/hour (seeParagraph 0.4 (32)).

Flued appliances other than Decorative FuelEffect fires

3.13 These appliances include inset live fuel effect(ILFE) fires, radiant convector fires and boilers, inboth room-sealed and open-flued variants.

3.14 A way of meeting the requirement wouldbe to follow the guidance in Diagram 3.2. Anexample calculation illustrating the use of thisguidance is given in Appendix C.

Air supply to flueless appliances

3.15 For some flueless appliances, it may benecessary to provide permanently open airvents and/or make provision for rapidventilation as recommended in BS 5440-2: 2000or equivalent, to comply with Part F as well asPart J of the Building Regulations. Some waysof meeting the requirement when installingflueless cookers (including ovens, grills orhotplates) flueless water heaters and fluelessspace heaters, are given in Diagram 3.3.

3.16 A room containing a gas point intendedfor use with a flueless appliance (such as a gaspoint for a cooker or a gas point for a space orwater heater, the gas point not being adjacentto a flue) should have the ventilation provisionrequired for the installation of that appliance(calculated on the basis that an appliance withthe largest rating consistent with the table toDiagram 3.3 could be installed there).

Size of natural draught flues foropen flued appliances3.17 Where builders wish to provide (orrefurbish) flues for gas appliances but do notintend to supply the appliances, a way ofshowing compliance would be to size flues inaccordance with Table 3.1.

3.18 If an existing flue is to be used it shouldbe checked in accordance with Paragraph 1.36.

3.19 For appliances that are CE marked ascompliant with the Gas Appliances (Safety)Regulations, flues should be sized in accordancewith the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

3.20 Connecting fluepipes should be the samesize in terms of diameter and/or equivalent crosssectional area as the appliance flue outlet. Thechimney flue should have at least the same crosssectional area as that of the appliance flue outlet.



Table 3.1: Size of flues for gas fired appliances

Radiant / Convector gas fire

ILFE fire or DFE fire within a fireplace opening upto 500mm x 550mm

DFE fire installed in a fireplace with an opening inexcess of 500mm x 550mm

New flue:Circular 125mm diameterRectangular 16,500mm2 cross sectional area with

a minimum dimension of 90mm

Existing flue:Circular 125mm diameterRectangular 12,000mm2 cross sectional area with

a minimum dimension of 63mm

Circular or Minimum flue dimension of 175mm (1) Rectangular

Calculate in accordance with Paragraph 2.7 in Section 2

Note:

1. Some ILFE and DFE appliances require a circular flue of at least 125mm diameter

Intended installation Minimum flue size



Appliance in aroom or space

Appliance in anappliancecompartmentventilatedvia an adjoiningroom or space

Appliance in anappliancecompartmentventilateddirect to outside


A

AB

C

F

G

H

I

A = 500mm per kW input (net)in excess of 7kW (net)

2

A = 500mm per kW input (net)in excess of 7kW (net)

2

B = 1000mm per kW input (net)2

D = 500mm per kW input (net)2

E = 1000mm per kW input (net)2

F = 1000mm per kW input (net)2

H = 500mm per kW input (net)2

C = 2000mm per kW input2

I = H

G = F

No vent needed

D

E

Open-flued appliance Room-sealed appliance

Diagram 3.2: Free areas of permanently open air vents for gas applianceinstallations (other than decorative fuel effect fires orflueless appliances)

Notes:

1. A,D,E,D and I are permanently open vents on the outside. B, C, F and G are permanently open vents between anappliance compartment and a room or a space.

2. Calculations employ the appliance rated net heat input as described in Paragraph 0.4 (35).

3. The area given above is the free area of the vent(s) or the equivalent free area for ventilators of more complex design.

4. Divide the area given above in mm2 by 100 to find the corresponding area in cm2.



Diagram 3.3: Ventilation for flueless gas appliances

Flueless appliancetype

Cooker, oven hotplateor grill or combinationthereof

Instantaneous waterheater

Space heater not in aninternal space (3, 4)

Space heater in aninternal space (3, 4)

Maximum appliancerated heat input

not applicable

11kW(net)

0.045kW(net) per m3

volume of room orspace6

0.090kW(net) per m3

volume of internalspace

Volume of room, space orinternal space (m3)

<55 to 10>10

5 to 1010 to 20>20

all cases

all cases

Free area of permanently open air vent(mm2) (3, 4)

10,0005000 (5)no permanently open vent needed

10,000 5000no permanently open vent needed

10,000 PLUS 5500 per kW input (net) in excess of2.7kW (net)

10,000 PLUS2750 perkW input (net) in excess of 5.4kW(net) (7)

Free areas of permanently open air vents

Notes:

1. The permanent ventilation provisions listed in this table are additional to the openable elements or (for kitchens only)extract ventilation in accordance with Approved Document F.


3. An internal space here means one which communicates with several other rooms or spaces. An example would be ahallway or landing.

4. For LPG fired space heaters conforming to BS EN 449:1997, follow the guidance in BS 5440-2:2000.

5. No permanently open vent is needed if the room or space has a door direct to outside.

6. Example: for a space heater in a lounge measuring 4m x 4m x 2.4m (= 38.4m3), the appliance rated input should notexceed 38.4 x 0.045 = 1.73kW (net).

7. Example: a hallway containing a space heater with a rated input of 7kW (net) should have a permanently open vent withfree area of: 10,000 + 2750 x (7 - 5.4) = 14,400 mm2.

Flueless appliance with a ratingnot exceeding that given inColumn 2 of the table below

a) Openable window, dooror similar form of controllableventilation opening directlyto outside;

Permanently open vent

with free area not lessthan that given inColumn 4 of the table below

opening directly to outsideIn accordance withApproved Document F:-

b) for a kitchen, mechanical extract ventilation

or

Height of natural draught flues foropen flued appliances3.21 Flues should be high enough to ensuresufficient draught to safely clear the productsof combustion. The height necessary for thiswill depend upon the type of appliance, thebuilding height, the type of flue and thenumber of bends in it, and a carefulassessment of local wind patterns. Forappliances that are CE-marked as compliantwith the Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations,compliance with the manufacturer’sinstallation instructions will meet therequirements.

3.22 Where an older appliance that is not CEmarked is to be installed, a way of showingcompliance if it has manufacturer’s installationinstructions would be:

a) for decorative fuel effect fires, to followthe guidance in BS 5871-3:2001; or

b) for appliances other than decorative fueleffect fires, to follow the calculation proceduresin BS 5440-1:2000.

Outlets from flues3.23 Outlets from flues should be so situatedexternally as to allow the dispersal of productsof combustion and, if a balanced flue, theintake of air. A way of meeting this requirementwould be to locate flue outlets as shown inDiagram 3.4 and Diagram 3.5.

3.24 Flue outlets should be protected whereflues are at significant risk of blockage. Guidanceon meeting this requirement is given below.

3.25 Flues serving natural draught open-fluedappliances should be fitted with outletterminals if the flue diameter is no greaterthan 170mm. Suitable terminals includethose complying with BS 715:1993, andBS 1289-1:1986. The risk of blockage of fluesof more than 170mm diameter should beassessed in the light of local conditions. Inareas where nests of squirrels or jackdaws arelikely, the fitting of a protective cage designedfor solid fuel use and having a mesh size nolarger than 25mm (but no smaller than 6mm)may be an acceptable provision if the totalfree area of its outlet openings is at leasttwice the cross sectional area of the flue.

3.26 A flue outlet should be protected with aguard if persons could come into contactwith it or if it could be damaged. If a flueoutlet is in a vulnerable position, such aswhere the flue discharges within reach fromthe ground, or a balcony, veranda or awindow, it should be designed to prevent theentry of any matter that could obstruct theflow of flue gases.

Provision of flues3.27 Satisfactory provision of chimneys andfluepipes for gas appliances may by achieved by:

a) following the guidance on the selection ofcomponents and the manner of theirinstallation as given in Paragraphs 3.28 to 3.35below and the references to Section 1;

or (if the intended appliance is new and ofknown type)

b) i) using factory-made components thathave been independently certified asachieving a performance at least equal tothat corresponding to the designation givenin Table 3.2 for the intended appliance typewhen tested to an appropriate Europeanchimney standard (BS EN); and

ii) installing these components inaccordance with the guidance inParagraphs 3.28 to 3.35. and Section 1,as relevant, and in accordance with theappliance manufacturer’s and componentmanufacturer’s installation instructions.

Connecting fluepipe components3.28 Satisfactory components for connectingfluepipes include:a) any of the options in Paragraph 1.32; orb) sheet metal fluepipes as described in

BS 715:1993; orc) fibre cement pipes as described in BS

7435-1:1991 (1998) or BS 7435-2:1991(1998); or

d) any other material or component that hasbeen independently certified as suitable forthis purpose.



Appliance type Minimum designation(See Notes)

Boiler: open-flued natural draught T250 N2 O D 1fanned draught T250 P2 O D 1condensing T250 P2 O W 1

Boiler: room-sealed natural draught T250 N2 O D 1fanned draught T250 P2 O D 1

Gas fire -Radiant/convector, ILFE or DFE T300 N2 O D 1

Air heater natural draught T250 N2 O D 1fanned draught T200 P2 O D 1SE - duct T450 N2 O D 1

Table 3.2: Minimum performancedesignations for chimney andfluepipe components for usewith new gas appliances

Notes:1. The designation of chimney products is described in

Paragraph 0.4(9). The BS EN for the product willspecify its full designation and marking requirements.

2. These are default designations. Where appliancemanufacturer’s installation instructions specify a higherdesignation, this should be complied with.

Masonry chimneys3.29 Masonry chimneys should be built inaccordance with Paragraphs 1.27 and 1.28 inSection 1.

Flueblock chimneys3.30 Chimneys can be constructed fromfactory-made flueblock systems primarilydesigned for solid fuel, as described inParagraphs 1.29 and 1.30 in Section 1. They canalso be constructed from factory-made flueblocksystems comprising straight blocks, recessunits, lintel blocks, offset blocks, transfer blocksand jointing materials complying with:

a) BS 1289-1:1986 for concrete flueblocks;or

b) BS EN 1806:2000 for clay/ceramicflueblocks with a performance class of atleast FB4 N2.

3.31 Flueblock chimneys should be installedwith sealed joints in accordance with theflueblock manufacturer’s installationinstructions. Where bends or offsets arerequired, these should be formed usingmatching factory-made components.Flueblocks which are not intended to bebonded into surrounding masonry should besupported and restrained in accordance withthe manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Factory-made metal chimneys3.32 Chimneys for gas appliances may beconstructed using systems described inParagraphs 1.42 to 1.46 in Section 1.Factory-made metal chimneys should beguarded if they could be at risk of damage orthe burn hazard they present to people is notimmediately apparent.



P

Q

Q

Q

D,E

F

F

M

N

K

B

C

A

G

HJ

LL

F

I

I

boundary

boundary

see adjacent table to diagram 3.4for key to distances

Diagram 3.4: Location of outlets from flues serving gas appliances



Table to Diagram 3.4: Location of outlets from flues serving gas appliances

Location Balanced flue Open flue

Natural draught Fanned draught Natural draught Fanneddraught

A Below an opening (1) Appliance rated 300 (3) 300heat input (net)

0 – 7kW 300>7 – 14kW 600>14 – 32kW 1500>32kW 2000

B Above an opening (1) 0 – 32kW 300 300 (3) 300> 32kW 600

C Horizontally to an opening (1) 0 – 7kW 300 300 (3) 300>7 – 14kW 400>14kW 600

D Below gutters, soil pipes 300 75 (3) 75or drain pipes

E Below eaves 300 200 (3) 200

F Below balcony or car port roof 600 200 (3) 200

G From a vertical drain pipe 300 150 (4) (3) 150or soil pipe

H From an internal or external 600 300 (3) 200corner or to a boundaryalongside the terminal (2)

I Above ground, roof or 300 300 (3) 300balcony level

J From a surface or a boundary 600 600 (3) 600facing the terminal (2)

K From a terminal facing 600 1200 (3) 1200the terminal

L From an opening in the car 1200 1200 (3) 1200port into the building

M Vertically from a terminal on 1200 1500 (3) 1500the same wall

N Horizontally from a terminal 300 300 (3) 300on the same wall

P From a structure on the roof N/A N/A 1500mm if a ridge N/Aterminal. For anyother terminal, asgiven inBS 5440-1:2000

Q Above the highest point of N/A Site in Site in 150intersection with the roof accordance with accordance with

manufacturer’s BS 5440-1:2000instructions

Minimum separation distances for terminals in mm

Notes:

1. An opening here means an openable element, such as an openable window, or a fixed opening such as an air vent.However, in addition, the outlet should not be nearer than 150mm (fanned draught) or 300mm (natural draught) to anopening into the building fabric formed for the purpose of accommodating a built in element, such as a window frame.

2. Boundary as defined in Paragraph 0.4 (4). Smaller separations to the boundary may be acceptable for appliances thathave been shown to operate safely with such separations from surfaces adjacent to or opposite the flue outlet.

3. Should not be used.

4. This dimension may be reduced to 75mm for appliances of up to 5kW input (net).

5. N/A means not applicable.

Location and shielding of flues3.33 Combustible materials in the building fabricshould be protected from the heat dissipationfrom flues so that they are not at risk of catchingfire. A way of meeting the requirement would beto follow the guidance in Table 3.3.

3.34 Where a fluepipe or chimney penetrates afire compartment wall or floor, it must not breachthe fire separation requirements of Part B. SeeApproved Document B for more guidance.

3.35 Connecting fluepipes and factory-madechimneys should also be guarded if theycould be at risk of damage or if they presenta burn hazard to people that is notimmediately apparent.

Relining of flues in chimneys3.36 Lining or relining flues may be buildingwork and in any case, such work should becarried out so that the objectives of requirementsJ2 to J4 are met (see Paragraphs 1.34 and 1.35).Existing flues being re-used should be checkedas described in Paragraph 1.36. For flue linersserving gas appliances, ways of meeting therequirements include the use of:

a) liners as described in Paragraph 1.27;

b) liners as described in Paragraph 2.20;

c) flexible stainless steel linersindependently certified as complying withBS 715:1993;

d) other systems which have beenindependently certified as suitable for thepurpose.

3.37 Flexible metal flue liners should beinstalled in one complete length without jointswithin the chimney. Other than for sealing atthe top and the bottom, the space between thechimney and the liner should be left emptyunless this is contrary to the manufacturer’sinstructions. Double skin flexible flue linersshould be installed in accordance withmanufacturer’s installation instructions. BS 715liners should be installed in accordance withBS 5440-1:2000.



Flue within: Protection measures

Connecting Flues should be at least 25mm fluepipe from any combustible material

(measured from the outer surfaceFactory-made of the flue wall, or the outerchimney complying surface of the inner wall in thewith BS 715:1993 case of multi-walled products).

Where passing through acombustible wall, floor or roof (otherthan a compartment wall floor orroof) this separation can beachieved by a non-combustiblesleeve enclosing the fluepipe orchimney with a 25mm airspace tothe relevant flue wall. (The airspacecould be wholly or partially filled withnon-combustible insulating material).

Factory-made chimney Install in accordance with complying with Paragraph 1.45 of this BS 4543-1:1990 (1996),* Approved Document.BS 4543-2:1990 (1996),and BS 4543-3:1990 (1996)

Masonry chimney Provide at least 25mm of masonrybetween flues and anycombustible material.

Flueblock chimney Provide flueblock walls at least25mm thick.

* BS 4543-1:1990 (1996) withdrawn April 2000; partiallysuperseded by BS EN 1859:2000.

Table 3.3: Protecting buildings fromhot flues

600mm

600mm

2000mm

The flue should not penetratethe shaded area

Terminals adjacent to windowsor openings on pitched and flat roofs

Diagram 3.5: Location of outlets near roof windows from flues serving gas appliances

Debris collection space forchimneys3.38 A debris collection space should beprovided at the base of a flue unless it is lined,or constructed of flue blocks, or is a factory-made metal chimney with a flue box. This canbe achieved by providing a space having avolume of not less than 12 litres and a depth ofat least 250mm below the point where fluegases discharge into the chimney. The spaceshould be readily accessible for clearance ofdebris, for example by removal of theappliance. For gas fires of the type illustratedin Diagram 3.1 (a) and (b), there should be atleast 50mm clearance between the end of theappliance flue outlet and any surface.

Bases for back boilers3.39 Provisions for back boilers shouldadequately protect the fabric of the buildingfrom heat. A way of meeting the requirementwould be to stand back boilers on hearthsintended for solid fuel appliances.Alternatively, unless otherwise stated inappliance manufacturer’s instructions, a wayof meeting the requirements would be tostand back boilers on bases complying withDiagram 3.6.



gasfire

backboiler

back boilerenclosurebox

non-combustiblesupports

non-combustiblebase

hearth complying withParagraphs 3.40 and3.41, where required

gasfireback

boiler

combustiblematerial

**

* Where the gas fire requires a hearth, theback boiler base should be level with it

at least150mmor to a wall

at least25mm

at least25mm

Diagram 3.6: Bases for back boilers (installation using a proprietary back boilerenclosure shown)

Hearths 3.40 Appliances should be placed on hearthsunless:

a) they are to be installed so that every partof any flame or incandescent material will be atleast 225mm above the floor; or

b) the manufacturer’s instructions state thata hearth is not required.

3.41 Where hearths are required, guidance ontheir minimum plan dimensions is given inDiagrams 3.7 and 3.8. Hearths should compriseat least a (top) layer of non-combustible, non-friable material not less than 12mm thick. Theedges of hearths should be marked to providea warning to the building occupants and todiscourage combustible floor finishes such ascarpet from being laid too close to theappliance. A way of achieving this would be toprovide a change in level.

Shielding of appliances3.42 Gas fired appliances should be locatedwhere accidental contact is unlikely andsurrounded by a non-combustible surface whichprovides adequate separation from combustiblematerials. For appliances that are CE marked ascompliant with the Gas Appliances (Safety)Regulations, a way of meeting the requirementwould be to adopt the manufacturer’sinstructions. An alternative approach would beto protect combustible fabric with:

a) a shield of non-combustible material,such as insulating board, with a fire resistantsurface; or

b) an air space of at least 75mm (seeDiagram 3.9).



I L FE

150mm

300mm

Plan views

extent of incandescent part of fire.(In some ILFE designs this mayproject beyond the fireplace opening)

surface to be kept freeof combustible material

perimeter of surfaceto be marked

Hearth projectingbeyond fireplacerecess

Hearth containedentirely withinfireplace recess

Free standinghearth

DFE

DFE

DFE

150mm

300mm

300mm

Less than 300mmif hearth extendsto a wall

300mm

300mm

Diagram 3.7: Hearths for decorative fuel effect (DFE) and inset live fuel effect (ILFE)fires: minimum plan dimensions of non-combustible surfaces

Alternative approachThe requirements may also be met by adoptingthe relevant recommendations in thepublications listed below to achieve anequivalent level of performance to thatobtained by following the guidance in thisApproved Document:

BS 5440: Installation and maintenance of fluesand ventilation for gas appliances of rated inputnot exceeding 70kW net (1st, 2nd and 3rdfamily gases), Part 1: 2000 Specification forinstallation and maintenance of flues; Part 2:2000 Specification for installation andmaintenance of ventilation for gas appliances.

BS 5546: 2000 Specification for installation ofhot water supplies for domestic purposes,using gas-fired appliances of rated input notexceeding 70kW.

BS 5864: 1989 Specification for installation indomestic premises of gas-fired ducted-airheaters of rated input not exceeding 60kW.

BS 5871: Specification for installation of gasfires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers anddecorative fuel effect gas appliances, Part 1:2001Gas fires, convector heaters and fire/backboilers and heating stoves (1st, 2nd and 3rdfamily gases); Part 2: 2001 Inset live fuel effectgas fires of heat input not exceeding 15kW andfire/back boilers (2nd and 3rd family gases);Part 3: 2001 Decorative fuel effect gasappliances of heat input not exceeding 20kW(2nd and 3rd family gases).

BS 6172: 1990 Specification for installation ofdomestic gas cooking appliances (1st, 2nd and3rd family gases).

BS 6173: 2001 Specification for installation ofgas-fired catering appliances for use in alltypes of catering establishments (2nd and 3rdfamily gases).

BS 6798: 2000 Specification for installation ofgas-fired boilers of rated input not exceeding70kW net.



appliance

front

at least 225 mmbeyond front

perimeter shouldbe clearly marked

at least 150mmor to a suitablyheat resistant wall


material

Plan

Diagram 3.8: Hearths for other appliances: plan dimensions ofnon-combustible surfaces

Diagram 3.9: Shielding of appliances

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOROIL BURNING APPLIANCES WITHA RATED OUTPUT UP TO 45KW Note: This section should be read inconjunction with Sections 0 and 1

Scope4.1 This guidance is relevant to combustioninstallations designed to burn oils meeting thespecifications for Class C2 (Kerosene) andClass D (Gas oil) given in BS 2869:1998 orequivalent.

Appliances fitted in bathroomsand shower rooms4.2 Open-flued oil-fired appliances shouldnot be installed in rooms such as bathroomsand bedrooms where there is an increased riskof carbon monoxide poisoning. Where locatingcombustion appliances in such rooms cannotbe avoided, a way of meeting the requirementswould be to provide room-sealed appliances.

Air supply to appliances4.3 A way of meeting the requirements wouldbe to adopt the general guidance given inSection 1, starting at Paragraph 1.2 and toprovide permanently open air vents as shownin Diagram 4.1 in rooms or spaces containingappliances. An example calculation illustratingthe use of this guidance is given inAppendix D. Where manufacturers' installationinstructions require greater areas ofpermanently open air vents than those shownin Diagram 4.1, the manufacturers' adviceshould be followed.

Size of flues (other than balancedflues and flues designed todischarge through or adjacentto walls)4.4 Flues should be sized to suit the intendedappliance such that they ensure adequatedischarge velocity to prevent flow reversalproblems but do not impose excessive flowresistances. A way of meeting the requirementswould be to use:

a) connecting fluepipes the same size asthe appliance flue outlet; and

b) flues in chimneys the same crosssectional area as the appliance flue outlet.When constructing masonry or flueblockchimneys, a way of doing this would be to:

i) make the flue the same size as theappliance flue outlet; or

ii) make the flue larger and of a size thatwould allow the later insertion of asuitable flexible flue liner matching theappliance to be installed.

4.5 Larger flues may need to be providedwhere appliance manufacturers' installationinstructions demand this.

Outlets from flues and flue heights 4.6 The outlet from a flue should be sosituated externally as to ensure: the correctoperation of a natural draught flue; the intakeof air if a balanced flue; and ensure dispersalof the products of combustion.

4.7 A way of meeting the requirement couldbe to follow the guidance in Diagram 4.2.The separations given in the Table toDiagram 4.2 are minimum values that mayhave to be increased where there is a riskthat local factors such as wind patternscould disrupt the operation of the flue orwhere a natural draught flue would not betall enough to clear the products ofcombustion of an open-flued appliance.

4.8 Flue outlets should be protected withterminal guards if persons could come intocontact with them or if they could be damaged.If a flue outlet is in a vulnerable position, suchas where the flue discharges at a point withinreach of the ground, balcony, veranda or awindow, it should be designed to prevent theentry of any matter that could obstruct the flow.

Flues for oil-fired appliances:flue gas temperature 4.9 Satisfactory provision of chimneys andfluepipes depends upon the flue gastemperature to be expected in normal serviceand separate guidance is given in thisApproved Document according to whether theproposed installation will have a flue gastemperature more than or less than 250ºC asmeasured by a suitable method such as thosein OFTEC Standards A 100 or A 101.

4.10 Flue gas temperatures depend uponappliance types and the age of their design.Older and second hand appliances are likelyto produce flue gas temperatures greaterthan 250ºC. Amongst modern appliances,boilers bearing the CE mark, indicatingcompliance with the Boiler (Efficiency)Regulations (1993), normally have flue gastemperatures not exceeding 250ºC.Information for individual appliances shouldbe sought from the manufacturer’sinstallation instructions, from themanufacturers themselves or from OFTEC.Where this is not available, flues should beconstructed for an assumed flue gastemperature greater than 250ºC.

Section 4


J ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR OIL BURNING APPLIANCES


JADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR OIL BURNING APPLIANCES

Appliance in aroom or space

Appliance in anappliancecompartmentventilatedvia an adjoiningroom or space

Appliance in anappliancecompartmentventilateddirect to outside


A

AB

C

F

G

H

I

A = 550mm per kW outputin excess of 5kW (see Note 3)

2

A = 550mm per kW outputin excess of 5 kW (see Note 3)

2

B = 1100mm per kW output2

D = 550mm per kW output2

E = 1100mm per kW output2

F = 1100mm per kW output2

H = 550mm per kW output2

C = 1650mm per kW output2

I = H

G = F

No vent needed

D

E

Open-flued appliance Room-sealed appliance

Diagram 4.1: Free areas of permanently open air vents for oil-firedappliance installations

Notes:

1. A, D, E, H and I are permanently open vents to the outside. B, C, F and G are permanently open vents between anappliance compartment and a room or space.

2. The area given above is the free area of the vent(s) or the equivalent free area for ventilators of more complex design.

3. Vent A should be increased by a further 550mm2 per kW output if the appliance is fitted with a draught break.




P

M

O

N

C,D

F

F

K

L

BA

G

E

F

H

J

boundary

boundary

Diagram 4.2: Location of outlets from flues serving oil-fired appliances

Table to Diagram 4.2: Location of outlets from flues serving oil-fired appliances

Location of outlet (1) Appliance with Appliance withpressure jet burner vaporising burner

A Below an opening (2, 3) 600 should not be used

B Horizontally to an opening (2, 3) 600 should not be used

C Below a plastic / painted gutter, drainage pipe or eaves if combustible 75 should not be usedmaterial protected (4)

D Below a balcony or a plastic/painted gutter, drainage 600 should not be usedpipe or eaves without protection to combustible material

E From vertical sanitary pipework 300 should not be used

F From an external or internal corner or from a surface or 300 should not be usedboundary alongside the terminal

G Above ground or balcony level 300 should not be used

H From a surface or boundary facing the terminal 600 should not be used

J From a terminal facing the terminal 1200 should not be used

K Vertically from a terminal on the same wall 1500 should not be used

L Horizontally from a terminal on the same wall 750 should not be used

M Above the highest point of an intersection with the roof 600 (6) 1000 (5)

N From a vertical structure to the side of the terminal 750 (6) 2300

O Above a vertical structure which is less than 750mm (pressure jet burner) 600 (6) 1000 (5)or 2300mm (vaporising burner) horizontally from the side of the terminal

P From a ridge terminal to a vertical structure on the roof 1500 should not be used

Minimum separation distances for terminals in mm

Notes:

1. Terminals should only be positioned on walls where appliances have been approved for such configurations when tested inaccordance with BS EN 303-1:1999 or OFTEC standards OFS A100 or OFS A101.

2. An opening means an openable element, such as an openable window, or a permanent opening such as a permanently open air vent.

3. Notwithstanding the dimensions above, a terminal should be at least 300mm from combustible material, e.g. a window frame.

4. A way of providing protection of combustible material would be to fit a heat shield at least 750mm wide.

5. Where a terminal is used with a vaporising burner, the terminal should be at least 2300mm horizontally from the roof .

6. Outlets for vertical balanced flues in locations M, N and O should be in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Provisions for flue gastemperatures in excess of 250°C4.11 A way of making satisfactory provisionfor oil appliances in these cases would be tofollow the guidance given in Sections 1 and 2for connecting fluepipes and masonry orflueblock chimneys or to provide afactory-made metal chimney in accordancewith Paragraphs 1.42 to 1.46 in Section 1 (butnot Paragraph 1.42(b)). However, otherproducts may be acceptable if they have beenindependently certified for this purpose.

Provisions for flue gastemperatures not exceeding 250°C4.12 Satisfactory provision of chimneys andfluepipes for oil appliances in these cases mayby achieved by:

a) following the guidance on the selection ofcomponents and the manner of theirinstallation as given in Paragraphs 4.13 to 4.20below and the references to Section 1;

or (if the intended appliance is new and ofknown type);

b) i) using factory-made components thathave been independently certified asachieving a performance at least equalto that corresponding to thedesignation given in Table 4.1 (for theintended appliance type) when testedto an appropriate European chimneystandard (BS EN); and

ii) installing these components inaccordance with the guidance inParagraphs 4.13 to 4.20 and Section 1,as relevant, and in accordance with theappliance manufacturer’s andcomponent manufacturer’s installationinstructions.

Connecting fluepipe components 4.13 Connecting fluepipes can be constructedusing the following components:

a) any of the options listed in Paragraph1.32; or

b) sheet metal fluepipes as described in BS715:1993; or

c) fibre cement pipes as described inBS 7435-1:1991 (1998) or BS 7435-2:1991 (1998);or

d) any other component that has beenindependently certified as suitable for thispurpose.

Masonry chimneys4.14 Masonry chimneys can be built inaccordance with Paragraphs 1.27 and 1.28 inSection 1.

Flueblock chimneys4.15 Chimneys can be constructed fromfactory-made flueblock systems primarilydesigned for solid fuel, as described inParagraphs 1.29 and 1.30 in Section 1. Theycan also be constructed from factory-madeflueblock systems comprising straight blocks,recess units, lintel blocks, offset blocks,transfer blocks and jointing materialscomplying with:

a) BS 1289-1:1986 for concrete flueblocks;or

b) BS EN 1806:2000 for clay/ceramicflueblocks, with a performance at least equal tothe designation given in Table 4.1 for theintended appliance type.

4.16 Flueblock chimneys should be installedwith sealed joints in accordance with theflueblock manufacturer’s installationinstructions. Where bends or offsets arerequired, these should be formed usingmatching factory-made components.Flueblocks which are not intended to bebonded into surrounding masonry should besupported and restrained in accordance withthe manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Factory-made metal chimneys4.17 Chimneys for oil-fired appliances can beconstructed using the systems described inParagraphs 1.42 to 1.46 in Section 1.

Location and shielding of flues4.18 A way of protecting the building fabricfrom the heat dissipation from flues, where fluegas temperatures are not expected to exceed250ºC, would be to follow the guidance inTable 4.2.

4.19 Where a fluepipe or chimney penetrates afire compartment wall or floor, it must notbreach the fire separation requirements ofPart B. See Approved Document B for moreguidance.

4.20 Fluepipes and factory-made chimneysshould also be guarded if they could be at riskof damage or if they present a hazard to peoplethat is not immediately apparent such as whenthey traverse intermediate floors out of sight ofthe appliance.



Relining of flues in chimneys4.21 Lining or relining flues may be buildingwork and, in any case, such work should becarried out so that the objectives ofrequirements J2 to J4 are met (see Paragraphs1.34 and 1.35). For flue liners serving oilappliances, ways of meeting the requirementsinclude the use of:

a) linings suitable for use if the flue gastemperature can be expected to exceed 250°Csuch as:

i) liners as described in Paragraph 1.27;

ii) liners as described in Paragraph 2.20;

iii) flexible stainless steel linersindependently certified as complyingwith BS 715:1993;

iv) other systems which have beenindependently certified as suitable forthis purpose;

b) linings suitable for use if the flue gastemperature is unlikely to exceed 250°C such as:

i) any of the linings described in (a) above;

ii) other systems which have beenindependently certified as suitable forthis purpose;

iii) (if the appliance is new and of knowntype) flue lining systems that havebeen independently certified as havinga performance at least equal to thatcorresponding to the designationgiven in Table 4.1 for the intendedappliance type.

4.22 Flexible metal flue liners should beinstalled in one complete length without jointswithin the chimney. Other than for sealing atthe top and the bottom, the space between thechimney and the liner should be left emptyunless this is contrary to the manufacturer’sinstructions. Double skin flexible flue linersshould be installed in accordance withmanufacturer’s installation instructions.BS 715:1993 liners should be installed inaccordance with BS 5440-1:2000.

Flues for appliances burningClass D oil 4.23 Flues which may be expected to serveappliances burning Class D oil should bemade of materials which are resistant to acidsof sulphur.

Hearths for oil fired appliances 4.24 Hearths are needed to prevent thebuilding catching fire and, whilst it is not ahealth and safety provision, it is customary totop them with a tray for collecting spilled fuel.



Appliance type Minimum designation(See Notes)

Boiler – pressure jet T160 P2 O D 1 Class C2 oil(including combination)Boiler – condensing T160 P2 O D 2 Class D oilCooker – pressure jet

Cooker – vaporising burner T160 N2 O D 1 Class C2 oilRoom heater - T160 N2 O D 2 Class D oilvaporising burner

Table 4.1: Minimum performancedesignations for chimney andfluepipe components for usewith new oil-fired applianceswith flue gas temperatureless than 250°C

Notes:

1. The designation of chimney products is described inParagraph 0.4(9). The BS EN for the product willspecify its full designation and marking requirements.

2. These are default designations. Where appliancemanufacturer’s installation instructions specify a higherdesignation, this should be complied with.

Flue within: Protection measures

Connecting fluepipe Flues should be at least 25mm from any combustible material

Factory-made chimney (measured from the outer surface complying with of the flue wall, or the outer surface BS 715:1993 of the inner wall in the case of

multi-walled products). Wherepassing through a combustiblewall, floor or roof (other than acompartment wall floor or roof) thisseparation can be achieved by anon-combustible sleeve enclosingthe fluepipe or chimney with a25mm airspace to the relevant fluewall. (The airspace could be whollyor partially filled with non-combustible insulating material.)

Factory-made chimney Install in accordance with complying with Paragraph 1.45 of this BS 4543-1:1990 (1996),* Approved Document.BS 4543-2:1990 (1996),BS 4543-3:1990 (1996)

Masonry chimney Provide at least 25mm of masonrybetween flues and anycombustible material.

Flueblock chimney Provide flueblock walls at least25mm thick.

Flue assemblies for a) flues passing throughroom-sealed appliances combustible walls should be

surrounded by insulating material at least 50mm thickb) provide a clearance of at least50mm from the edge of the flue outletto any combustible wall cladding.

* BS 4543-1:1990 (1996) withdrawn April 2000; partiallysuperseded by BS EN 1859:2000

Table 4.2 : Protecting buildings from hotflues for flue gas temperaturesnot more than 250ºC

4.25 If the operation of an appliance is unlikelyto cause the temperature of the floor below itto exceed 100°C, as shown using anappropriate test procedure such as those inOFTEC Standards A 100 and A 101, specialmeasures may be unnecessary beyond theprovision of a rigid, imperforate, and non-absorbent sheet of non-combustible materialsuch as a steel tray. This may be provided asan integral part of the appliance.

4.26 If the appliance could cause thetemperature of the floor below it to exceed100ºC, a more substantial hearth is required.A way of meeting the requirement would beto provide a hearth of solid non-combustiblematerial at least 125mm thick (which mayinclude the thickness of any non-combustible floor) with plan dimensions notless than those shown in Diagram 2.8 inSection 2. It should have no combustiblematerial below it unless there is an air spaceof at least 50mm between the material andthe underside of the hearth, or there is adistance of at least 250mm between thematerial and the top of the hearth (seeDiagram 2.9 in Section 2).

4.27 To provide a region around theappliance which is free of any combustiblematerial, the appliance should not be placedcloser to the edges of the hearth nor closer toany combustible material which is laid overthe hearth than the distances shown inDiagram 4.3. The perimeter of this safe regionshould be marked to provide a warning to thebuilding occupants and to discourage

combustible floor finishes such as carpetfrom being laid too close to the appliance. Away of achieving this would be to provide achange in level.

Shielding of oil fired appliances 4.28 Combustible materials adjacent to oilfired appliances may need protection from theeffects of heat. Special measures may beunnecessary if the materials will not besubjected to temperatures in excess of 100ºCbut otherwise a way of meeting the requirementwould be to protect combustible fabric with:

a) a shield of non-combustible material,such as insulating board with fire resistantsurface; or

b) an air space of at least 75mm (seeDiagram 3.9 in Section 3).

4.29 Appliances independently certified ashaving surface temperatures during normaloperation of no more than 100ºC would notnormally require shielding.

Alternative approachThe requirements may also be met by adoptingthe relevant recommendations in the publicationlisted below to achieve an equivalent level ofperformance to that obtained by following theguidance in this Approved Document:

BS 5410: Code of practice for oil firing,Part 1: 1997 Installations up to 45kW outputcapacity for space heating and hot watersupply purposes.



appliance

front

at least: 150mm; or 225mm for an appliance which provides space heating by means of visible flames or radiating elements

at least 150mmor to a suitablyheat resistant wall


material

Plan

Diagram 4.3: Location of an oil-fired appliance in relation to its hearth.Minimum dimensions of the heat resistant material in the hearthand the clear zone of non-combustible surface


J PROVISIONS FOR LIQUID FUEL STORAGE AND SUPPLY

PROVISIONS FOR LIQUID FUELSTORAGE AND SUPPLY

Performance 5.1 In the Secretary of State's viewrequirements J5 and J6 will be met if:

a) oil and LPG fuel storage installationsincluding the pipework connecting them to thecombustion appliances in the buildings theyserve are located and constructed so that theyare reasonably protected from fires which mayoccur in buildings or beyond boundaries;

b) oil storage tanks, their ancillaryequipment and the pipework connecting themto combustion appliances in buildings usedwholly or mainly for private dwellings:

i) are reasonably resistant to physicaldamage and corrosion and aredesigned and installed so as tominimise the risk of oil escapingduring the filling or maintenance ofthe tank; and

ii) incorporate secondary containmentwhen there is a significant risk ofpollution; and

iii) are labelled with information on howto respond to a leak.

Heating oil storage installations5.2 Guidance is given in this ApprovedDocument on ways of meeting requirementsJ5 and J6 when proposing to construct oilstorage systems with above-ground or semi-buried tanks of 3500 litres capacity or less, usedexclusively for heating oil. Heating oils compriseClass C2 oil (kerosene) or Class D oil (gas oil) asspecified in BS 2869:1998. A way of meetingrequirements J5 and J6 for such installationswould be to follow the relevant recommendationsin BS 5410-1:1997, whilst also adopting theguidance in paragraphs 5.4 to 5.12 below.

5.3 Requirement J6 does not apply to oilstorage systems where the capacity of the tankexceeds 3500 litres, or where the tank is fullyburied or where the building served is not whollyor mainly used as one or more private dwellings.However requirement J5 applies to oil storagesystems serving buildings of all descriptions,where the capacity of the tank exceeds 90 litres,with no upper capacity limit on application, andincluding cases where the tank is buried. Fortanks with capacities in excess of 3500 litres,advice on ways of complying with requirements J5and any other fire precautions legislation, may besought from the Fire Authority. In England tanksserving buildings which are not wholly or mainlyused as private dwellings are likely to be subjectto the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England)Regulations 2001 (see paragraph 5.7 below).

Protective measures against fire

5.4 A way of achieving compliance withrequirement J5 would be to adopt the guidancegiven in Table 5.1 which also offers advice onreducing the risk of fuel storage system firesigniting buildings and to make provision againstthe installation becoming overgrown. This canbe achieved with a hard surface beneath thetank such as concrete, or paving slabs at least42mm thick, extending out at least 300mmbeyond the perimeter of the tank (or its externalskin if it is of the integrally bunded type).

5.5 Fire walls should be built to be stable soas not to pose a danger to people aroundthem. A way of achieving this whenconstructing masonry walls would be to followthe guidance on wall thickness in relation toheight given in Your garden walls Better to besafe than sorry (see Page 68).

Section 5

Location of tank Protection usually satisfactory

Within a building. Locate tanks in a place of special firehazard which should be directlyventilated to outside. Without prejudiceto the need for compliance with all therequirements in Schedule 1, the need tocomply with Part B should particularlybe taken into account.

Less than 1800mm a) Make building walls imperforatefrom any part of (1) within 1800mm of tanks with ata building least 30 minutes fire resistance (2)

to internal fire and construct eaveswithin 1800mm of tanks and extending300mm beyond each side of tanks withat least 30 minutes fire resistance toexternal fire and with non-combustiblecladding; or

b) Provide a fire wall (3) betweenthe tank and any part of the buildingwithin 1800mm of the tank andconstruct eaves as in (a) above. Thefire wall should extend at least300mm higher and wider than theaffected parts of the tank.

Less than 760mm Provide a fire wall between the from a boundary tank and the boundary or a boundary

wall having at least 30 minutes fireresistance to fire on either side. The firewall or the boundary wall should extendat least 300mm higher and wider thanthe top and sides of the tank.

At least 1800mm from No further provisions necessarythe building and atleast 760mm froma boundary

Table 5.1 : Fire protection for oilstorage tanks

Notes:

1. Excluding small openings such as air bricks etc.

2. Fire resistance in terms of insulation, integrity and stability.

3. Fire walls are imperforate non-combustible walls orscreens, such as masonry walls or steel screens.

Oil supply pipe systems: means ofautomatic isolation5.6 A way of meeting the requirement wouldbe to install fuel pipework which is resistant tothe effects of fire and to fit a proprietary firevalve system in accordance with the relevantrecommendations in BS 5410-1:1997, Sections8.2 and 8.3.

Provisions where there is a risk of oilpollution

5.7 The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage)(England) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/2954)come into force on 1 March 2002. They applyto a wide range of oil storage installations inEngland, but they do not apply to the storageof oil on any premises used wholly or mainly asone or more private dwellings, if the capacity ofthe tank is 3500 litres or less.

5.8 Requirement J6 applies to oil storagetanks of 3500 litres or less serving combustionappliances in buildings used wholly or mainlyas private dwellings. In such cases, secondrycontainment should be provided where there isa significant risk of oil pollution. For thepurposes of requirement J6, there is asignificant risk of pollution if the oil storageinstallation:

a) has a total capacity of more than2500 litres; or

b) is located within 10m of inlandfreshwaters or coastal waters; or

c) is located where spillage could run intoan open drain or to a loose fitting manholecover; or

d) is located within 50m of sources ofpotable water, such as a wells, bore-holes orsprings; or

e) is located where oil spilled from theinstallation could reach the waters listed aboveby running across hard ground; or

f) is located where tank vent pipe outletscannot be seen from the intended filling point.

5.9 Inland freshwaters include streams, riversreservoirs and lakes, as well as ditches andground drainage (including perforated drainagepipes) that feed into them.

5.10 When secondary containment isconsidered necessary, a way of meeting therequirement would be to:

a) provide an integrally bundedprefabricated tank; or

b) construct a bund from masonry orconcrete in accordance with the generalguidance in Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks:PPG2 and the specific advice in MasonryBunds for Oil Storage Tanks or ConcreteBunds for Oil Storage Tanks, as appropriate(see Page 68). However:

i) where the bund walls are part of thewalls of a chamber or buildingenclosing the tank, any door throughsuch walls should be above bundlevel; and

ii) specialist advice should be soughtwhere the bund has a structural roleas part of a building.

5.11 Bunds, whether part of prefabricated tanksystems or constructed on site, should have acapacity of at least 110% of the largest tankthey contain.

5.12 An oil storage installation should carry alabel in a prominent position giving advice onwhat to do if an oil spill occurs and thetelephone number of the Environment Agency’sEmergency Hotline (see Page 66).

LPG storage installations5.13 LPG installations are controlled bylegislation enforced by the HSE or their agents.Factors which determine the amount ofbuilding work necessary for a LPG storageinstallation to comply include its capacity,whether or not tanks are installed above orbelow ground and the nature of the premisesthey serve. A storage installation may beshown to comply with the legislation byconstructing it in accordance with anappropriate industry Code of Practice,prepared in consultation with the HSE.However, for an installation of up to 1.1 tonnecapacity, whose tank stands in the open air,following the guidance in this ApprovedDocument and the relevant guidance inApproved Document B, will normally ensurethat no further building work is needed tocomply with other legislation.

Tank location and protective measures

5.14 For LPG storage systems of up to1.1 tonne capacity, comprising one tank standingin the open air, a way of meeting the requirementJ5 would be to comply with the relevantrecommendations in the LP Gas AssociationCODE OF PRACTICE 1 Bulk LPG Storage atFixed Installations Part 1 (see Page 66 and 68)whilst also adopting the following guidance:

5.15 The LPG tank should be installedoutdoors and not within an open pit. The tankshould be adequately separated from buildings,the boundary (see Paragraph 0.4(4)) and anyfixed sources of ignition to enable safedispersal in the event of venting or leaks and inthe event of fire to reduce the risk of firespreading. A way of meeting the requirementsin normal situations would be to adopt theseparation distances in Table 5.2 and Diagram5.1 which also offers advice on reducing therisk of LPG storage fires igniting the building.Drains, gullies and cellar hatches within theseparation distances should be protected fromgas entry.


JPROVISIONS FOR LIQUID FUEL STORAGE AND SUPPLY

5.16 Fire walls may be free-standing wallsbuilt between the tank and the building,boundary and fixed source of ignition (seeDiagram 5.1(b)) or a part of the building or aboundary wall belonging to the property. Wherea fire wall is part of the building or a boundarywall, it should be located in accordance withDiagram 5.1(c) and, if part of the building,constructed in accordance with Diagram 5.1(d).

5.17 Suitable fire walls would be imperforateand of solid masonry, concrete or similarconstruction. They should have a fire

resistance (insulation, integrity and stability) ofat least 30 minutes but, if part of the buildingas shown in Diagram 5.1(d), they should have afire resistance (insulation, integrity and stability)of at least 60 minutes. To ensure goodventilation, fire walls should not normally bebuilt on more than one side of a tank.

5.18 A fire wall should be at least as high asthe pressure relief valve. It should extendhorizontally such that the separation specifiedin Table 5.2 (Column B) is maintained:


J PROVISIONS FOR LIQUID FUEL STORAGE AND SUPPLY

9m orto eaves

Height to top ofpressure relief valve

Imperforate (without exception - see Paragraph 1.10) and with60 minute fire resistance(insulation integrity and stability)

2mShould be 1m either

side of pressure relief valve

Table 5.2Column (C)

Table 5.2 Column (B)(See Diagram (c) above)

Up to1.1 tonne

(d) Fire wall is part of the building wall

Example -

a 1.1 tonne tank could be located:

3 m from a boundary[Diagram (a)]or2 m from a boundary with an intervening fire wall. The fire wallwould stand between 1m and 1.5m from the tank and be wide enough toensure the shortest path fromtank to boundary remains 3 m[Diagram (b)].

Building boundary orfixed source of ignition

(a) No fire wall(b) Separate fire wall

Table 5.2Column (B) Table 5.2

Column (C)

1 - 1.5 m separationbetween tank andfire wall

Table 5.2Column (B)

(c) Boundary incorporating firewall or Building incorporating firewall (see also Diagram (d) below)

Table 5.2Column (C)

Boundary or building incorporating fire wall

No part of structureto directly over-hangthe tank

TankTank

Tank

Diagram 5.1: Separation or shielding of liquefied petroleum gas tanks of up to 1.1tonne capacity from buildings, boundaries and fixed sources of ignition


Ja) when measured around the ends of thefire wall as shown in Diagram 5.1(b); or

b) when measured to the ends of the firewall as shown in Diagram 5.1(c), if the fire wallis the boundary or part of the building.

Location and support of cylinders

5.19 Where an LPG storage installationconsists of a set of cylinders, a way ofmeeting the requirements would be to followthe provisions below and as shown inDiagram 5.2.

5.20 Provisions should enable cylinders tostand upright, secured by straps or chainsagainst a wall outside the building in a wellventilated position at ground level, where they

are readily accessible, reasonably protectedfrom physical damage and where they do notobstruct exit routes from the building.Satisfactory building work provisions would beto provide a firm level base such as concreteat least 50mm thick or paving slabs beddedon mortar at a location so that cylinder valveswill be:

a) at least 1m horizontally and 300mmvertically from openings in the building orheat sources such as flue terminals andtumble-dryer vents; and

b) at least 2m horizontally from drainswithout traps, unsealed gullies or cellarhatches unless an intervening wall not lessthan 250mm high is provided.

PROVISIONS FOR LIQUID FUEL STORAGE AND SUPPLY

Untrapped drain orcellar opening

Y

X

X

Z Air Brick

W

Untrapped drain orcellar opening

Openable elementof a window

Air intakeor flue terminal

Door

Diagram 5.2 : Location of LPG cylinders

Table 5.2 : Fire protection for LPG storage tanks (see Diagram 5.1)Minimum separation distances from buildings,boundaries or fixed sources of ignition (metres)

(A) (B) (C)Capacity of tank not exceeding (tonnes): To a tank with no fire wall or to a To a tank shielded by a fire wall

tank around a fire wall

0.25 2.5 0.3

1.1 3 1.5

Minimum dimensions: W = 250mmX = 1mY = 300mmZ = 2m

Measured fromnearest cylinder valve}

EXAMPLE


J APPENDICES

I/We the undersigned confirm that the above details are correct. In my opinion, these works comply with the relevant requirementsin Part J of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations.

Print name and title ............................................................................................Profession ......................................................................

Capacity … (e.g. “Proprietor of Smith’s Flues”, Authorising Engineer for Brown plc) ........................................Tel no ..........................

Address ............................................................................................................................................................Postcode.......………........

Signed ................................................................................................................Date ..............................

Registered membership of … (e.g. CORGI, OFTEC, HETAS, NACE, NACS ) ..........................................................................................

CHECKLIST FOR CHECKING AND TESTING OF HEARTHS, FIREPLACES,FLUES AND CHIMNEYS (SEE PARAGRAPH 1.53): EXAMPLES

Appendix A

This checklist can help you to ensure hearths, fireplaces, flues and chimneys are satisfactory. If you have been directly engaged, copies should alsobe offered to the client and to the Building Control Body to show what you have done to comply with the requirements of Part J. If you are a sub-contractor, a copy should be offered to the main contractor.

1. Building address, where work has been carried out ........................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................................

2. Identification of hearth, fireplace, chimney or flue. Example: Example: Example:Fireplace in lounge Gas fire in rear Small boiler room

addition bedroom

3. Firing capability: solid fuel/gas/oil/all. All Gas only Oil only

4. Intended type of appliance. Open fire Radiant/convector Oil fired boiler 18kWState type or make. If open fire give finished 480 W x 560 H (mm) fire 6kW input output {pressure jet}fireplace opening dimensions.

5. Ventilation provisions for the appliance: 2 through wall Not fitted Vents to outside:State type and area of permanently open air vents. ventilators each Top 9,900mm2

10,000mm2 (100cm2) Bottom 19,800mm2

6. Chimney or flue construction

a) State the type or make and whether new or existing. New. Brick with Existing masonry S.S. prefab to clay liners BS4543-2

b) Internal flue size (and equivalent height, where 200mm ø 125mm ø (He=3.3m) 127mm øcalculated - natural draught gas appliances only).

c) If clay or concrete flue liners used confirm they are Sockets uppermost Not applicable Not applicablecorrectly jointed with socket end uppermost and Jointed by fire cementstate jointing materials used.

d) If an existing chimney has been refurbished with a Not applicable Flexible metal liner Not applicablenew liner, type or make of liner fitted. to BS 715

e) Details of flue outlet terminal and diagram reference.Outlet Detail: Smith Ltd Louvred pot 125mm ø GC1 terminal Maker’s recomm-

200mm ø ended terminal

Complies with: As Diagram 2.2 AD J As BS 5440-1: 2000 As Diagram 4.2 AD JFigure C.1

f) Number and angle of bends. 2 x 45º 2 x 45º 1 x 90º Tee

g) provision for cleaning and recommended frequency. Sweep annually via Annual service by Sweep annually viafireplace opening CORGI engineer base of Tee

and via appliance

7. Hearth. Form of construction. New or existing? New. Tiles on concrete Existing hearth for New. Solid floorfloor. 125mm thick. solid fuel fire, Min 125mm As Diagram 2.9 AD J with fender. concrete above

DPM. AsDiagram 4.3 AD J

8 Inspection and testing after completion Inspected and tested by Tested by J Smith, Tested by J Smith,Tests carried out by: J Smith, Smith Building Co CORGI Reg no. 12345 The Oil Heating Co.Tests (Appx E in AD J 2002 ed) and results

Flue visual Not possible, bends Not possible, bends Checked to Section 10,inspection sweeping OK Not applicable BS7566:Part 3:

coring ball OK Not applicable 1992 – OKsmoke OK Not applicable OK

Appliance (where included) spillage Not included OK OK

Hearths, Fireplaces, flues and chimneys


JAPPENDICES

This page may be copied to provide certificates for use. (Use one certificate for each hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney)

I/We the undersigned confirm that the above details are correct. In my opinion, these works comply with the relevant requirementsin Part J of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations.

Print name and title ............................................................................................Profession ......................................................................

Capacity ............................................................................................................Tel no ........................................

Address ............................................................................................................................................................Postcode.......………........

Signed ................................................................................................................Date ..............................

Registered membership of … (e.g. CORGI, OFTEC, HETAS, NACE, NACS ) ..........................................................................................

This checklist can help you to ensure hearths, fireplaces, flues and chimneys are satisfactory. If you have been directly engaged, copies should alsobe offered to the client and to the Building Control Body to show what you have done to comply with the requirements of Part J. If you are a sub-contractor, a copy should be offered to the main contractor.

1. Building address, where work has been carried out ........................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................................

2. Identification of hearth, fireplace, chimney or flue.

3. Firing capability: solid fuel/gas/oil/all.

4. Intended type of appliance.State type or make. If open fire give finished fireplace opening dimensions.

5. Ventilation provisions for the appliance:State type and area of permanently open air vents.

6. Chimney or flue construction

a) State the type or make and whether new or existing.

b) Internal flue size (and equivalent height, wherecalculated - natural draught gas appliances only).

c) If clay or concrete flue liners used confirm they arecorrectly jointed with socket end uppermost andstate jointing materials used.

d) If an existing chimney has been refurbished with anew liner, type or make of liner fitted.

e) Details of flue outlet terminal and diagram reference.Outlet Detail:

Complies with:

f) Number and angle of bends.

g) provision for cleaning and recommended frequency.

7. Hearth. Form of construction. New or existing?

8 Inspection and testing after completionTests carried out by:Tests (Appx E in AD J 2002 ed) and results

Flue visualinspection sweeping

coring ballsmoke

Appliance (where included) spillage

Hearths, Fireplaces, flues and chimneys

CHECKLIST


J APPENDICES

OPENING AREAS OF LARGE OR UNUSUAL FIREPLACES (SEEPARAGRAPH 2.7)B1 The opening area of a fireplace should be calculated from the following formula:

B2 Examples of L and H for large and unusual fireplace openings are shown in Diagram B1.

Fireplace openingarea (mm2)

Total horizontal lengthof fireplace opening

L (mm)= ( ) Height of fireplace

openingH (mm)

x ( )

Appendix B

Corneropening

Open fronand back

Largeopening

Inglenookcanopy Free-standing

canopy

L

HH

L

L

H

L H

H

W

L = 2 x W

Diagram B1: Large or unusual fireplace openings. (Note: for use with this Appendix,measure L, H and W in mm)


J

EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF THEVENTILATION REQUIREMENTSOF A GAS-FIRED APPLIANCE(SEE DIAGRAM 3.2) C1 An open-flued boiler with a rated input of15kW (net) is installed in an appliancecompartment such as a boiler room, which isventilated directly to the outside. The design ofthe boiler is such that it requires cooling air inthese circumstances.

C2 The cooling air is exhausted via vent D,which has an area:

C3 Vent E allows the cooling air to enter, aswell as admitting the air needed for combustionand the safe operation of the flue. It has an area:

C4 The ventilation areas in cm2 can be foundby dividing the results given above in mm2 by 100.

15kW x 1000 = 15 000mm2mm2

kW

15kW x 500 = 7 500mm2mm2

kW

Appendix CAPPENDICES

EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF THEVENTILATION REQUIREMENTSOF AN OIL-FIRED APPLIANCE(SEE DIAGRAM 4.1)D1 An open-flued appliance is installed in anappliance compartment such as a cupboard,which is ventilated via an adjoining room. Theappliance has a rated output of 11kW, i.e. 6kWmore than the rating at which permanentventilation openings become necessary for theadjoining room.

D2 Air for combustion and the safe operationof the flue enters the adjoining room partiallythrough infiltration, with the balance enteringvia vent A, whose area is calculated as follows:

D3 The cooling air for the appliancecompartment is exhausted through vent Bwhich has an area:

D4 All of the air for combustion and the safeoperation of the flue as well as cooling airenters the appliance compartment through ventC which has an area:

D5 The ventilation areas in cm2 can befound by dividing the results given above inmm2 by 100.

11kW x 1650 = 18 150mm2mm2

kW

11kW x 1100 = 12 100mm2mm2

kW

(11kW - 5kW) x 550 = 3 300mm2mm2

kW


J

Appendix DAPPENDICES

METHODS OF CHECKINGCOMPLIANCE WITHREQUIREMENT J2. (SEEPARAGRAPH 1.36 AND 1.53)E1 This Appendix describes ways ofchecking the compliance with J2 of existing,relined or new flues, and (where included in thework) the combustion appliance. It only appliesto natural draught flues intended for open-fluedappliances. The procedures described are onlyused to assess whether the flue in the chimney,the connecting fluepipe (and flue gas passagesin the appliance) are free of obstruction andacceptably gastight. In addition, applianceperformance tests, including flue spillage teststo check for compliance with J2, should becarried out when an appliance is commissionedto check for compliance with Part L and asrequired by the Gas Safety (Installation andUse) Regulations.

E2 Tests on flues should be carried out atthe most appropriate time during the buildingwork. Where possible, for example, smoketests should be performed when the structureof a chimney is visible and before theapplication of finishes such as plaster or drylining that could obscure sight of smokeleakage during testing.

Testing applicationsTests for existing flues

E3 Flues in existing chimneys can beobstructed by nests, debris resulting fromdeterioration of the structure (e.g. brickwork,flue lining material or pieces of chimney pot)and by soot and tar. Flues in existingchimneys may also leak as a result of holesor cracks appearing in the structure andlinings, particularly at joints. The top,exposed part of a chimney is particularlyprone to decay. A way of checking the stateof a flue prior to bringing it back into usewould be to do the following:

a) Sweep the flue. This is intended toclean the flue to demonstrate that it isessentially free from obstructions and toenable better visual inspection and testing ofthe flue. Tar deposits caused by burningwood may be especially hard to dislodgeand should be removed. The debris thatcomes down the chimney when sweepingshould be examined for excessive quantitiesof lining or brick that are signs that furtherrepairs are necessary;

b) Carry out a visual inspection of theaccessible parts to identify:

i) Deterioration in the structure,connections or linings which could

affect the flue's gastightness andsafe performance with the proposedcombustion appliance. Examine theinterior of the flue and the exterior ofthe chimney including in the roofspace. The presence of smoke or tarstains on the exterior of achimney/breast are signs of leaksthat possibly indicate damage;

ii) Modifications made whilst the fluewas out of service, such as the fittingof a ventilator terminal, which wouldbe incompatible with using the fluewith the intended appliance;

iii) Correct lining and lining sizes for theproposed new application;

c) Perform checks where necessary todemonstrate that the flue is free fromrestriction: a visual check may be sufficientwhere the full length of the flue can be seen. Incases of doubt, a way of checking this wouldbe to carry out a coring ball test;

d) Check the operation and gastightness ofthe flue by carrying out a smoke test.

New masonry and flueblock chimneys

E4 Check during construction that liners areinstalled the right way up, with sockets facingupwards and joints are sealed so thatmoisture and condensate will be contained inthe chimney.

E5 Flues in new masonry chimneys can beobstructed, particularly at bends, by debris leftduring construction or by excess mortar fallinginto the flue or by jointing material extrudedfrom between liners and flueblocks. The fluesshould be checked to demonstrate that theyhave been correctly constructed and are free ofrestrictions and acceptably gas-tight.

A way of checking the condition of a new flueprior to bringing it into use would be to dothe following:

a) A visual inspection of the accessibleparts to check that the lining, liners orflueblocks are of the correct materials and ofsuitable size for the proposed application;

b) Perform checks where necessary todemonstrate that the flue is free fromrestriction: a visual check may be sufficientwhere the full length of the flue can be seen. Incases of doubt, a way of checking this wouldbe to carry out a coring ball test or to sweepthe flue, which may be more effective atremoving flexible debris that might not bedislodged by a coring ball;

c) Check the operation and gas-tightness ofthe flue by carrying out a smoke test.

Appendix E


JAPPENDICES

New factory made metal chimneys

E6 A checklist for the visual inspection of anewly completed factory-made metal chimneyis given in BS7566-3:1992 (1998), Section 10and additional checks or particular variantsmay be included in manufacturers installationinstructions. Following inspection, the chimneyshould be subjected to a smoke test.

Relined flues

E7 A flue which has been relined may bechecked to show that it is free fromrestrictions, such as from surplus material(where that can occur) and that it is acceptablygastight by using the same tests as would beapplied in the case of a newly built flue.However, a flue which has been relined with aflexible metal liner in accordance withParagraph 3.36 of this Approved Documentmay be assumed to be unobstructed andacceptably gastight. (The use of a coring ballor inappropriate sweeps brushes can seriouslydamage a flexible metal flue liner.)

Appliances

E8 Where a combustion appliance isprovided and connected up to the fluesystem as part of the work, the completesystem of appliance and flue should betested for gastightness in addition to testingthe flue separately as above. For gasappliances an appropriate spillage testprocedure is given in BS 5440-1:2000. For oiland solid fuel fired appliances suitable testprocedures are given in BS 5410-1:1997 andBS 6461-1:1984 (1998) respectively.

Flue test proceduresCoring ball test

E9 This test may be appropriate for provingthe minimum diameter of circular flues. It mayalso be used to check for obstructions insquare flues but will not detect obstructions inthe corners. (A purpose made coring ball orplate may need to be used if the flue isrectangular.) It is not applicable to fluepipesand should not be used with flexible metalflue liners. It should be carried out beforesmoke testing.

E10 A heavy ball, with a diameter about25mm less than that of the flue, is lowered on arope from the flue outlet to the bottom of theflue. If an obstruction is encountered, theblockage should be removed and the testrepeated.

Smoke testing

E11 Where an existing flue is to be checkedwith a smoke test, it should first be swept.

E12 Two smoke testing procedures aredescribed below. Test I confirms the gas-tightness of the whole flue and may be used for

one serving a solid fuel or oil fired appliance orif there is any doubt over the condition of a gasflue. Test II may be used where the flue is toserve a gas fired appliance. Neither tests aresubstitutes for any spillage test required whencommissioning the appliance. Other smoketesting procedures could be used where theseform part of the procedure for the installationof an approved flue or relining system.

Smoke test I

E13 All doors and windows in the roomserved by the flue should be closed. The flueshould first be warmed to establish a draught,e.g. with a blow lamp or electric heater. Asuitable number of flue testing smoke pelletsare placed at the base of the flue, such as inthe fireplace recess or in the appliance if it isfitted, and ignited. When smoke starts to form,the base of the flue or fireplace opening shouldbe sealed or the appliance should be closed,so that the smoke can only enter the flue. (Forexample, the recess opening should be closedoff with a board or plate, sealed at the edgesor, if the pellets are in the appliance, its doors,ashpit covers and vents should be closed).

E14 Smoke should be seen to issue freelyfrom the flue outlet or terminal. When this isestablished, the top of the flue is sealed. Thefull length of the flue should then be checked,bearing in mind Paragraph E19, there shouldbe no significant leakage. The test should beallowed to continue for at least 5 minutes. Theclosures at the top and bottom of the flueshould then be removed.

Smoke test II

E15 All doors and windows in the roomserved by the flue should be closed. The flueshould first be warmed to establish a draught.A suitable flue testing smoke pellet is ignited atthe base of the flue or in the intended positionof the appliance, so that the smoke is drawninto the flue with the rising draught. (If thepellets are placed in a recess at the base of theflue, the opening between the room and therecess should be partially closed, such as witha board, but so as to leave an air entry gap ofabout 25mm at the bottom).

E16 Smoke should be seen to issue freelyfrom the flue outlet or terminal and not to spillback into the room. There should be nosignificant leakage of smoke from the length ofthe chimney inside or outside of the building.

E17 Smoke tests I and II are in line with therecommendations in BS 6461-1:1984 (1998)and BS 5440-1:2000.

Notes in relation to testing

E18 Where warming of the flue is specified,this is intended to establish a draught, but thismay take more than 10 minutes in the case oflarge or cold flues.


J APPENDICES

E19 Appliances, where fitted, should not beunder fire at the time of carrying out the test.During a smoke test, smoke should not emergefrom the outlet of any other flue, as thisindicates leakage between flues. Whenchecking for smoke leakage from a flue, itshould be borne in mind that smoke from afaulty flue can emerge some distance awayfrom the original fault. In such cases, thesmoke could emerge from such places asbarge overhangs in end of terrace dwellings orfrom window reveals in cavity walls.

E20 The purpose of carrying out smoketesting is to check that flue gases will risefreely through the flue and to identify whetherthere are any faults, such as incorrectly sealedjoints or damage that would cause the fluegases to escape into the dwelling.

E21 It should be noted that smoke pelletscreate a pressure significantly higher than thepressure required in the product standards fornatural draught chimneys and for flues having agas-tightness designation of N1. Flues to thisdesignation are permitted to have a leakagerate of up to 2 litre/s/m2 flue wall area. Somesmoke leakage may therefore be seen duringsmoke tests and it can be a matter of expertjudgement of whether leakage indicates failure.

E22 However, wisps of smoke visible on theoutside of the chimney or near joints betweenchimney sections do not necessarily indicate afault. If forceful plumes, or large volumes ofsmoke are seen, this could indicate a majorfault such as an incorrectly made connection orjoint, or a damaged section of chimney thatrequires investigation and remedial actionfollowed by a repeat of the test.


JAPPENDICES

ADDRESSESACE (Amalgamated Chimney Engineers): WhiteAcre, Metheringham Fen, Lincoln LN4 3AL

Tel 01526 32 30 09 Fax01526 32 31 81

BFCMA (British Flue and ChimneyManufacturers Association): Henley Road,Medmenham, Marlow, Bucks SL7 2ER

Tel 01491 57 86 74 Fax 01491 57 50 24 [email protected] www.feta.co.uk

BRE (Building Research Establishment Ltd.):Bucknalls Lane, Garston, Watford,Hertfordshire WD25 9XX

Tel 01923 66 4000 Fax 01923 66 [email protected] www.bre.co.uk

BSI (British Standards Institution):389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL

Tel 020 8996 9000 Fax 020 8996 7400www.bsi-global.com

CIBSE (Chartered Institution of BuildingServices Engineers): 222 Balham High Road,London SW12 9BS

Tel 020 8675 5211 Fax 020 8675 5449www.cibse.org

CORGI (The Council for Registered GasInstallers): 1, Elmwood, Chineham BusinessPark, Crockford Lane, Basingstoke, HampshireRG24 8WG

Tel 01256 37 22 00 Fax 01256 70 81 44www.corgi-gas.com

Environment Agency: Rio house, WatersideDrive, Aztec West, Almondsbury,Bristol BS32 4UD

Tel 0845 9333111 Fax 01454 624 409www.environment-agency.gov.uk

(Publication enquiries to: Tel 01454 624411 Fax 01454 624 014)

Environment Agency Emergency Hotline 0800 80 70 60

HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing andApproval Scheme): PO Box 37, Bishops Cleeve,Gloucestershire, GL52 4TB.

Tel 01242 673257 Fax 01242 673463www.hetas.co.uk

HSE (Health and Safety Executive): Rose Court,2 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HS

Tel 020 7717 6000 Fax 020 7717 6717www.hse.gov.uk]

Gas safety advice line 0800 300 363

IGasE (Institution of Gas Engineers):21 Portland Place, London W1B 1PY.

Tel 020 7636 6603 Fax 020 7636 6602www.igaseng.com

LP Gas Association:Pavilion 16, Headlands Business Park,Salisbury Road, Ringwood, HampshireBH24 3PB.

Tel 01425 461612 Fax 01425 471131www.lpga.co.uk

NACE (National Association of ChimneyEngineers): PO Box 5666, Belper, Derbyshire,DE56 0YX

Tel 01773 599095 Fax 01773 599195www.nace.org.uk

NACS (National Association of ChimneySweeps): Unit 15, Emerald Way, StoneBusiness Park, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0SR

Tel 01785 811732 Fax 01785 [email protected]

NFA (National Fireplace Association): 6th Floor, McLaren Building, 35 Dale End,Birmingham B4 7LN

Tel 0121 200 13 10 Fax 0121 200 13 06www.nationalfireplaceassociation.org.uk

OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association for thePetroleum Industry): Century House, 100 HighStreet, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2NN.

Tel 01737 37 33 11 Fax 01737 37 35 [email protected] www.oftec.org

SFA (Solid Fuel Association): 7 SwanwickCourt, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7AS

Tel 0800 600 000 Fax 01773 834 [email protected] www.solidfuel.co.uk

Appendix F


J APPENDICES


JSTANDARDS REFERRED TO

Standards referred to BS 41: 1973 (1981) Specification for cast IronSpigot and Socket Flue or Smoke Pipesand Fittings.

BS 65: 1991 Specification for Vitrified ClayPipes, Fittings and Ducts, Also FlexibleMechanical Joints for Use Solely with SurfaceWater Pipes and Fittings, AMD 8622.

BS EN 303-1: 1999 Heating Boilers. HeatingBoilers with Forced Draught Burners.Terminology General Requirements, Testingand Marketing.

BS 476: Fire Tests on Building Materials andStructures, Part 4: 1970 (1984) Non-combustibility Test for Materials AMD 2483 andAMD 4390; Part 11: 1982 (1988) Method forAssessing the Heat Emission from BuildingMaterials.

BS EN 449: 1997 Specification for DedicatedLiquified Petroleum Gas Appliances. DomesticFlueless Space Heaters (Including DiffusiveCatalytic Combustion Heaters).

BS 715: 1993 Specification for Metal FluePipes, Fittings, Terminals and Accessories forGas-Fired Appliances with a Rated Input NotExceeding 60kW, AMD 8413.

BS 799: Oil Burning Equipment, Part 5: 1987Specification for Oil Storage Tanks.

BS 1181: 1999 Specification for Clay FlueLinings and Flue Terminals.

BS 1251: 1987 Specification for Open FireplaceComponents.

BS 1289-1: 1986 Flue Blocks and MasonryTerminals for Gas Appliances, Part 1: 1986Specification for Precast Concrete Flue Blocksand Terminals; Part 2: 1989 Specification forClay Flue Blocks and Terminals.

BS EN 1443: 1999 Chimneys. GeneralRequirements.

BS 1449: Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip, Part 2:1983 Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip, AMD4807, AMD 6646 and AMD 8828.

BS 1449-1: 1991 Steel plate, sheet and strip.Carbon and carbon manganese plate, sheetand strip. General specifications.

BS EN 1457: 1999 Chimneys. Clay/CeramicFlue Liners. Requirements and Test Methods.

BS EN 1806: 2000 Chimneys. Clay/CeramicFlue Blocks for Single Wall Chimneys.Requirements and Test Methods.

BS 1846: Glossary of Terms Relating to SolidFuel Burning Equipment, Part 1: 1994Domestic Appliances.

prEN 1857: 1995 Chimneys-Components-Concrete Flue Liners.

BS EN 1859:2000 Chimneys. Metal Chimneys.Test Methods.

BS 2869: 1998 Fuel Oils for Non-Marine Use,Part 2: 1988 Specification for Fuel Oil forAgricultural and Industrial Engines and Burners(Classes A2,C1, C2,D,E,F,G and H), AMD 6505.

BS 4543: Factory-Made Insulated Chimneys,Part 1: 1990 (1996) Methods of Test, AMD8379; Part 2: 1990 (1996) Specification forChimneys with Stainless Steel Flue Linings forUse with Solid Fuel Fired Appliances, AMD8380; Part 3: 1990 (1996) Specification forChimneys with Stainless Steel Fluelining forUse with Oil Fired Appliances, AMD 8381.

BS 4876: 1984 Specification for PerformanceRequirements for Domestic Flued Oil BurningAppliances (Including Test Procedures).

BS 5410: Code of Practice for Oil Firing, Part1: 1977 Installations up to 44kW OutputCapacity for Space Heating and Hot WaterSupply Purposes, AMD 3637; Part 2: 1978Installations of 44kW or Above Output Capacityfor Space Heating, Hot Water and SteamSupply Purposes, AMD 3638.

BS 5440: Installation and Maintenance of Fluesand Ventilation for Gas Appliances of RatedInput not exceeding 70Kw net (1st, 2nd and 3rd

Family Gases), Part 1: 2000 Specification forInstallation and maintenance of Flues; Part 2:2000 Specification for Installation andMaintenance of Ventilation for Gas Appliances.

BS 5546: 2000 Specification for Installation ofHot Water Supplies for Domestic Purposes,Using Gas Fired Appliances of Rated Input notExceeding 70Kw.

BS 5854: 1980 (1996) Code of Practice forFlues and Flue Structures in Buildings.

BS 5864: 1989 Specification for Installation inDomestic Premises of Gas-Fired Ducted-AirHeaters of Rated Input Not Exceeding 60kW, AMD8130.

BS 5871: Specification for Installation of GasFires, Convector Heaters, Fire/Back Boilers andDecorative Fuel Effect Gas Appliances, Part 1:2001 Gas Fires, Convector Heaters andFire/Back Boilers and heating stoves (1st, 2ndand 3rd Family Gases); Part 2: 2001 Inset LiveFuel Effect Gas Fires of Heat Input NotExceeding 15kW (2nd and 3rd Family Gases);Part 3: 2001 Decorative Fuel Effect GasAppliances of Heat Input Not Exceeding 20kW(2nd and 3rd Family Gases), AMD 7033.

BS 6172: 1990 Specification for Installation ofDomestic Gas Cooking Appliances (1st, 2ndand 3rd Family Gases).

BS 6173: 2001 Specification for Installation ofGas Fired Catering Appliances for Use in AllTypes of Catering Establishments (1st, 2nd and3rd Family Gases).

BS 6461: Installation of Chimneys and Flues forDomestic Appliances Burning Solid Fuel(Including Wood and Peat), Part 1: 1984 (1998)Code of Practice for Masonry Chimneys andFlue Pipes.

BS 6798: 2000 Specification for Installation ofGas-Fired Boilers of Rated Input Not Exceeding70kW.

BS 6999: 1989 (1996) Specification forVitreous-Enamelled Low-Carbon-SteelFluepipes, Other Components and Accessoriesfor Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances with aMaximum Rated Output of 45kW.

BS 7435: Fibre Cement Flue Pipes, Fittingsand Terminals, Part 1: 1991 (1998)Specification for Light Quality Fibre CementFlue pipes, Fittings and Terminals.Specifications for heavy quality cement fluepipes, fittings and terminals: Part 2 1991.

BS 7566: Installation of Factory-MadeChimneys to BS 4543 for Domestic Appliances,Part 1: 1992 (1998) Method of SpecifyingInstallation Design Information; Part 2: 1992(1998) Specification for Installation Design; Part3: 1992 Specification for Site Installation; Part4: 1992 (1998) Recommendations forInstallation Design and Installation.

BS 8303: Installation of Domestic Heating andCooking Appliances Burning Solid MineralFuels, Part 1: 1994 Specification for theDesign of Installations; Part 2: 1994Specification for Installing and Commissioningon Site; Part 3: 1994 Recommendations forDesign and on Site Installation.

BS EN 10 088-1: 1995 Stainless Steels. List ofStainless Steels.

Other publications referred to Approved Document J 2002: SupplementaryGuidence on the UK Implementation ofEuropean Standards for Chimneys and Flues.

BRE Publications

BRE Report BR 414 (2001) Protective measuresfor housing on gas contaminated landISBN 1 86081460 3

Radon: guidance on protective measures fornew dwelings BR 211 (1999) Radon: guidanceon protective measures for new dwellings.ISBN 1 86081 3283

Good Building Guide 25 Radon and Buildings(1996) ISBN 1 86081 0705

Spillage of flue gases from solid-fuelcombustion appliances. BRE IP 7/94.

CIBSE Design Guide

Volume B Installation and Equipment Data.

Environment Agency pollution preventionpublications

The Control of Polution (Oil Storage) (England)Regulations (2001).

Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG2 - AboveGround Oil Storage Tanks.

Masonry Bunds for Oils Storage Tanks

Concrete Bunds for Oils Storage Tanks

Above documents available without chargefrom DMS Mailing House:

Fax 0151 604 1222;email [email protected]

Health and Safety Executive

Safety in the installation and use of gassystems and appliances, Approved Code ofPractice and Guidance L56. HSE BooksISBN 0 7176 1635 5.

The Gas Safety (Installations and Use)Regulations 1998

Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995.

Workplace, Safety and Welfare, Workplace(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.Approved Code of Practice L24. HSE Books,1992 ISBN 0 7176 0413 6.

LP Gas Association

Code of Practice 1 Bulk LPG Storage at FixedInstallations Part1:1998, Design, Installationand Operation of Vessels Located AboveGround.

OFTEC Publications

OFTEC Oil Fired Appliance Standard. OFSA100. Heating Boilers with Atomising Burners.Outputs up to 70kW. Maximum OperatingPressures of 3 Bar.

OFTEC Oil Fired Appliance Standard. OFSA101. Oil Fired Cookers with Atomising orVaporising Burners with or without Boilers.Heat Outputs up to 45kW.

TI/112 Oil Firing Industry Technical Advice. OilFired Appliances and Extract Fans.

Your Garden Walls. Better to be Safe thanSorry

Product code 91 HCN 0227.Available from: DTLR Free Literature, PO Box236, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7NB

Tel 0870 1226236 Fax 0870 1226237Textphone 0870 1207405Email [email protected]


J OTHER PUBLICATIONS REFERRED TO


J