A chimney inspection is an obligation resulting from the relevant legal regulations. Every owner or manager of a building is obliged to carry out an annual inspection of the technical condition of chimney flues. The purpose of a chimney inspection is to assess the technical condition of smoke flues, which is crucial for the safety of the building. Such an inspection allows to minimize the risk of fire, ensuring the proper functioning of the chimney system.
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What law governs the frequency of periodic chimney inspections?
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The frequency of periodic chimney inspections is regulated by the Building Law, specifically Article 62 of this Act, which imposes the obligation to perform such inspections at least once a year. According to the regulations, building owners and managers must regularly check the technical condition of chimney flues, including smoke, exhaust and ventilation flues, to ensure their proper functioning and safety of use.
These inspections are intended to prevent hazards such as fires or carbon monoxide poisoning, and to maintain the energy efficiency of heating installations. In addition, regulations may impose an obligation to carry out inspections also in the event of changes to the chimney installation, such as replacing a furnace or its modernization.
What are the rules for chimney inspection in 2024?
In 2024, the regulations have not changed significantly compared to previous years, but there is still a great deal of emphasis on ensuring the safety of building residents, and regular chimney inspections are an important element in minimizing the risks associated with their use.
The basic principles of a chimney inspection in 2024 include several key elements:
- frequency of inspections – property owners and managers are required to inspect chimneys at least once a year. The inspection of flues and smoke ducts should be performed by an authorised chimney sweep with the appropriate qualifications,
- scope of inspection – the inspection consists of assessing the technical condition of the chimney flues, detecting contamination, cracks, damage and checking the patency of the chimneys. In the case of ventilation systems, their efficiency and ensuring proper air circulation are assessed,
- protocol and documentation – after completing the inspection, the chimney sweep prepares a protocol that includes a detailed description of the condition of the chimneys, the results of the inspection and any recommendations for repairs or cleaning. This document is proof that the inspection has been carried out,
- chimney cleaning – in addition to inspections, regular chimney cleaning is also necessary. A significant component of the ventilation system, which ensures effective and safe removal of exhaust fumes from furnaces, boilers and other heating devices, is a steel chimney . According to the regulations, smoke and exhaust chimneys should be cleaned at least twice a year – before the heating season and after its end, to ensure their proper operation and safety,
- recommendations and repairs – if the inspection reveals any faults, such as blockages, damage or poor ventilation, the chimney sweep is required to provide recommendations for repairs. Ignoring these recommendations can lead to serious hazards, such as fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, and can also result in legal consequences.
Since September 18, 2023, the Central Emission Register of Buildings (CEEB) has become a key tool in the work of every chimney sweep in Poland, which has been confirmed by the General Office of Building Supervision. Thanks to CEEB, it is possible to order a building inventory via the website or mobile application and report the so-called "smokestack". The electronic protocol that the chimney sweep posts in the system is a confirmation of the inspection of the chimney flues. This is currently the only accepted form of confirmation of the inspection, and the traditional paper document has been replaced by an electronic protocol that users can download at any time from their account in the system.
What are the consequences for not having a chimney inspection?
Failure to perform a chimney inspection can lead to serious consequences for both property owners and building residents. The main threats include:
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increased risk of fire – lack of control over the condition of chimneys promotes the accumulation of soot and dirt, which can cause fire. It is also worth investing in an element that protects the chimney system against the risk of fire, such as a chimney firefighter , - carbon monoxide poisoning – neglected chimneys can cause carbon monoxide to be released into the building, which poses a real threat to the health and life of residents. Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, which makes poisoning difficult to detect and its consequences can be tragic,
- legal liability – legal regulations oblige building owners and managers to regularly inspect chimneys. Neglecting this obligation may result in financial penalties and, in the event of damage or accidents, also civil or criminal liability,
- insurance problems – failure to have a chimney inspection carried out may result in a refusal to pay compensation in the event of a fire or other incidents related to leaky or faulty chimneys. It may also make it more difficult or more expensive to obtain a new insurance policy.