Chimney Sweeping has become a lucrative profession for many. The work strategy has changed a lot from the earlier years, and now chimney sweeps are adults who are educated and certified citizens of the country. The chimney sweeps inspect our entire furnace and find out the faults, repair, polish and install and reinstall it to keep the home dwellers safe and secure, free of poisonous gas and without house fire.
- What about the safety regulations for the chimney sweeps?
- Information on HETAS or Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme:
This is a government-approved organization. It deals with the heating related things from appliances to fuels. They proffer memberships to the chimney sweeps. They stick to the industry standards regarding servicing and maintenance of the heating pertaining items. HETAS makes sure that a particular chimney sweep has obtained the required training for the aspired job. He/she will receive a HETAS recognized certificate after completion of the work. HETAS covers the members of NACS, Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps and NACS.
- Knowledge on National Association of Chimney Sweeps or NACS:
It is the chimney sweeps and the operators’ professional trade association. It pledges to set the industry standard throughout the UK. They conduct a 4 days induction course which includes topics on regulations, safety, and equipments.
- A study on Gas Safe:
Gas Safe registration is crucial for professional chimney sweeps. It provides full assurance of their safe and legal works. There is a potential risk of carbon monoxide release inside the home which is extremely harmful. The customers can make sure of the security if the workperson is Gas Safe registered.
- What does CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) do?
- Public Safety and Industry Advancement:
Other than certifying chimney sweeps, CSIA does more for the chimney and heating industries. Their mission involves professional and public education with a commitment of the residential chimney fire elimination. The intrusion of carbon monoxide and hazards associated with the chimney that can cost lives and properties.
- Continuing Education Credit:
Every 3 years CSIA re-certify the chimney sweeps. A single lifetime certification won’t serve the current purpose as the chimney industry is continuously evolving.
- Reciprocal Affiliated Trades Relationship:
CSIA usually uses its resources for educating the public and linked industries via social and traditional media. It has core relationships with affiliated trades like homeowner associations, realtors, and home inspectors. The similar trade groups advance the mission of CSIA through their distinct channels.
- National Recognition:
CSIA always takes care of the accuracy in the information of chimney safety. The chimney sweeps certified by CSIA have been deliberately marked on Dateline and 20 20, Good Morning America, Popular Mechanics and Consumer Reports and other local, regional, and national media and publications.
- Proceeding towards NVQ Level 2 Chimney Engineering/ Cleaning:
The NVQ level in the stream of Chimney Engineering encourages the chimney sweep to present the industrial knowledge. The course includes working on various types of chimneys, health and safety standards and other materials related to it.
- Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps or APICS
It is a reputed UK based association for the chimney sweeps. The association aims to set the industry standards for keeping the members well informed about the safety regulations. The independent sweeps can efficiently serve the customers as self-employed professionals.
We can see that all the sweeping chimney association deals with a standard aspect that is 100% safety with expert professionalism. The education and training will help in keeping both the sweeps and the clients free of hazards. Both the independent and company workers can take care of all the chimney related issues with streamline excellence.
Hence, whenever you have to appoint a chimney sweep for your home or office or factory, make sure he/she is certified. Obey the advice he/she will give you on post- maintenance and regular DIY cleaning. See whether they are in proper costumes and masks and are carrying all the necessary equipments needed for chimney cleaning. It’s better to call a known chimney sweep agency for hiring one. But, if you already know someone who is independently doing business, don’t miss to check his/her identity card and certifications.