Once the weather starts to cool off and the nights get darker, a fireplace (whether gas or wood burning) can make the atmosphere for an evening or boost a gloomy day. Since these heating appliances are a part of your living space, and not tucked into a mechanical room, there are some risks when using them.
Any fuel burning appliance should have the venting checked for build up or blockages before the first use of the season.
Ensure you have a smoke alarm and CO detector, and make sure they are both operational.
For your wood burning fireplace, check that the damper is open before you light it and that you wait for the ashes to cool down before removing them from the firebox. Store ashes in a metal bin outside of your home, and keep your fireplace tools and lighting instruments out of the reach of children. Never leave a wood burning fireplace burning unattended – don’t leave home or go to bed if there is still a flame.
If you have small children toddling near your fireplace, consider creating a barrier to keep them away from sharp edges and hot surfaces. Any gas or electric fireplace manufactured after January 2015 will come standard with a safety barrier screen to protect people from touching the hot glass – this isn’t just a risk for children, but adults too, if heat is being emitted then don’t touch the glass!
Be sure to supervise children playing near the fireplace, and pay attention to the feeling of heat when you get close to it. If you’re going to clean the glass, be sure that it has had plenty of time to cool off before you attempt.