Solid-fuel and biomass safety basics

Core idea

Solid-fuel appliances need a reliable combustion-air supply and a suitable flue to discharge products safely. Fuel type and moisture affect combustion and deposits. The appliance, hearth, surrounding construction, chimney, terminal and room ventilation operate as one safety system.

What to recognise

• Use only fuels and operating methods permitted by the appliance instructions.
• Keep permanent combustion ventilation clear and account for extract fans or other depressurisation.
• Provide a suitable hearth and clearances from combustible material.
• Inspect and maintain the chimney or flue and remove deposits at the required intervals.
• Provide and maintain carbon monoxide warning where required. It is no substitute for safe installation.
• Follow the appliance instructions for any retained ash bed and for ash removal. Removed ash can conceal hot embers: use a suitable lidded metal container outdoors, clear of combustibles, and allow full cooling before final disposal. Do not store removed ash inside the home.

Apply it

Poor ignition, smoke entry or staining needs investigation. Treat a CO warning as an immediate reason to move into fresh air; do not wait for it to sound again. Stop using the suspected appliance if this can be done safely, and do not return to the affected building until advised. Have the appliance and flue checked before further use: opening a window does not make it safe.

Limits

Possible CO exposure needs urgent medical advice. Seek urgent advice for suspected symptoms through NHS 111 where available. Call 999 for emergency symptoms such as breathing difficulty, sudden confusion, loss of consciousness, weakness or chest pain; do not drive yourself to hospital. Installation and servicing need the appropriate competence and notification. Never connect an appliance to an unverified chimney or alter ventilation to cure a draught complaint.