required notice plate & check list
Check List for Chimneys in the UK
Document J (GB) and Part L (NI) state that:
All combustion, flue and chimney installations are to be checked during construction and on completion as specified in the ADJ paragraphs 1.53 to 1.55 using the inspection and smoke test procedures in Appendix E of the ADJ.
A Checklist is to be completed recording that the "materials and components appropriate to the intended application have been used and that flues have passed the appropriate tests".
A permanent Notice Plate is fixed at an appropriate position giving details on the location of the hearth, fireplace, or beginning of the flue; the type and size of flue and the types of heating appliance that can be used. This is a mandatory requirement in the UK. See the new Building Regulation J4 for England and Wales. Similar requirements for provision of a Notice Plate apply in Scotland as detailed in paragraph F3.12 of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations.
Responsibility for complying with the requirements of the ADJ rests with the person carrying out the installation work, such as the house builder, developer, sub-contractor or specialist firm.
Notice Plate
The new requirement J4 of the Building Regulations states "Where a hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney is provided or extended, a durable notice containing information on the performance capabilities of the hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney shall be affixed in a suitable place in the building for the purpose of enabling combustion appliances to be safely installed". Details are given in paragraphs 1.56 to 1.58 of the ADJ.
An example of a Notice Plate is shown, together with the guidance notes on completing the Notice Plate when using clay flue products.
Once the Notice Plate is completed using indelible ink it must be securely fixed in an unobtrusive but obvious position within the building such as by the electricity consumer unit, water supply stop-cock or gas meter within the building or by the chimney / hearth described.
Click here to view PDF of Notice Plate.
Checklist
As required in paragraph 1.53 of the ADJ a report should be drawn up to confirm that the correct materials have been used and the flues have passed the appropriate tests and the report should be provided to the client, developer or main contractor 'Who may be asked for documentation by the building control body".
A blank Checklist report is enclosed for this purpose based upon Appendix A of the ADJ, together with guidance notes on completing the Checklist (pages 3-4) when using Red Bank flue products.
It is recommended that a copy of the completed Checklist be kept by the installer as evidence of the actions taken to comply with the requirements of the ADJ.
Click here to view PDF of Checklist.
Checking Installations during Construction
As specified in Approved Document J and Part L, all installations must be checked during construction. The following guidelines are based upon the requirements and procedures given in the ADJ Appendix E:
- Check that appropriate flue liner components to suit the intended appliance are installed correctly in accordance with the product installation instructions. Ensure that components are complete, as damaged items must not be used.
- Make sure the flue liners are installed with the rebate uppermost and the joints are fully sealed with fireproof mortar (ADJ paragraph 1.28). Manufactures’ Fireproof Mortar is available in tubes or tubs.
- The gap between flue linings and surrounding masonry should be at least 25mm (ideally 35mm) and filled with weak semi-dry insulating concrete comprising one part of ordinary Portland cement to 20 parts of expanded clay aggregate mixed with a small amount of water (ADJ paragraph 1.28). Manufactures’ Insulating Backfill is available in approx. 20 kg bags.
- Ensure that the flueway is kept clear of any obstructions, debris or excess jointing material extruding from the flue liner/flue block joints.
- Check that the flueway is acceptably gas-tight by carrying out a smoke test.
Manufactures’ Smoke Pellets are available in tubes containing 6 No. Pellets
Note: Smoke Test and Inspection procedures are given in Appendix E of the ADJ and the relevant British Standards. Gas Flue Block installations should be smoke tested when they reach each floor level and on completion of the flue. Flue Liner installations should be smoke tested on completion of the chimney.
Further Information
The new ADJ is published under the title the Building Regulations 2000 Approved Document J Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems 2002 Edition" (ISBN no. 0 11 753494 3)
This can be purchased from the Stationery Bookshops or at the following website:
The ADJ can also be viewed on the following site:
Another really useful site for information is the Solid Fuel Assocation site:
Solid Fuel Associtaion
This site contains practical information on the design and use of appliances and chimneys.
Checking Installations on Completion
As specified in paragraphs 1.53 to 1.55 in the ADJ all installations must be checked upon completion. The following guidelines are based upon the procedures given in the ADJ Appendix E:
Carry out a visual inspection to ensure flue way is clear of obstructions and that the appropriate materials and components of a suitable size for the intended appliance have been installed.
Where necessary undertake checks to demonstrate that the flue is free from obstruction, if a visual check is not sufficient it may be appropriate to sweep the flue or carry out a coring ball test as described in sections E9 and E10 of Appendix E.
- Check the operation and gas tightness of the flue by carrying out a smoke test, as shown on the enclosed guidelines and in accordance with testing procedures as described in sections E13 to E16 of Appendix E.
