Three types of inspection
- Periodic inspection: inspection of a chimney in use at specified intervals with regard to operational safety and performance.
- Tightness test: verification by testing that the chimney system conforms to its designated tightness class.
- Design and installation conformity inspection: conformity of the chimney design, its calculations and the completed installation with the design and the standard.
Preparation before the inspection
- Access to chimney cleaning and inspection openings
- Safe access to the roof
- Chimney design and thermal/fluid dynamics calculations (for design and installation inspection)
- Information and technical documents for the appliances connected to the chimney
If the inspection cannot be carried out because preparations are incomplete, this is recorded and the inspection is postponed.
What is examined during the inspection?
A periodic inspection examines the chimney identification and class, structural condition, narrowing or blockage of the cross-section, chimney draught, condensate drainage, cleaning openings, appliance connections, chimney outlet and ventilation; flue gas measurements are taken where necessary.
Site safety
Chimney inspections involve working at height. Chimneys to which safe access cannot be provided are not inspected, and this is stated in the report as a limitation of scope.