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Fireplace Safety
If constructed properly, fireplaces will perform
safely and dependably. Fireplaces, just like anything
else, wear over a period of years and need to be
maintained to extend their life. Here are check lists to
follow for safely installing, maintaining and operating a
fireplace.
Safe Installations
Check to determine that the fireplace complies with
all building codes in your community, including special
requirements such as earthquake construction. Be sure the
flue is of adequate size, equal to at least 1/ lOth the
area of the fireplace opening for chimneys more than 15
feet tall and at least 1/ 8th the area of the fireplace
opening for chimneys less than 15 feet. Extend the
chimney at least 3 feet above the highest point where it
passes through the roof and at least 2 feet higher than
any portion of the building within 10 feet. If the roof
is flat, the chimney should be at least 3 feet above the
roof.
Be sure the flue is tight, well-built and well-
maintained, with a smooth interior. Each fireplace needs
its own flue, but more than one flue may be located in
the same chimney.
Extend the hearth in front of the fireplace at least
16 inches into the room and at least 8 inches on either
side of the fireplace opening. Use brick, stone, tile,
concrete or other non-combustible, heat-resistant
material at least 4 inches thick.
Support the chimney and fireplace properly. Wall-hung
chimneys and fireplaces are apt to put undue weight on
walls and partitions, cause the floors to settle and
cause masonry flues to crack. A masonry chimney should
rest on its own foundation below the frost line.
Install metal flashings to protect areas where the
flue goes through the roof, and keep them in good repair.
Install a metal spark arrester on top of the chimney to
keep sparks from setting the house afire.
Be sure prefabricated metal fireplaces and chimneys
are approved by the Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) and
installed as specified by the instructions. Free-standing
fireplaces should be at least 3 feet from unprotected
walls, drapes or other flammable materials. Use necessary
wall protection to protect walls closer than 3 feet.
Place a pad of brick or insulated fireproof material on
the floor beneath the fireplace. Be sure that pipes
connecting free-standing stoves and fireplaces to a
chimney are at least No. 24 gauge steel, UL listed and
installed in accordance with the listing. No pipe should
be longer than 10 feet nor more than 75% of the vertical
height of the chimney, whichever is less.
For a modified fireplace (a firebox inserted into an
existing fireplace), select one with a steel liner at
least 1/4-inch thick to decrease the likelihood of it
eventually rusting out.
Install bird and animal guards on the chimney.
Squirrel and bird nests can stop up chimneys.
If you choose a natural gas "log," follow
instructions for installation and use. Look for the
American Gas Association label.
Maintenance for Safety
Keep the fireplace in good condition by repairing
cracks in the flue lining, bricks and mortar.
Keep the flue clear of soot, creosote and
obstructions. Inspect the fireplace and chimney at least
once a year to prevent creosote buildup.
Safe Operation
Equip the house with fire-warning devices. Install a
type ABC fire extinguisher near the fireplace. Install a
screen that completely covers the fireplace opening to
keep sparks from flying out. Keep combustible materials
such as carpets, furniture, paper, logs and kindling at
least 3 feet away from the fireplace. Arrange andirons so
logs can't roll out.
Use only enough fuel to keep the fire at the desired
temperature. Avoid "roaring" fires. They can start
chimney fires from soot and creosote deposits in the
flue.
Do not use gasoline or other flammable liquids to
kindle or rekindle a fire because the flammable vapors
can explode. Never use fuels near a fire; explosive
vapors can travel the length of a room.
Keep the damper open while the fuel is burning to
provide for efficient burning and to prevent accumulation
of poisonous or explosive gases.
Never burn Christmas tree greens. They cause many
sparks when burning and can cause a chimney fire.
Remove colored comic sections before rolling
newspapers into logs. The colored inks contain lead and
can produce toxic gases.
Do not use coal, charcoal or polystyrene packaging in
a fireplace unless the fireplace is designed to handle
the excess heat and smoke which occurs when burning these
materials.
Do not treat artificial logs (made from sawdust and
wax) the same way you treat real wood logs. Use only one
at a time. If you use more, they can produce too much
heat for some fireplaces to withstand.
Keep children away from the fire because their
clothing can easily ignite. Warn the entire family about
this hazard.
Be sure that all ashes have thoroughly cooled before
you dispose of them. Put ashes in a lidded metal
container to prevent a possible fire and provide a sturdy
place to store them. Ashes make good fertilizer in
gardens, flowerbeds, etc.
Be sure the fire is out completely before retiring
for the evening.
Safe Supply of Air
A fireplace fire requires about 5 times as much air
as most houses need for liberal ventilation. With today's
tightly-constructed houses incorporating weather-stripped
doors, caulked windows and self-closing exhaust vents, a
fireplace can set up reverse draft and suck poisonous
carbon monoxide fumes from combustion-type (natural gas,
etc.) water heaters or furnaces and discharge them into
the living area.
In tight homes, the fireplace may also consume enough
oxygen from the air in the house to cause problems to
occupants. To be safe, a positive source of outside air
should be supplied to all fireplaces and wood-or-coal
burning stoves to bring in enough fresh air for efficient
burning. This can be provided by installing an outside
air vent or opening a window when the fireplace or stove
is being used. To keep smoke from entering the room, turn
off kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans and close the
registers of forced air heating systems which are near
the fireplace.
This information comes from Michigan State University
Extension bulletin E-1491, Fireplace Safety.
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