HEATING EQUIPMENT SAFETY

 

 

WOOD BURNING, COAL and PELLET STOVES & FIREPLACES

 

OIL BURNERS

Many homes are heated by equipment using oil as a fuel.  Oil is an efficient way to heat a home.  Oil can also be used to heat domestic hot water.

Oil burning equipment should be maintained on a regular basis by qualified oil burner technicians.

The following are some safety tips regarding oil heat:

·        Have the burners serviced at regular intervals - AT LEAST once a year. A properly serviced and maintained appliance not only reduces the chance of an emergency service call, but also increases fuel efficiency

·        Never store flammable materials within five feet of oil burners

·        Inspect oil lines at regular intervals for leaks

·        Locate your emergency shut off switch.  This is usually located near the cellar door or in a room that does not contain the oil burner.

·        Have the chimney inspected and serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year.

In the event that you ever discover smoke in your cellar, turn off the Oil Burner Emergency switch if it is safe to do so, leave the house and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house.

Massachusetts General Laws require that all oil burner installations shall be done by persons possessing a valid Certificate as an Oil Burner Technician.  Permits are also required from the Fire Department prior to any oil burner or oil tank installation.  To ensure your safety, make sure that only competent oil burner technicians maintain and install your oil burning systems.

 

NATURAL GAS/PROPANE

Natural gas and propane installations are regulated by the Plumbing and Gas Inspector (508) 485-0710 extension 3018. 

The following are safety tips regarding natural gas and propane installations:

·        Have the burners serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year

·        Never store flammable materials within five feet of the units

·        Locate your emergency shut off switch.  This is usually located near the cellar door or in a room that does not contain the oil burner.

·        Have the chimney inspected and serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year.

WARNING: In the event that you smell natural gas or propane inside your house, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY, DO NOT turn lights on or off, or use the telephone.  Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house.  ANY spark from a light switch or telephone may be enough to ignite the gas.

YOUR HOME SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR!

 

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The following press release was issued by Fire Marshal Stephen Coan of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services on October 26, 2005:

 

State Officials Fear Increased Winter Fire Risk as People Turn to Alternative Heating

 

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan was joined at both an eastern and a western Massachusetts press conference by fire officials and Commissioner of Public Safety Thomas G. Gatzunis to promote safe heating this winter.

 

State Fire Marshal Coan said, “There are two things we are worried about this winter: preventing both fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.” He added, “With the expected spike in winter heating costs, we are worried that people will turn to alternative heating sources with disastrous results”

Public Safety Commissioner Gatzunis said, “If this is the winter you plan to install a woodstove or start to use it more regularly than in the past, be sure to get a permit, make sure it is properly installed, and take the time to educate yourself on how to use it safely.”

All the public safety officials recommended installing both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire deaths have been declining for decades and last year reached an all time post WWII low of 52 fire deaths in Massachusetts . Coan said, “The last time our general downward trend hit a bump was during 2000, when there were 15 fire deaths from heating sources – ten in five space heater fires. We had a cold winter and a spike in heating costs that year too.”

 

Commissioner Gatzunis, State Fire Marshal Coan, Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) President Stephen Edwards and Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts (FPAM) President Michael Swain offer the following tips to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning this winter:

Furnaces Should Be Cleaned and Checked Annually

Homeowners should have furnaces cleaned and checked annually to ensure they are working well. Combustible materials such as trash or supplies should never be stored near heating equipment. Only licensed trades-people may install oil, gas, or electric heating units. (Regulations about oil burners may be found in 527 CMR 4).

 

During extreme cold snaps, keep the thermostat at a moderate temperature to avoid over taxing the furnace.

 

Have Chimneys Cleaned Annual to Remove Creosote

Creosote is a black, tar-like by-product of fire. It can accumulate in your chimney and cause a fire. Have your chimney cleaned at the start of each heating season and check it monthly for soot build-up. It should also be checked for loose mortar. If you use a wood or coal stove, keep the temperature in the recommended range. Use chimney guards to prevent animals from nesting in your chimney. If you have a chimney fire, have the chimney inspected by a professional before using it again.

 

Woodstoves

A homeowner must obtain a building permit prior to installing a wood or coal stove and the installation must be inspected upon completion. In general, the stove should be at least three feet away from walls, ceilings and furnishings. If the flue does not draw properly, deadly levels of carbon monoxide may accumulate in the home.

 

Keep the temperature within the manufacturer’s suggested range. Wood and coal stove should be operated at moderate heat. If the fire is too low, creosote may accumulate in the chimney and eventually cause a fire. If the fire is too hot, nearby combustibles or creosote could ignite.

 

Only burn fuels intended for use in these stoves. Other items may cause overheating to release toxic fuels. Never use gasoline or flammable liquids to stoke the fire – doing so could cause an explosion.

 

Place ashes in a metal container until they are completely cool. Hot ashes may stay “live” for 24 hours.

 

Space Heater Safety

If you must use a space heater, use it as safely as possible. When buying a heater, look for one that has been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL and has an automatic shut-off if tipped and a grill over the heating element.

 

Keep the heater 3-feet away from drapes, furniture or other materials that can burn. Place it on a level surface away from areas where someone might bump it and knock it over. If you must use an extension cord to place it 3 feet away from something that can catch fire, make sure it is a heavy duty cord marked with a power rating at least as high as the one on the heater itself.

 

Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep. They are designed for temporary, short-term use to add a little extra heat to a work area or cold room. It is dangerous to ask them to do the work of a furnace.

 

Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.

 

Kerosene Heaters Illegal

According to MGL Chapter 148, Section 5a, 25A and 25 b, the sale and use of all liquid-fired (kerosene) unvented space heaters are illegal in Massachusetts .

 

Smoke Alarms, CO Detectors and Escape Plans

The best way to protect your family is to install and make sure smoke alarms and CO detectors are working. Hold a fire drill at home to make sure everyone know how to get out quickly if the alarm sounds and have a meeting place outside.

 

For more fire safety information please go on-line to www.mass.gov/dfs and click on fire safety topics or www.mass.gov/dps  Remember when you change your clocks this weekend, change the batteries in your smoke alarms!

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