Boilers - HSE gives back boiler warning

12/05/2008

A warning over the solid-fuel back boilers has been issued after five incidents in five years were reported.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to homeowners, tenants, landlords and heating professionals that redundant boiler can run the risk of exploding.

In a statement, the HSE said: "The risk can arise when a disused boiler has been left at the back of a fireplace and a coal or wood fire is lit in front of it.

"This can mean the boiler heats up causing the boiler casing to explode."

Users with redundant back boilers are advised not to light a fire in front of them and to consult their landlord or a professional plumber or heating engineer.

Also noted by the HSE was that there were several injuries in the five incidents and one resulted in a fatality.

The HSE has also reminded homeowners to check their domestic hot water systems, to ensure that the water is not heated enough to cause scalding.

Admitting that the risk of serious accidents is "extremely rare" due to obvious warning signs, the organisation recommends that homeowners and landlords should pay special attention to systems over ten years old.