Safety Order: Installation of gas appliances into solid fuel fireplaces

Safety Order

Safety Order: Installation of gas appliances into solid fuel fireplaces

May 19, 2010

Safety Order
Gas

Reference Number:

SO-G5 051207 1



This safety order is being issued pursuant to section 31 of the Safety Standards Act. A person affected by this safety order may appeal this order, in writing, to the Safety Standards Appeal Board in accordance with Section 51 of the Safety Standards Act. It is an offence under section 72 to not comply with a safety order.

Part 1: Details of regulated work or regulated product
This safety order addresses the practice of installing gas appliances into uncertified enclosures, usually the shell of another fireplace. Improper installations of gas appliances into solid fuel fireplaces (and other like enclosures) pose safety threats that are not covered by the codes adopted under the Gas Safety Regulation. This safety order replaces the Gas Safety Program’s Directive DC 42.2 issued under the former Gas Safety Act.

Part 2: Requirements(s) of this safety order

It is hereby ordered that:

Gas fired fireplace inserts may be installed into masonry, or solid fuel zero clearance fireplaces only. Gas fired inserts may be approved for installation in other enclosures, such as decorative gas appliance enclosures, only if specifically certified by a recognised testing agency for that combination of insert and enclosure.

Other than replaceable parts, such as glass doors, screen mesh, log grates and smoke shelves, shield or baffles attached by mechanical fasteners, a masonry, or solid fuel fireplace must not be changed, altered or removed to install an insert. The damper on the fire-box must be removed, or secured in an open position. If the fire-box needs to be modified because of the size of the insert, then the insert must be installed into a certified zero clearance enclosure and the firebox only used as a surround.

Log set burners, log lighters and sand pan gas fireplaces must only be installed in certified wood burning enclosures or enclosures certified for this type of installation.

Clearances to combustible material from the opening of a masonry fireplace must conform to Sections 9.22.5 and 9.22.9 of the BC Building Code.

Part 3: Details of issue (if applicable)

This safety order is being issued to the following identifiable person:

Name:                                                                                                                                Address:                                                   

City:                                                                                                                                   Province:

Postal Code:                                      

Part 4: Details of ordering Safety Manager or Safety Officer

I certify that I am authorized to issue this safety order in accordance with section 15(d) of the Safety Standards Act or that I have been delegated this power under section 15(g) of the Safety Standards Act. I herby order that this safety order be complied with by persons effective the date of this safety order under the authority granted by those sections.

 

 

Ron Herrington                                                                          Date: December 7, 2005

Provincial Safety Manager, Gas

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