Environmental Health & Safety

Fire Place Safety

Some buildings including fraternities and sororities, may have working fireplaces. Such fireplaces can represent a potential fire safety hazard. The following is a checklist for the safe installation, maintenance and operation of a fireplace.

Safe Installation

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 eight inches on either side of the fireplace opening. Use brick, stone, tile, concrete or other non-combustible; heat resistant material at least 1 inch thick.
Install a metal spark arrester on top of the chimney to keep sparks from setting the house a fire.
Install bird and animal guards on the chimney. Squirrel and bird nest can clog up and block chimneys.
If you choose a natural gas “log,” follow instructions for installation and use. Look for the American Gas Association label.

Fireplace Maintenance

Keep the fireplace in good condition by repairing cracks in the flue lining, bricks and mortar.
Keep flue clear of soot, creosote and obstructions. Inspect the fireplace and chimney at least once a year to prevent creosote buildup. A copy of the inspection report must be submitted to the University Fire Marshal.

Safe Operation of a 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 or store 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 newspaper 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.
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 for a Fireplace

A fireplace fire requires about five (5) times as much air as most buildings need for liberal ventilation. With today’s tightly-constructed buildings 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 room.
In tight buildings, the fireplace may also consume enough oxygen from the air in the building 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 exhaust fans and close the registers of forced air-heating systems, which are near the fireplace.

QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 6/28/2011. Disclaimer.