Warning over faulty installation of wood or coal burners

Householders in Pembrokeshire who have had wood or coal burning stoves installed in their properties by the late Steven Poole from Johnston are urged to avoid using them and to get them checked as soon as possible, as they could be dangerous.

The advice comes from Pembrokeshire County Council and HETAS, the official body recognised by government to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services.

It follows a court case in which Mr Poole (trading as SM Poole) pleaded guilty to regularly fitting wood burning stoves in Pembrokeshire contrary to legal requirements.

The case was heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court a short while before his death, of which Council officers were sorry to learn.

The court heard that he sometimes fitted flue connections incorrectly so that they were dangerous. He was also supposed to supply and fit carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, which he failed to do.

He would then certify to HETAS (the Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme) with whom he was registered, that he had correctly carried out the installation and all safety requirements when he had not.

HETAS recommend that any stoves fitted by SM Poole should be tested by an independent HETAS-registered engineer to establish whether they are safe to use, if this has not already been done.

“Mr Poole fitted a large number of wood or coal burning stoves in Pembrokeshire over the last six or seven years,” said Cllr Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services.

“We are very concerned that there could be several hundred incorrectly fitted stoves in the county, which may very likely be unsafe.”

The prosecution was brought by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection Trading Standards team. It followed a consumer complaint received about a wood burning stove which Mr Poole fitted at the consumer’s home. Mr Poole was formally interviewed and admitted to officers that he regularly fitted wood burning stoves contrary to legal requirements.

The information was passed to HETAS who tested 12 appliances installed by SM Poole, and reported that 10 out of the 12 stoves were found to be dangerous.

HETAS subsequently wrote to more than 500 of its customers, suggesting they should have their appliances tested, and have dealt with the responses from customers who responded with concerns.

However, Cllr George said that Pembrokeshire’s Public Protection department was not convinced that many people had responded to the letters.

“We are concerned that a significant number of people may not have responded to the letters and we urge anyone affected to contact HETAS without delay,” he said.

There may also be other consumers whose details were not passed to HETAS by Mr Poole and who would not be on the HETAS database.

HETAS CEO Bruce Allen says regular chimney sweeping and stove servicing is essential to keep appliances operating safely and should be happening as part of a normal safety routine for stove owners.

“Many customers will have had stoves serviced and chimneys swept since the installation as part of the regular safety routine required for wood or coal burning stoves, so will already be aware if there are any safety issues,” he said.

“If there is any doubt, get a HETAS registered installer or chimney sweep to undertake the necessary maintenance and safety checking.

“In particular, householders need to ensure ventilators are never blocked and batteries of CO alarms should be regularly tested.”

ADVICE:

The advice to anyone who has had a wood or coal burning stove fitted by SM Poole is as follows:

• Do not use the stove unless or until it has been checked by an independent HETAS-registered engineer or a HETAS-approved chimney sweep
• Buy a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t have one already. Carbon monoxide detectors are available at most supermarkets or home and garden stores

CONTACT: 

• Contact HETAS for details of local HETAS-registered engineers or HETAS-approved chimney sweeps who can come and check your wood or coal burning stove. HETAS can also provide more information and advice
• Telephone: 01684 278170
• Email: info@hetas.co.uk
• The HETAS office is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm, closing on Friday at 4:30pm
• There is also lots of advice and a list of local HETAS-registered engineers and chimney sweeps on their website at www.hetas.co.uk