Safety Notices

Health & Safety in Biomass Systems

This health and safety guide is written for clients, designers and those who operate
and maintain commercial or industrial (i.e. non-domestic) biomass systems using
wood in the form of pellets or chips.
Those involved in the procurement, design, construction and the ongoing operation
(including maintenance) of biomass systems have duties to co-operate and share
relevant information required for the development of a safe system.



Safety Alert issued by the Health & Safety Authority on risk from Wood Pellet Feed Hoppers/Tanks

The Health & Safety Authority have issued a safety alert aimed at installers, manufacturers, inspectors and consumers on fuel storage safety of Wood Pellet feed Hoppers & Tanks. The alert follows a fatal incident involving a homeowner entering a hopper tank.

HSE issues Safety Alert on Scalding risk from domestic hot water systems



The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued a safety alert aimed at homeowners, tenants, landlords and the plumbing industry following two strikingly similar fatal incidents in the last four years where a large volume of near boiling water poured through bedroom ceilings onto occupants sleeping below.

Risks from redundant solid fuel back boilers

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) together with assistance from HETAS and SFA have issued safety guidance  following several incidents in the last five years, three of which resulted in serious injury, and sadly in one case, a fatality. The redundant solid fuel back boiler had been left in a sealed condition and sometime later, when a coal or wood fire was lit in front of the boiler, the unit heated up sufficiently for the internal pressure to cause the boiler casing to explode.

Chimneys in Thatched Properties

Following reports by The National Society of Master Thatchers reporting around 100 thatch fires a year with the majority being caused by chimney related problems when used with a multi fuel or wood burning stove. HETAS have produced a guidance document outlining the Building Regulations requirements that will protect the thatch from heat transference through the chimney structure