Gas fire into an apartment

Vica

Hi there,

Planning to install a gas fire unit into a top floor apartment. The company that sell those units claims they've done a lot of similar work in apartments - they drill a hole in the roof to put an additional flue through the roof. Mgmt company has provisionally agreed (by email).

Is this something that can be safely and properly done so as not to render the apartment defective? What is required ? Surveyor report, architect's compliance report (or builders?), warranties, contract, etc? What liabilities can arise that I need to have provisions for?

Gumbo

I've done some work in apartment blocks over the years. Mostly the management company would required a certificate from ourselves (consulting engineers) that the changes we were making did not effect the structure ando f the building.

Just be aware that this work needs to be carried out to current building regulations, most noticeably Part J, Heat Producing Appliances and that the unit, pipe work and flue extract fitted correctly and because it's gas, by an RGI registered contractor.

In my opinion, you need two people here :

1. RGI Contractor
2. Engineer/Architect for certification to satisfy management company.

sydthebeat

vitally important is the fire proofing of the construction behind and adjeacent to the gas fire
see section 2.22 here

after that, look at carbon monoxide alarms and location of fire detectors.

Gumbo

Might be a bit overkill but this turned up in my inbox this afternoon.

http://www.engineersireland.ie/groups/divisions/fire-and-safety/events/gas-safety-in-apartment-buildings.aspx