Neighbours flue in shared passageway

MrsMondragon

M neighbours got a flue in the shared passageway. Its from a convector heater. Its been there since ive lived here (twelve years). Ive just realised we could be breathing in dangerous fumes when we pass it. Also when I take my rubbish out I knock into it. It is a covered passageway. Is this legal?

ckerrd

It may no longer be under current building regs.

Worth asking a frindly builder/architect if you have such a thing to hand

star1_2

As mentioned, the specific issue of the type of fumes extracted was probably not covered when the convector heater was installed 12+ years ago - although (for as long as I can remember), there has always been provision for saftey consideration as regards burns/fire caused by the heat from touching or comming into contact with the physical flue outlet.

From your mention - it sounds like the flue outlet is easily "knocked and touched" .... Given this, I'd look for evidence that a "flue guard" or smilar existed previously, that might have been knocked off, and would ask the householder to (poiletly) put this right (politly suggest it from a saftey point of view for everyone concerned, you might also need to mentioned to them (as the owners of the appliance) they are legally liable if someone were to hurt/burn themselves if it's not covered/protected).

Hope that helps.

MrsMondragon

Their is a flueguard, but the point is why should I always have to dodge it, and why do I have to breathe in his fumes?

Debt_Free_Chick

MrsMondragon wrote:

Their is a flueguard, but the point is why should I always have to dodge it, and why do I have to breathe in his fumes?

Because after 12 years they have probably acquired the right to have the flue placed there. Also, as it's shared, then they have as much right to use the passageway as you do.

If the fumes are definitely hazardous, then you might stand a chance of stopping him - but this would probably mean that he simply has to make the hazard safe.

If the passageway is "open to the elements" then it's doubtful that the passageway itself contains hazardous fumes. Some readings from a simply CO2 meter would tell you.

moneysavingplumber

If the flue turns out to be legal under Gas Safety regulations but you still consider the fumes a nuisance then it becomes an issue under Environmental Health if you wished to pursue it.

In the absence of manufacturer's literature there are clear minimum clearance guidelines laid out for flues of different types in different scenarios, including under cover such as in car ports, and if it is incorrect it would be classed as 'at risk', regardless of the current CO readings, which would require immediate remedy, the age of the appliance will make no difference. The only remedy for a flue incorrectly positioned would be to move the appliance, at which point they will probably find the flue is rotten and no longer usable, the proverbial can of worms.