All the latest updates from the OFTEC Technical team as published in the winter issue of Oil Installer magazine.
All the latest updates from the OFTEC Technical team as published in the winter issue of Oil Installer magazine.
Can a flue pass through a building wall that forms a legal boundary, so that the flue gases discharge over land not belonging to the building owner?
OFTEC’s technical department has been asked this question frequently in recent months, usually in relation to balanced flues. The answer is no. This is not just to ensure future access or avoid nuisance (which are potentially serious issues), but to ensure building regulations compliance. This is the case even when replacing an existing flue that is installed in this way – an alternative terminal position will be required.
The only possible exception to this is where a flue in England, Wales, Jersey or Northern Ireland is to discharge over a public right of way, such as a street, a canal or river, or railway (railway not applicable in Northern Ireland). However, technicians should seek further region-specific guidance from OFTEC’s technical department before proceeding with such an installation. Whilst such installations are deemed permissible, OFTEC would recommend that alternative locations are sought to avoid local disputes.
A common misconception often heard by OFTEC’s technical department via the technical helpline is the idea that appliance manufacturers’ instructions rule the roost and trump building regulations when undertaking installation work etc. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
So, let’s talk about the hierarchy of standards. For example, in England and Wales, at the top of the pyramid is the Building Act which sets the framework that underpins the Building Regulations. The Building Act also gives the Secretary of State power to approve and issue documents containing practical guidance with respect of the requirements contained within the Approved Documents (typically you will be using Parts J, G and L as a heating technician).
Next come equipment manufacturers’ instructions, and finally British Standards codes of practice.
Due to a gap that seems to be widening between regulations, manufacturer’s instructions, and British Standards, from time-to-time a technician may find themselves in a situation where guidance differs across documents. OFTEC’s advice in this situation is to apply the most onerous instruction, whilst ensuring that at all times your work meets regulations.
Approved Document J was published in 2010, with slight amendments in 2010, 2013 and 2022 covering combustion appliances and fuel storage systems, but OFTEC has been made aware that a long overdue review of the document is about to commence. For over a decade OFTEC has been compiling a list of errors, out of date references and additions to be placed in the document. For example, updating the guidance on flue termination positions to include external appliances with flues which terminate with a 45-degree terminal.
If you have any concerns about Approved Document J that you would like OFTEC to raise as part of the review process, please let OFTEC’s technical team know via email at technical@oftec.org and we’ll add it to the list.
The technicians’ section of the OFTEC website contains useful calculation tools covering a variety of subjects. They are available free of charge to registered technicians, and are designed to assist with common requirements.
These can be found at oftec.org/technicians/technical-resources/calculation-tools/
If you feel that we could add any other resources to this list, please let OFTEC’s technical team know at technical@oftec.org
A range of other technical resources, including technical notices and newsletter archives, can be found at oftec.org/technicians/technical-resources/
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