Regular inspection of ventilation and smoke exhaust systems is not just a formality, but a necessary condition for safe living. Faulty chimneys and ventilation ducts can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and other emergencies.
Regulatory framework: what the law says
The inspection is carried out in accordance with the Rules for the Technical Operation of Gas Supply Systems, approved by Order of the Ministry of Energy No. 402 of October 21, 2024, as well as in accordance with the requirements of NPAOP 0.00-1.76-15 “Safety Rules for Gas Supply Systems”, approved by Order of the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine No. 285 of May 15, 2015.
These documents establish clear requirements regarding the frequency and procedure for conducting inspections of smoke and ventilation ducts.
Frequency of examinations
The following are subject to periodic inspection and, if necessary, cleaning:
*smoke channels (chimneys) of heating stoves and heat generators, boilers that operate seasonally - at least once a year (before the start of the heating season), which operate year-round, - two times per year;
*smoke channels (chimneys) of heating and cooking stoves at least once a year two times per year (before the start and after the end of the heating season);
*smoke channels (chimneys) from heat generators for hot water supply, restaurant gas stoves (depending on the material) - at least once every six months (brick, brick and asbestos-cement, brick and ceramic chimneys) and at least once a year (metal - with a wall thickness of at least 3 mm, asbestos-cement, ceramic and heat-resistant concrete).
-Performance of maintenance work on smoke channels (chimneys) of gas-using equipment with the discharge of combustion products through the outer wall of the house must be carried out simultaneously with the maintenance of gas equipment according to the manufacturers' operating documentation, but at least once a year.
Ventilation ducts should be inspected and, if necessary, cleaned at the same time as smoke ducts. In the absence of smoke ducts, ventilation ducts should be inspected once a year.
Initial or periodic inspection and cleaning of smoke and ventilation ducts of municipal facilities, residential and public buildings are documented by a PEC act.
The PEC act is valid from the date of the last inspection and until the regulatory date of its next inspection in accordance with the requirements specified in paragraph 10 of this chapter, but in any case cannot exceed:
*six months from the date of the last inspection of the relevant chimneys and/or flues;
*twelve months from the date of the last inspection of the relevant ventilation ducts.
The PEC act is transmitted by electronic means of communication to the owner (lessee (tenant) and/or manager, co-owners and/or manager of the BKB), the GRM Operator, and the relevant territorial body of the State Energy Supervision Agency.
!!! In the event of detection of faulty and unusable smoke and/or ventilation ducts in the premises of buildings where gas-using equipment is installed, the business entity that performs maintenance work (inspection and cleaning) of smoke and ventilation ducts is obliged to draw up a DCK act containing a prescription prohibiting the use of gas-using equipment, and send it to the owner (lessee (tenant) and/or manager, co-owners and/or manager of the BKB), the GRM Operator, the relevant territorial body of the State Energy Supervision Agency by means of electronic communication.
The owner (lessee (tenant) and/or manager, co-owners and/or manager of the BKB), in case of receiving a DCK act containing an instruction on the prohibition of the use of gas-using equipment, is obliged to apply (in writing) to the GRM Operator to terminate the gas supply (distribution of natural gas) at the owner's facility (lessee (tenant) and/or manager, co-owners and/or manager of the BKB).
Consequences of ignoring
Lack of regular inspections can lead to:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Fire due to poor condition of chimneys
- Violation of the indoor microclimate
- Penalties from regulatory authorities
- Refusals to service gas equipment
Who has the right to conduct an examination?
Inspections of smoke and ventilation ducts should only be carried out by certified specialists who have the appropriate qualifications and permits to perform such work.
Recommendations for owners
Don't delay getting tested:
- Plan your inspection in advance
- Contact only licensed organizations
- Keep documents about the work carried out
- Do not attempt to clean difficult ducts yourself.
Pay attention to signs of malfunction:
- Weak draft in the channels
- Bad smell from ventilation
- Condensation on the walls
- Suffocation indoors
Regular inspection of ventilation ducts and chimneys is an investment in the safety of your home and the health of your family. Compliance with regulatory requirements not only protects against dangerous situations, but also ensures the proper functioning of all life support systems in the building.
Remember: it is better to prevent a problem than to eliminate its consequences. Regular inspections are a guarantee of your peace of mind and safety.