Conditions of boiler install in loft?

[panthro]

I posted a thread last week about having had a boiler put in my loft.

New Combi Boiler Hum

We had a new Worchester Combi put in our loft yesterday, before agreeing to put it in the loft we asked the plumber if there would be any noise issues in the bedrooms below. He said there wouldn't be. After installation, in the bedrooms we can hear a lo whir when the heating clicks on, which...

www.plumbersforums.net

Some people replied saying I needed to meet conditions to have the boiler in the loft, does anyone have a definitive list of conditions that I can present to my plumber and ask why I was never told about it?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

TBH this says the same thing we have but you can show him this

Where should I put my boiler? - Living by HomeServe

Find out the best place to have your boiler installed. Options include your kitchen, loft, utility room, bedroom or bathroom.

www.help-link.co.uk

 

[Scott_D]

Did you get other quotes for the same job?

 

[panthro]

Did you get other quotes for the same job?

No, we had a number of tradesmen in, the builder is a family friend and he hired the plumber as he always uses him.

 

[Scott_D]

No, we had a number of tradesmen in, the builder is a family friend and he hired the plumber as he always uses him.

Is your contract not with the builder then?

 

[panthro]

Is your contract not with the builder then?

No, everyone quoted us separately.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

No, everyone quoted us separately.

What did they quote for ?

 

[panthro]

What did they quote for ?

Installing a boiler in the loft, had a list of all parts on it and estimate of time it would take.

 

[centralheatking]

This needs to be merged with the op's other post today Shaun

 

[panthro]

Thought I would call Worcheter and ask, so they require:

• Boarded up to and around boiler so someone can work on it.
• Lights.
• Fixed ladder.

And that's it - I guess this post can be closed, but thought i would update it for anyone who comes along in the future.


Thanks all for help.

 

[Deleted member 32524]

Boarded, hand rail, lighting, fixed ladder. External controls for water, gas, topping up etc.

 

[Brambles]

The access, lighting and control requirements for installing a boiler in the loft of a property are clearly defined by the GS(IU)Regulations. They are not optional - just refer your installer to the regulations he is bound by.

He / she should be telling you the requirements not the other way round.

 

[panthro]

The access, lighting and control requirements for installing a boiler in the loft of a property are clearly defined by the GS(IU)Regulations. They are not optional - just refer your installer to the regulations he is bound by.

He / she should be telling you the requirements not the other way round.

Thanks, do you have a link online to these regulations?

 

[Brambles]

Panther,

There are two key areas for this:

Regulation 28 (Access) of the Gas Safety (Instruction snd Use) Regulations state:

No person shall instal a gas appliance except in such a manner that it is readily accessible for operation, inspection and maintenance.

The second is BS 6798 which outlines the requirements for installing a boiler in a loft space:
Loft must be adequately illuminated with fixed lighting.

A permanent means of access must be provided to the loft ( a retractable permanently fixed loft ladder meets this requirement)

There must be a sufficient area of permanent flooring to provide safe access and working area; to, surrounding and beneath the boiler.

The floor or structure must be capable of holding the weight of the boiler in operation.

There should be a handrail around the loft hatch.

A guard / rail around the boiler to prevent material being stacked up against the boiler may be needed.

I am also fairly sure that there is a requirement that there should be provision to isolate the gas supply to the boiler without entering the loft space and to be able to control the boiler without entering the said loft space. At the moment, I cannot locate them - Duncan M may be able to help / give clarity on this point.

Not sure if the documents are available as free downloads, you can certainly access them on line as paid downloads.

Hope this answers your question.

A final point, these requirements for safe access are not “hidden” away in the legislation that your installer must work to. However, the access requirements must be in place before the boiler is installed in the loft area.