Flues in large boiler cupboard

[Jen]

I want to redo my kitchen and wanted your thoughts on whatto do with large boiler cupboard. The boiler is at a far left corner of thecupboard and there’s a lot of unused space to its right. However there are someflues in that unused space which are believed to contain asbestos. These flueswould have served heating systems of the two flats below and visible parts donot appear damaged.
Option 1: I was thinking of reducing the size of thecupboard so that it contained only the boiler. The unused cupboard space willbe removed and because there is no finish whatsoever, this bit will need to be plastered.How easy and costly would it be to plaster if these flues are there?
Option 2: If I replace the overall cupboard with a cupboard tohide the boiler but then proper kitchen cupboards to the right. Again can thecupboards be put in front of these flues?
Thanks

 

[COL_nottm]

if your removing anything asbestos it will need to be done safely by a qualified handler, if the flues are no longer in use theres no reason you cant remove them corectly.
As for the flue, it will need to have all joints accessible for inspection (new reg as of 1st jan this year) so if your boxing it in, the joints will need a removable access panel.

 

[Scott_D]

Ventilation may be needed for the boiler, best get a GSR engineer to check it over

 

[plumber0808]

I would find out if the flues are still being used or are redundant.
if there redundant and asbestos I would be inclined to box them in and forget about them if possible.

 

[Jen]

Thanks All. My understanding is one is no longer in use and one is actually being used for heating systems for the flats below me. So I can't remove them. I guess the best option would be to put cupboards in front which can be easily removed if needed. If I get a handyman to get the job, how do I make sure they know how to deal with the flues? Are there qualifications etc that I can ask them for?

 

[plumber0808]

There are no qualifications needed but if you are having someone do the job for you a knowledge of the requirement is a must or you would have to have it done again if it is wrong.

Builders generally have no knowledge of gas, flue requirements.

Frequently asked questions | Flues in voids

http://www.User PlumbersForums.net ...don't link to it.co.uk/pdf/Flues in voids.pdf

 

[stevetheplumber]

if one of the flues is still in use you will have to give access to have it inspected when the boiler is serviced if as is quite probable the apliance isnt being serviced i would offer to pay for a safety inspection so you know your safe

 

[Mike Jackson]

Regardless of what you do in front of the flues, if any are still in use I would put a carbon monoxide detector in the room, close to the flues to warn you of any leakage.