rules for boilers in lofts

[Mike Jackson]

I wouldnt worry about the loft ladder stick the boiler in the desired location and provide isolation on the first floor

Which is great until the boiler breaks down in the warranty period and the service engineer can't get in the loft to repair it. You can skimp on some things and get away with it but safe access to the boiler is one thing you won't be able to skimp on.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

first thing first is will the boiler go up there is the hatch big enough ,

 

[arran197]

Ye, the regs are just common sense, but they are the regs. Light, ladder, handrail, flooring, guard around hatch. All these things are something you need to consider if you want a warranty repair, but it sounds like most of it has been done already. I had considered putting the boiler in the loft at my in-laws, but all that will need doing. The ladder might be tricky to fit too.

 

[lame plumber]

Going to make educated decision next time im back the existing ladder needs to come out but unsure if able to reorientate may just have to fit a condensate pump and place at other end of loft (not an ideal situation as entire loft boarded including roof and walls. With a large built in unit which didnt want to rip out.

Why do you need a condensate pump if your working in the loft, water flows downhill from experience!

 

[michael c]

It has everything already only real problem is proximity to hatch and current loft ladder is attached to wall i intended to fit boiler. Only other option is opposite wall which would require a larger gas pipe and cause problems with condensate and prv.

 

[michael c]

Why do you need a condensate pump if your working in the loft, water flows downhill from experience!

due to the set up in the loft and the design of the house i wouldnt be able to get the fall from the boiler to the exit of the building (no access to internal wastes)

 

[Mike Jackson]

If the boiler is very close to the loft hatch look at providing a drop down cover for the hatch. I fitted a boiler in a loft where the only place it could go because of asbestos was directly adjacent to the hatch. I fabricated a flap that dropped down and covered the hatch so you could safely work on the boiler.

 

[AWheating]

use your common sense.

can the customer safely gain access to operate the boilers controls? (taking into account customers ability's)
can a service engineer safely gain access and work on the appliance?
does it meet manufacturer's/your standard risk assessments for working in lofts/ confined spaces? (will the manufacturer's engineer fix the boiler or walt away?)

normally access for service is engineers choice if they are SE, if direct to a large company they will have certain ristrictions in there HandS policy.

 

[michael c]

Thats a good idea mike. Would solve a lot of issues for me doing it like that.
As for the ladder i will have to discuss with the customer. I know some of the big companies now dont like engineers to use a customers ladders if it can be helped, even purpose made loft ladders.

 

[AWheating]

trouble is most loft ladders dont meet min trade standards, BG and others will not allow there engineers to use substandard access equipment as its against there HandS policy.

its a sackable offence to break your companies HandS policy, so even tho it would seem stupid to not use the customers ladder if there, the engineer will be protecting himself from possible problems, so you will get some engineers who stick to the rules and some who would not care less and just go up.

 

[michael c]

Yeah h and s has went crazy