Residential Chimney Inspection Safety

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers the inspection of residential chimneys to identify and mitigate fire hazards and ensure proper ventilation. It includes visual inspection of chimney structures, flue, and connections, as well as assessment of surrounding areas for potential combustible materials. Exclusions: This assessment does not cover chimney repairs or cleaning procedures.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE) is applied to mitigate identified hazards.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	High	Extreme
Major	Low	Low	Medium	High	High
Moderate	Low	Medium	Medium	High	High
Minor	Low	Medium	Medium	Medium	High
Negligible	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Medium

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Falls from height while accessing the chimney.

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities from falls.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Use a chimney inspection camera to minimize the need for physical climbing.
• Ensure ladders are in good condition and properly secured.
• Use fall protection equipment when working at heights.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Exposure to dust, mold, and other allergens inside the chimney.

Potential Consequences: Respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, or long-term health issues.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Wear appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., N95 mask).
• Ensure adequate ventilation during inspection.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

3. Structural collapse of the chimney during inspection.

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities due to falling debris.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Visually inspect for any signs of structural weakness before starting the inspection.
• Use caution when handling potentially unstable components.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

4. Electrical shock from faulty wiring or equipment.

Potential Consequences: Electrical burns, cardiac arrest, or death.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure proper grounding of electrical equipment.
• Inspect for damaged wiring before use.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

5. Burns from hot surfaces or embers.

Potential Consequences: Skin burns or fire ignition.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Keep a safe distance from the fireplace opening when possible.
• Wear appropriate heat-resistant gloves if handling hot components.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

6. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to improper ventilation.

Potential Consequences: Headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or death.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Educate residents about the importance of proper chimney maintenance.
• Provide recommendations for chimney cleaning and repairs.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

7. Falling debris from chimney blockage (e.g., bricks, nests).

Potential Consequences: Minor injuries to those below, damage to property.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Check for blockage from the ground using binoculars before accessing the roof.
• Use appropriate tools to clear minor obstructions.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

8. Slips, trips, and falls on roofs or around the property.

Potential Consequences: Sprains, fractures, or other injuries.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure proper ladder placement and stability.
• Wear appropriate footwear with good grip.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• All personnel involved in chimney inspections must be trained and competent.

Verify training records and conduct refresher courses as needed.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and respiratory protection when necessary.

Provide PPE and ensure it is properly maintained and used.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Regularly inspect and clean the work area.

• Ensure proper ventilation during inspections to avoid exposure to harmful gases or dust.

Use portable fans or open windows to increase air circulation.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In case of a chimney fire, immediately evacuate the building and call emergency services.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are readily available and personnel are trained in their proper use.
• Establish a clear evacuation plan and meeting point.

7. Training Requirements

• Ladder Safety: Proper use of ladders, including inspection, setup, and securing techniques.
• Respiratory Protection: Selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protection equipment.
• Chimney Inspection Training: Recognition of chimney defects and potential fire hazards.
• Emergency Response Training: Emergency procedures for chimney fires and carbon monoxide exposure.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any reported chimney fire or significant changes to the building structure.

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Monthly during peak usage season (fall/winter), quarterly otherwise.	Homeowner/Property Manager	Regular inspection of chimney structures for cracks, damage, or blockages.
Performance Indicator	Continuous	Homeowner/Residents	Monitoring of carbon monoxide levels in the home using CO detectors.
Audit	Annually	Homeowner/Property Manager	Annual professional chimney inspection by a certified technician.

9. Special Circumstances

• Adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, high winds) can increase the risk of falls and other hazards. Reschedule inspections during inclement weather.
• Night work increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls due to reduced visibility. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Lone work can increase the severity of incidents due to delayed response times. Implement a buddy system or check-in procedure.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any reported chimney fire or significant changes to the building structure. or when significant changes occur.

Safety powered by SALUS