Home 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 potential hazards and ensure safe practices. It includes visual inspection of the chimney exterior and interior, assessment of structural integrity, and evaluation of proper ventilation. Exclusions: This assessment does not cover chimney repairs, cleaning, or modifications.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The hierarchy of controls is applied to identify and implement appropriate control measures.

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	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Negligible	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Medium

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Falls from ladders while accessing the chimney.

Potential Consequences: Fractures, sprains, head injuries, or death.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, homeowners, and nearby residents

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Use a ladder that meets safety standards (ANSI A14.1 or equivalent).
• Ensure the ladder is placed on a stable, level surface.
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing.
• Use a ladder safety harness or fall arrest system when working at heights above 6 feet.
• Inspect the ladder before each use for defects.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

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

Potential Consequences: Respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, or long-term respiratory illnesses.

Affected Persons: Inspectors

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Wear appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., N95 mask or respirator) when working in dusty or moldy environments.
• Use a HEPA filter vacuum to minimize dust dispersion.
• Ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

3. Structural collapse of the chimney during inspection.

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or death to anyone in the vicinity.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, homeowners

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Catastrophic	Medium

Control Measures

• Visually inspect the chimney for structural weaknesses before starting the inspection.
• Do not proceed with the inspection if the chimney is visibly unstable.
• Use caution when handling loose bricks or other debris.
• Ensure proper shoring or support is in place before removing any chimney components.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

4. Cuts, abrasions, or other injuries from sharp objects or contact with animals inside the chimney.

Potential Consequences: Minor cuts, abrasions, infections, or animal bites.

Affected Persons: Inspectors

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Wear appropriate gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and debris.
• Use tools with insulated handles when working near electrical components.
• Be aware of the presence of animals (birds, squirrels, etc.) and take appropriate precautions.
• Use a chimney camera to minimize the need for physical entry into the chimney.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Negligible	Low

5. Burns from hot surfaces or embers inside the chimney.

Potential Consequences: Minor to moderate burns.

Affected Persons: Inspectors, homeowners

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure the fireplace or heating appliance connected to the chimney is turned off and cooled down before starting the inspection.
• Use caution when handling hot surfaces or components.
• Wear appropriate heat-resistant gloves if necessary.
• Be aware of the potential for smoldering embers or hot spots inside the chimney.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat.

Ensure PPE is in good condition and properly fitted. [1] [1]

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

Regularly remove debris and ensure adequate lighting.

• Communicate clearly with homeowners or other personnel present during the inspection.

Inform them of potential hazards and safety precautions.

• Inspect all equipment before use to ensure it is in good working condition.

Remove any defective equipment from service.

• Be aware of weather conditions and postpone the inspection if conditions are unsafe (e.g., high winds, lightning).

Monitor weather forecasts and use a weather app.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In case of a fall, call emergency services (911) immediately and provide first aid as needed.
• In case of a fire, use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire if it is small and contained. Evacuate the area immediately if the fire is spreading.
• In case of exposure to hazardous materials, follow the manufacturer's instructions for first aid and seek medical attention if necessary.

7. Training Requirements

• Ladder Safety: Proper use of ladders, including inspection, setup, and climbing techniques.
• Respiratory Protection: Selection and use of appropriate respiratory protection for different types of airborne contaminants.
• Fall Protection: Safe work practices for preventing falls from heights, including the use of fall arrest systems.
• First Aid/CPR: First aid and CPR training to respond to injuries or medical emergencies.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Before each use	Inspector	Regularly inspect ladders and other equipment for defects.
Performance Indicator	As needed	Inspector	Monitor air quality inside chimneys for dust and mold levels.
Audit	Annually	Safety Manager	Review incident reports to identify trends and areas for improvement.

9. Special Circumstances

• Inspections conducted during inclement weather (rain, snow, high winds) increase the risk of falls and other accidents.
• Inspections conducted at night require adequate lighting to ensure visibility and prevent trips and falls.

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 incident or when significant changes occur.

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