Over recent months, HETAS have seen a considerable increase in the number of queries relating to the service and maintenance of a solid fuel burning appliances, in particular the remits and competencies which may be required for engineers or persons undertaking work on-site.

For better understanding on what constitutes servicing or maintenance work, HETAS guidance note GN006 Glossary of terms relating to biomass and solid fuel burning equipment defines the relevant work items as follows;

2.7.4 Maintenance

Ongoing repair and/or replacement of any safety critical perishable parts of a standard roomheater appliance and/or liner to ensure the system remains in good condition, which may include basic components such as rope seals, glass doors, fire cement, fire bricks etc.

2.7.6 Servicing

Regular interval checks of the installation and/ or system by a suitably qualified competent person to ensure it remains in good working order and relevant safety measures are in place, and of which may require sweeping and/or maintenance in the area in which the registrant is competent/registered. This may include ventilation, function of the chimney, appliance connections, CO alarm positioning, combustible materials in close proximity, wet system controls and vessels etc.

To summarise, general maintenance is defined as works involving the repair of components, to ensure the appliance remains in sound condition and continues to operate in a safe manner.

In most cases, standard roomheater appliances allow for replacement of basic parts to be carried out by persons with limited solid fuel heating installation experience, including stand-alone

service engineers, chimney sweeps or in some circumstances the consumer. It is important however that the appliance manufacturer maintenance procedures are followed at all times, and that only specified components recommended are used as this may negate any warranties assigned to the appliance .

Note: In some circumstances basic repairs may be required on an appliance serving a wet heating system, which may be carried out by those persons without

a wet competence. It is important however that should work extend past the appliance (i.e., wet heating system components, pipework etc.) that this shall be carried out by a competent installer with relevant qualifications as below.

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Additional Works that may fall outside Basic Maintenance Criteria

There may be situations when undertaking basic maintenance works

on an appliance or flue where issues are identified or where additional assessment is required that falls outside basic maintenance work. Resolution to this will likely mean a full service, likely required in situations whereby:

• Issues have been identified or where the appliance/flue has found to be not operating correctly

• Visual inspection of the chimney or flueway found to be blocked or working inefficiently

• Maintenance of components of a wet installation that has hot water or central heating capabilities

• General annual service works in-line with those prescribed by the appliance manufacturer
  In the situations above, it is likely a full service of the installation will be required and include appropriate assessment
  of all critical working components. It is therefore important that any servicing is carried out by a suitably HETAS qualified and competent person with knowledge and experience of all aspects of installation and sweeping practices.
  It is important to note that for wet system installations, the assessment of any cylinder vessels, pipework, header tanks, relief valves etc. should only be undertaken by persons with wet competence and who have undertaken an applicable course (i.e., HETAS H004).

HETAS Biomass Maintenance Scheme (HABMS)

For independent biomass boilers installations, the definitions of appliance maintenance differ slightly in their terminology, and are defined within MCS 040 and HETAS Guidance Note GN006 as follows:

2.7.4.1 Planned & Preventative Maintenance

Typically, an annual service, or a period specified by the manufacturer, to fully service an independent boiler appliance for optimum operation in accordance with MCS 040.

2.7.4.2 Non-Planned & Preventative Maintenance

Routine operating maintenance as described by the independent boiler manufacturer, including routine cleaning and ash removal in accordance with MCS 040

It is important to note that planned preventative maintenance (PPM) works carried out on a boiler should only be carried out by an engineer registered on the HETAS HABMS scheme or equivalent, in order to remain within compliance of the amended RHI regulations and associated incentive payments . Engineers registered on the scheme will be able to meet the requirements of the Standard (MCS040) and provide evidence to recipients of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to prove their appliance is properly maintained.