A fire and carbon monoxide hazard can be hot and cooling ashes. Be sure that you leave enough time after a fire, to let the ash cool down and keep the door of your fireplace closed. Always use the correct disposable equipment such as safety gloves. Use a metal or still can or bucket that can be sealed to dispose of the unwanted ash. Carefully remove it from the room your fireplace is in and dispose of it in a designated area.
Do not allow the ash to collect in your living space for a long period of time.
Be sure to check your fireplace and see the amount of ash it can hold, or you can always check your appliance instructions for the best practice of your stove.
Wood ash can be disposed of in many ways once it’s cooled down, whereas with coal ash needs to be disposed of very carefully and safely.
Many uses of fully cooled down wood ash includes the following:
- On icy surfaces
- To protect vegetables from slugs and snails
- In Compost: wood ash is good for the ground.
Carbon Monoxide:
Carbon monoxide, an extremely poisonous gas, that is present in the fumes from the combustion of fuels which are not burnt in the correct conditions.
Gas, oil, solid mineral fuel and biomass all have the potential to emit CO. Gas cannot be seen, smelled or tasted making it difficult to detect.
Sweeping Safety:
Part of your maintenance tasks, you should always have your chimney swept in accordance with the fuel you are using and your stoves manufacturer’s instructions.
The following guidance should be adhered to:
- Smokeless Fuel: Once per year
- Coal: Twice per year
- Wood Burning: Quarterly, when in use
- Oil fired: Once per year