Codes of conduct and practice

01 The objective of a chimney sweep is to serve the public politely, reliably and efficiently and so uphold the dignity of the Association

02 A Member of the Association is expected to operate with cleanliness and conform to the NACS Code of Practice (see back of NACS Certificate)

03 Members must hold public liability insurance cover

04 A chimney sweep should be trained in the profession and the public is entitled to ask for references

05 In the event of any dispute between a member of the public and a Member of the Association, the disciplinary procedure of the Association, as agreed in April 1994, shall be adhered to

06 Members of the Association should use the identity card provided by the Association

07 NACS logo stickers should be used on vehicles advertising membership, where applicable

08 The public will be advised of the necessity for regular chimney sweeping and will be invited to ask for a list of Members

09 Members must use the NACS Certificate of Chimney Sweeping on completion of a sweeping contract

10 At all times, Members will be expected to be loyal to the aims and objectives of the Association

11 Members shall not form a franchise operation or similar scheme

12 Members shall not be members of other chimney sweeping organisations, establishments or companies that may cause a conflict or threat to the interests of the NACS

13 Members are bound by the rules and regulations of membership of the Association which are contained in the Articles of Association of The National Association of Chimney Sweeps Limited, a copy of which is available on request

14 On ceasing to be a Member of the Association, Members must return their identity cards and remove all references on stationery, premises, vehicles etc to the Association, the words NACS and its logo. Any future use of the name of the Association or any of its logos is strictly prohibited

This provision of British Standard 6461 Part I and British Standard 7566 must be observed in complying with the NACS Code of Practice.

The NACS Code of Practice for Chimney Sweeps cleaning or scraping the interiors of chimneys and flue

01. It shall be the endeavour of such Chimney Sweeps involved, to provide as thorough and as honest a service available, with respect to the dangers of fire, suffocation and ill health caused by the malfunction of such chimneys and flue ways provided for use with heating appliances.

02. All Chimney Sweeps involved in such work shall by virtue of the hidden nature of the task advise and work so as to keep the occupier, user or property owner aware of such faults and hazards, found during working. Under no circumstances shall a person trading as a Chimney Sweep, use any skimping methods which result in a chimney not being properly cleaned or probed by a brush, or suitable rod attachments. Care must be taken to prove a chimney to be venting.

03. Should any chimney prove after work has commenced, to be blocked or capped beyond a Sweeps method, a label clearly stating that fact should be placed at the fire opening and the user or responsible person made aware, verbally and in writing as soon as possible.

a) In any advertising a Chimney Sweep using the word “Sweep” in connection with chimney cleaning, shall be deemed to be offering a service, which will be the passing of an appropriate size and strength of brush through a chimney or flue, by means of extendible handles (rods) or by line and weighted brush.

b) If a service not using the recognised method, incorporating a brush is advertised, the Chimney Sweep shall not be classified as a Chimney Sweep, nor should be using the word “Sweep” in an advertisement.

c) Where in advertising a name and term “Vacuum” or “Vac” is used, indication shall be made whether or not a brush is to be used.

a) The practice of chimney sweeping shall be deemed to be the passing of an adequately sized and strength brush, appropriate to the diameter of the chimney and flue used, through the complete length of the chimney. The brush may be put through by either rods or a line and weights.

b) There is no acceptable method of cleaning a chimney using a vacuum cleaner only.

c) In all cases a Chimney Sweep shall carry sufficient rods or line to ensure the brush will pass the length of the chimney or flue completely.

d) Brushes will be in good order and full bristle. The practice of passing bald or undersized brushes through chimneys is totally unacceptable, except in the case of problem chimneys and with the knowledge and consent of a responsible person involved with the property or its ownership.

e) Before any sweeping commences, the immediate floor area and fireplace opening or boiler hatch shall be sheeted to keep mess to the absolute minimum.

f) In the case of boilers and log burners, all airways and flues shall be thoroughly brushed out unless the responsible person has indicated otherwise. This work does not include boiler servicing.

g) All problems and faults found during sweeping shall be made known to the persons with whom the sweeping contract is made, or the property owner. All such problems and faults relating to the chimney or heating appliances shall be put in writing.

h) It is considered that any person calling on a Chimney Sweep, unless stating otherwise, believes to the best of their ability that the chimneys to be swept are in a safe and structurally sound condition. They shall not hold the Sweep responsible for any further damage to chimneys, pots, flues, roofing tiles, heating appliances, cowls etc. or personal injury to themselves or third parties, caused by the act of sweeping a faulty or aged chimney.

i) A Sweep shall have the right to refuse work on arrival at premises, if the work involved is for any reason unsafe or dangerous to perform (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) on producing evidence of the defect in writing with, if possible, a remedy for the situation. In these circumstances the sweep shall be eligible for their full fee.

j) In order to protect their health, all Sweeps should carry respiratory protection, fine weave overall, protective gloves, site helmet and eye protection

After a chimney has been swept, the Chimney Sweep shall issue a National Association of Chimney Sweeps Certificate to the householder or property owner stating that a chimney has been swept in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the National Association of Chimney Sweeps. A date for subsequent re-sweeping should be recommended. Should any defects be obvious as in “g” or “h”, a statement to that effect shall be made on the Certificate.

In the event of a complaint concerning the work, it should, in the first instance be referred to the responsible firm or Sweep within seven days. If satisfactory response is not made, contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps in writing, at the above address who will do its best to resolve such a complaint.