Metropolitan Fire Brigade Warning
The following is an article featured on the Metropolitan Fire Brigades website:
Ducted Heating Units
As result of recent news items concerning ducted heating fires, there may be some misinformation in relation to the cause of these fires.
The Facts
To date there has been no evidence to suggest that, fires have started solely due to the build up of dust in the ducting of the heating system.
Some fires have started due to lack of maintenance of the heating unit.
Other fires have started due to restricted air flow into the return air ducting around the heating fan units. This is mainly caused by the build up of dust and lint in the return air grille.
The ducting itself may assist in spreading a fire dependent on its flammability rating, acting as an avenue for the transfer of flame and/or smoke.
If the ducting itself ignites as a result of a fire in the heating unit, fire can spread along its length, under floor spaces or in roof spaces.
Some fires have started due to lack of maintenance of the heating unit.
Other fires have started due to restricted air flow into the return air ducting around the heating fan units. This is mainly caused by the build up of dust and lint in the return air grille.
The ducting itself may assist in spreading a fire dependent on its flammability rating, acting as an avenue for the transfer of flame and/or smoke.
If the ducting itself ignites as a result of a fire in the heating unit, fire can spread along its length, under floor spaces or in roof spaces.
Precautions to help prevent fires in Ducted Heating Systems
Have the heating unit regularly maintained by an authorised, registered tradesperson as per manufacturers' specifications detailed in the warranty book/and on the heating unit.
Regularly vacuum the facia/grills/filters of the return air duct.
"Test run" the unit at the start of Winter on a day when you are home. (Never start a heater and immediately leave it unattended.)
Regularly vacuum the facia/grills/filters of the return air duct.
"Test run" the unit at the start of Winter on a day when you are home. (Never start a heater and immediately leave it unattended.)
In the event of a Fire
Dial 000
Turn off electricity/gas supply at mains.
Evacuate to your prearranged meeting place and await arrival of the Fire Service
http://mfb.vic.gov.au/News/Publications/Fire-Safety/Ducted-heating-units.html
Turn off electricity/gas supply at mains.
Evacuate to your prearranged meeting place and await arrival of the Fire Service
http://mfb.vic.gov.au/News/Publications/Fire-Safety/Ducted-heating-units.html