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10 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What does a chimney sweep do?
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- Keep homes and industries safe from the threat of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Help eliminate the threat of health hazards that result from blocked or improperly serviced/installed chimneys and vents. |
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Name the three reasons why to get certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
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1. To be an important source of chimney safety education for homeowners and the community
2. Understanding the codes, clearances, standards, and practices of the trade is the sweeps' best insurance policy* 3. Marketing -- a certified sweep is set apart from those who practice the trade supported by very little and often inaccurate information. * Although knowledge is an indirect insurance policy, a real insurance policy is still a must. |
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What is the best defense against a potential legal action?
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Perform all of your work in full compliance with the IRC* and the NFPA 211** standards.
* International Residential Code 2012 http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/ ** National Fire Protection Association 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=211 |
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How can you protect yourself should you get involved in legal action?
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Own a good business liability insurance policy*.
* Save that insurance for expensive events and pay for the less expensive out-of-pocket in an effort to keep your insurance costs low. |
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Can a chimney sweep "red tag" or condemn a chimney as unsafe?
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No.
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Why is it important to complete, and have each customer sign, a written report on the condition of each chimney or venting system your company inspects or services?
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- It's another defense against bogus insurance claims, i.e. the customer says one thing, your signed report says another.
For example, since it's not in your authority to condemn a chimney system as unsafe, the customer may be inclined to use it against your suggestion. Should a resulting fire occur, the customer might tell the insurance company that they just had the chimney system serviced by your company. However, if you had a signed evaluation report, the insurance company will see that you told the customer that the chimney was unsafe and not to use it. |
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What steps should be taken if the customer doesn't want to sign a written report regarding the condition of their chimney or venting system?
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With three days:
1. Mail the customer a copy of the report by certified mail, and 2. Request a return receipt. |
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What are the five most important keys to success in the chimney service trade?
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1. Become a CSIA certified chimney sweep.
2. Know the rules: Be fully aware of the codes. If unsure, use the IRC and NFPA 211 as reference. 3. Be insured. 4. Be throrough: Provide each customer with a written report of your findings and request that the customer acknowledge your report by signing it. 5. Take the high road: Deliver quality, dependable, honest, and fair service to each customer. |
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Explain wood combustion.
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Occurs in three stages: drying, pyrolysis, and charcoal.
Drying stage -- moisture driven out of the wood. Pyrolysis -- a chemical alteration of the fuel molecules as a result of the application of heat. Factors for pyrolysis (burning) to continue: heat + air + fuel. Charcoal -- mainly made up of carbon, this is what is left once the gases and tars have been removed from the wood. Burning charcoal releases either carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide base on the availability of oxygen. |
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What is creosote?
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Smoke that condenses in the venting system.
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