Profession chimney sweep

Chimney sweeps clean exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures, and remove soot from chimneys.

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Knowledge

  • Ventilation systems

    The types of mechanical ventilation systems that permits the exchange and circulation of air.

  • Personal protective equipment

    Types of protective materials and equipment foreseen for various types of tasks such as general or specialised cleaning activities.

  • Fire safety regulations

    The legal rules to be applied for fire safety and fire prevention in a facility.

  • Domestic heating systems

    The modern and traditional heating systems alimented by gas, wood, oil, biomass, solar power and other renewable energy sources and their energy saving principles.

  • Pollution prevention

    The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

Skills

  • Measure pollution

    Conduct pollution measurements to determine whether the prescribed pollutant limits are respected. Check firing systems and exhaust paths of gas water heaters, air heaters, and similar equipment.

  • Use personal protection equipment

    Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

  • Use chimney sweeping equipment

    Operate tools and equipment meant to clean debris from chimneys such as dust sheets, torches, mirrors, floor sheets, bags for debris and various rods and brushes.

  • Examine ventilation system

    Check ventilation systems for operationality and fire safety.

  • Protect surrounding area during chimney sweeping process

    Use protection methods and materials to keep the surrounding area of the fire place entrance and floor clean before and during the sweeping process.

  • Advise on potential safety hazards concerning heating systems

    Provide information and advice to clients on the type of potential dangers they face, such as suffocation, CO-poisoning or fire, in cases where the fireplaces or chimneys are not swept for a long period of time.

  • Clean chimney

    Use tools to extract debris from chimneys by using a vacuum cleaner or brush suitable to remove the products of combustion within the flue.

  • Maintain customer service

    Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.

  • Clean ventilation system

    Clean combustion and ventilation systems and related equipment. Eliminate combustion residues and deposits by knocking, scraping, and burning.

  • Report chimney defects

    Inform property owners and relevant authorities on any chimney malfunctions.

  • Dispose soot from the sweeping process

    Dispose and transport soot from the sweeping process in an appropriate manner and according to local and national regulations.

  • Check chimney's conditions

    Monitor and check the faults and current conditions of chimneys and fire places by using specialised smoke-detecting machinery and video surveillance equipment.

  • Carry out chimney pressure testing

    Perform tests to ensure there are no leaks allowing smoke to enter interior surfaces.

Optional knowledge and skills

create chimney inspection reports provide customer follow-up services conform to health and safety regulations drive vehicles analyse energy consumption energy performance of buildings energy advise on pollution prevention work ergonomically inform customers environmental protection keep personal administration environmental engineering follow safety procedures when working at heights advise on heating systems energy efficiency maintain relationship with customers work in outdoor conditions environmental policy manage a small-to-medium business

Common job titles

  • Chimney sweep
  • Chimney sweepers
  • Mason
  • Masonry/construction help needed
  • Chimney technician-exp preferred but will train
  • Chimney sweep- madison area
  • Chimney sweep assistant
  • Chimney technician assistant
  • Field tech. assistant