asked the Minister for Local Government if he will introduce controls, by legislation if necessary, on the installation of domestic heating systems in view of a recent fatality caused by the explosion of a boiler; and if he has received representations in this regard from the Institute of Domestic Heating Engineers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Domestic Heating Systems.
25.
I understand that the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards are at present preparing a standard for the installation of domestic heating systems. I have no present intention of making regulations for the control of the installation of domestic heating systems nor have I received any representations on the matter from the Institute of Domestic Heating Engineers.
Does the Minister not regard the present position as highly dangerous because due to a lack of control, it is open to any firm to describe themselves as domestic heating engineers or experts and that this can be very misleading for people who are having central heating installed?
People who are having work of this kind carried out should ensure that those employed to do the work are skilled and experienced. It would appear that sometimes the work has been done in the way suggested by the Deputy. The accident referred to was the subject of an inquest and would appear to have been caused by the closing of a valve on the flow and return pipes from the boiler resulting in an increase in pressure which ruptured the boiler. It is not normal practice for valves to be installed in this position. There is nothing at the present time, nor have any representations been made to me, to have anything done about the matter.
Would the Minister not agree that the introduction of some regulations or controls would be very helpful guidelines to people about to have central heating installed? This would help them when selecting particular contractors to do this work.
The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards are at the moment looking into the matter. While I agree that this has caused a certain amount of alarm, I do not think we should make an immediate decision on it.
Would the Minister assure us that when the Institute present their findings they will receive adequate public notice?
If a decision is made on their report, I will ensure that the public know about it.
Would the Minister not consider it to be criminal to put a valve between the boiler and the outlet in any system?
I am not an expert in that field but I believe that would be so. Unfortunately, this has been done in at least one case.
Question No. 26 postponed.