Chimney sweeping and fire safety inspections in Sweden: the difference and who decides

What is the difference?

When sweeping, the chimney sweep removes soot and tar from the fireplace, the flue and the connections. Soot left behind can catch fire and cause a chimney fire.

At a fire safety inspection a qualified inspector checks that the fireplace and the chimney are whole and tight and cannot set fire to the house. It has its own intervals, separate from sweeping, and you get a report listing any faults.

Who decides how often?

The municipality is responsible for sweeping and inspections being done. It sets the sweeping intervals in its own regulations. The inspection intervals are set in regulations from the Swedish Civil Defence Agency (formerly MSB). Both depend on the type of fireplace, the fuel and how much you use it.

The municipality, or the chimney sweep it has hired, contacts you when it is time. If you do not know when it was last done, for example after buying a house, contact the municipal rescue service.

May I sweep it myself?

Yes, if the municipality gives you permission. You apply to the municipal rescue service. Permission may only be given if the sweeping can be done safely, and many municipalities ask you to describe the fireplace and chimney and show that you have the knowledge and equipment.

With permission you commit to sweeping as often as the municipality has decided and to keeping a record of it. The fire safety inspection is never included; it is always done by a qualified inspector appointed by the municipality.

What you can do yourself

• Check the fireplace before the seasonBefore the heating seasonPut the ash in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid on a non-combustible surface; embers can stay alive for several days. Check that the door seal and the damper work. Burn dry wood, and use only the fuel the fireplace or boiler is made for.
• Test the smoke alarmsEvery monthHave a smoke alarm near the fireplace. The Swedish Civil Defence Agency recommends at least one on every floor.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and a fire blanketCheck once a yearThe Swedish Civil Defence Agency recommends a powder extinguisher of at least 6 kilos and a fire blanket at home.
• Keep the reportAfter every visitKeep the report from the sweeping and the inspection. It shows when they were done and what faults need fixing, and it is useful to show when you sell.