When you are residing in the UK, you will have to abide many rules and regulations. One of the most common restrictions which you will have to face while living in England is the smoke control order. This was introduced in 1960. As per the order, no homes in England are permitted to burn solid fuel. The main aim of this program is to reduce the air pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
What is Smoke Control Area?
There are certain areas around England which are covered by this order. These areas are called Smoke control Areas. If your house is located in this area, then you will not be permitted to burn solid fuel or emit any kind of smoke that may lead to air pollution.
Hence if you live in a Smoke Control Area, you will not be permitted to burn fires in your home using solid fuels. However you can use “authorised fuel”, which will be smokeless. You are also permitted to use an “exempt appliance”, as these are appliances which will burn without emitting smoke.
Use authorised fuels
Authorised fuels are certain fuels which are certified by the Statutory Instruments (Regulations), under the Clean Air Act 1993. This includes the conventionally clean sources like natural gas, petroleum gas, electricity etc. Apart from this, certain solid fuels produced by specific brands also enjoy the status of authorised fuels. These fuels have attained this status after passing many specified tests by the authority. These fuels can be burned even in an open fireplace without emitting smoke.
Buy exempt appliances
Exempt Appliances are also devices, which are certified by the Statutory Instruments (Regulations), under the Clean Air Act 1993. These are devices like stoves, wood burners or ovens which are specifically designed so as to avoid emission of smoke. They have also undergone several tests and proved that they will not produce smoke even while burning smoky fuel. But you should be very carefully while using these appliances. Make sure that you install it properly. Wrong installation may lead to emission of a smoke which is offensive. Also, strictly follow the instructions listed by the appliance companies.
Why are some areas not covered by this act?
Not all areas come under this act. This is because during 1960s many parts were used as playgrounds and open spaces. As there were no buildings or dwellings in these parts, this was exempted from the Smoke Control Act. Dwellings in these parts are today exempted from this order. Additionally, there are some changes to the boundaries of LBS also; the dwellings in these additional spaces will also not come under the Smoke Control Act.
Photo courtesy: neurobashing
