📚 Texts governing the profession of chimney sweep/smoke installer

This page contains legal, regulatory and standards references which govern the installation, maintenance and sweeping in France.

Important information: from Departmental health regulations (RSD) can be applied in addition national regulations. Refer to your local RSD for any local requirements (frequency, heating periods, etc.).

🔎 Contents

🧱 Order of 22 October 1969 (historical)

Founding text providing a historical framework for chimney sweeping (frequency and methods). It served as the basis for the departmental RSDs.

  • Mechanical sweeping compulsory (not chemical alone).
  • Frequency historically up to twice a year depending on the department.
  • Chimney sweeping certificate handed over to the occupier.

Replaced/modernised at national level by the texts of 20 July 2023 where contradictions, but remains a historical reference and the basis for many RSDs.

⚖️ Law no. 96-603 of 5 July 1996 (craft qualifications)

Establishes the principle that certain craft activities may only be carried out by qualified professionals.

  • Requires professional qualification for self-employed practice.

👷 Decree no. 98-246 of 2 April 1998 (“Raffarin”)

Decree implementing the 1996 law: it list of regulated professions and specifies the qualifications required.

  • Trade of chimney sweep/smoker (sweeping, installation and maintenance of flues and appliances).
  • Qualification by diploma (CAP/BEP/title) or 3 years' experience recognised.

🏛️ RSDT & Departmental Health Regulations (RSD)

Each département sets out its health and safety obligations (including chimney sweeping) in its RSD, historically based on the 1969 decree.

  • Minimum frequency and conditions sweeping (often mechanical, heating periods, etc.).
  • Obligations of the occupier (tenant/owner).

Since 01/10/2023, in the event of contradiction, national provisions take precedence. The RSD remains complementary when there is no conflict.

🔥 Decree no. 2023-641 & Order of 20 July 2023 (current reference)

National text that modernises and unifies maintenance of combustion appliances and sweeping flues (wood, pellets, gas, oil).

  • Specifies sweeping procedures and’maintenance.
  • Confirms the professional qualification intervening.
  • Supervises documents to be submitted (including chimney sweeping certificate).
  • Harmonises minimum frequencies depending on the equipment and use.

Entry into force on 1er October 2023. Serves as a national reference; local RSDs apply in addition if not contradictory.

📘 Standards and technical references

  • NF DTU 24.1 / 24.2 Design, installation, maintenance and safety of flues.
  • NF EN 13384-1 / 13384-2 Calculating the dimensions of flues (individual/collective appliances).
  • NF EN 15287-1 : layout and requirements for metal conduits.

These standards are paying and are authoritative in technical terms; they complement the execution in accordance with the texts.

🧾 Practical summary

  • Le sweeping must be carried out by a qualified professional (law 1996 + decree 1998).
  • Le chimney sweeping certificate is given at the end of the procedure.
  • The frequencies are now harmonised at national level (decree 20/07/2023), with complement of the local RSD.
  • La technical implementation follows DTU 24.1/24.2 and applicable EN standards.

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