NACE DATA PLATES – REGULATION, USE AND PROCEDURE

1. Introduction

Following a postal ballot, it was agreed at the 2002 AGM, to adopt a new funding method for NACE. This method considerably reduced the annual membership fee charged to Installer members and included the compulsory use of NACE Data Plates whenever a member lines a chimney. NACE Data Plates are issued to each member at a value agreed at the AGM. The value includes the cost of the plate and an additional element for the quality system to be employed. This quality system is an essential part of our association with HETAS.

If it is found that work is carried out and a NACE Data Plate has not been fixed, disciplinary action will be taken. This could result in expulsion from NACE.

2. The NACE Data Plate and Building Regulations/Standards

The NACE Data Plate has been designed to satisfy the requirements of Building Regulations/Standards, where the fitting of a data or notice plate is necessary.

Where a hearth, fireplace recess or flue box etc. has been newly built or refurbished or where a flue has been newly built or relined, a NACE Data Plate should be provided to indicate relevant information (see section 5).

NACE Data Plates should be engraved or indelibly marked, and fixed in a secure position within the building such as:

a) Next to the electricity consumer unit; or
b) Next to the chimney or hearth described; or
c) Next to the water supply stop cock.

There is a procedure for the registration of each NACE Data Plate (see section 6) and as the plate contains the NACE logo and a unique National Flue Registration Number, they are only available to members of NACE.

Each NACE Data Plate will be registered to the purchasing member and may only be used by that member. Distribution of NACE Data Plates to any third party is prohibited.

3. Ordering

When ordering NACE Data Plates, a maximum credit limit of £750 will apply to all members unless a different limit has been previously agreed. Any outstanding subscriptions will have to be paid prior to the delivery of any plates ordered. Orders must be received in writing by post or fax and the cost of packing and delivery will be added to the invoice.

Each NACE Data Plate is sequentially numbered and so is unique. The numbers issued to any member will be recorded on the National Flue Register database.

4. Installation

A NACE Data Plate can only be installed by NACE members who are registered as “Installers” or “Chimney Registration Inspectors”.

A NACE Data Plate must not be installed until the work is completed, and must be secured before leaving the site, using screws or a suitable structural adhesive, in a position as indicated in section 2 above.

A NACE Data Plate must be fitted and registered for each flue installed in any property.

5. Data entered

All sections of the NACE Data Plate must be completed. The information that has to be filled in on site, or before arrival on site, should be engraved using a small etching pen or written using an indelible ink pen, making it impossible for it to be altered later.

The data required is:
a) The address of the property, including postcode;
b) Appliance make and model if installed;
c) The location of the hearth and chimney (which room in the property);
d) The type of fuel the chimney is suitable for;
e) The chimney liner type (manufacturer and model name) and diameter;
f) Whether or not the chimney is suitable for use with an appliance that has a condensing mode;
g) The date of installation;
h) Type of cleaning brush (from plate number 006501 onwards);
i) The National Flue Registration Number (this is the unique number of the plate and is pre-printed on the plate);
j) NACE membership number1;
k) The installing member’s name and address1.

Nearly all the information can be added to the NACE Data Plate prior to going on site. However should a plate have to be scrapped for whatever reason, then the scrap plate must be returned to NACE.

6. Registering the plate

For the NACE Data Plate to be registered, all the information on the plate must be recorded on the National Flue Register database. The recommended method of registration is to complete an Installation Report, and post (or fax) a copy to NACE. Installation Report forms2 can be purchased from NACE and these forms are also suitable for demonstrating compliance with the requirements of Building Regulations/Standards.

If necessary, photocopies of the actual plate can be sent for registration purposes or details can be e-mailed directly to NACE.

Whichever registration system you choose to operate it is important that the relevant information is recorded with NACE in a timely manner. New NACE Data Plates will not be issued if there is an excess of unregistered plates outstanding.