Glass Fronts Safety

Are you aware of the new Safety mandate for gas fireplace glass fronts? 

Here's what you need to know...

• The revised standard takes effect January 1, 2015
• Only compliant units may be manufactured after January 1, 2015
• Non-complying units can still be sold after the effective date. There is no deadline for such sales
• Decorative elements are allowed
• Standard applies only to gas fireplaces and glass-fronted heaters with glass surface temperatures that exceed 77.8 degrees C or 172 degrees F. It does not apply to solid-fuel burning appliances.

For installers:

• Manufacturers must supply a barrier on all glass-fronted gas products with glass surface temperatures that exceed 77.8 degrees C (172 degrees F). 
• Barrier must be in place when the product is installed
• Installer must call the client's attention to the barrier and explain why it is required. Barriers are intended to protect children and other at-risk individuals.
• Remember... if you do not follow the new requirements you may be the one in jeopardy.

What about your showroom?

Retailers need to contact the manufacturers they represent. The new standard does not affect existing installations but HPBA's position is that the safety of children should be paramount. You may want to retrofit the gas fireplaces in your showroom. Your past customers may also want to retrofit their appliances using aftermarket barriers.

While it is not mandatory to have a safety screen on all showroom models it is certainly wise.

If you have any questions on this or other safety issues please contact HPBAC or HPBA. 

Safety Information

The industry has committed to participate in educating the public about the requirement for safety screens on new equipment and how to deal with existing fireplaces. 

How can you help with this effort and ensure you are giving your customers the best information? 

1. Visit hpba.org and hpbacanada.org to access the PDF versions of safety brochures designed for consumers. Print a supply of these brochures and make them available for your customers. You can even include a brochure with each purchase. The flyer is available in several versions along with an FAQ sheet. HPBAC also has French versions available.
2. View and display the Safety video that is available at hpbacanada.org and hpba.org and safefireplacetips.com. Copies of the video can be purchased from HPBA to include with your customers' purchase of an appliance and to show in your store. 
3. Be aware of all safety issues related to the products you sell and make the information available to customers. Consider setting up a Safety Area in your store where you display safety products and promotional material, including the available videos, that will help keep your customers informed.
4. Be aware of other safety information that is available to your customers on the internet and through safety authorities including programs like Too Hot for Tots which talks about many products that can cause burns and offers burn prevention strategies. Visit www.burnfund.org or www.bcchildrens.ca/safestart

If you have any questions on this or other safety issues please contact HPBAC or HPBA.