Chimney sweeps clean the chimneys of open fires and the flues for other coal, gas, oil and wood-fired heating systems and cooking appliances. Their work helps to reduce the risks of chimney fires and the emission of dangerous fumes.

Chimney sweeps also advise customers on the safe operation and maintenance of chimneys, appliances and flues and the installation of flue systems, stainless steel flexible liners and flue terminations.

After making a preliminary inspection of the chimney or flue, chimney sweeps protect the surrounding area so that soot and debris does not escape into the room. They use brushes on extending rods to clean the chimney or flue, and remove soot and debris from the fireplace or appliance using an industrial vacuum cleaner.

When the job is completed, chimney sweeps often give advice to the customer about any potential hazards and faults and when the chimney or flue will need cleaning again. Chimney sweeps who are members of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) issue a certificate of chimney sweeping.

In addition to using tools such as brushes and industrial vacuum cleaners to remove soot and debris from chimneys, chimney sweeps may also use equipment such as smoke generating machines and CCTV cameras to examine the condition of chimneys and investigate faults.

Hours and Environment

As a chimney sweep you will usually do most of your work between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, but may also occasionally work Saturdays. You may work longer hours in spring and autumn, which are usually the busiest times. You are likely to work mainly in private houses, but could also work on heating systems on industrial or commercial premises. 
You will need to be aware health and safety issues and wear face-masks and overalls. 

A driving licence is essential, as you will have to transport all your equipment to the the places where you are working.

Skills and Interests

As a chimney sweep you need:

• physical fitness and plenty of energy and stamina
• the ability to work without supervision
• practical skills to use a range of tools and equipment
• the ability to work at heights and climb ladders if necessary 
• awareness of the need to keep to health and safety regulations 
• the ability to maintain friendly relationships with customers.

In addition, as a self-employed chimney sweep you should:

• be well organised to plan your own work schedule, and self-disciplined to keep to it
• be able to do paperwork and keep accounts (unless you employ someone to do this for you)
• be able to cost jobs, negotiate prices and persuade customers to pay on time.

Entry

You do not need any educational qualifications to become a chimney sweep. You will usually be self-employed, and will need to learn the skills from an experienced sweep before setting up in business. You may find it useful if you already have experience of practical manual work.

Setting up as a chimney sweep can be expensive, as you will need to buy all your equipment and a van for transporting it, and advertise your business.

It is advisable to insure your equipment, and to have public liability insurance. You will have to do this if you want to be a member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS). Visit the NACS website (in Further Information below) for full details of membership.

Training

You will need to find an experienced chimney sweep who will train you on the job.

As a chimney sweep, you can work towards the NVQ Level 2 in Chimney Engineering/Cleaning with the  National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) at their Chimney Training Centre in Stone, Staffordshire, or at some colleges.

Membership of NACS will show customers that you are a competent chimney sweep and work to a strict code of practice and conduct. Your details will be included in the directory on the NACS website, which customers can use when looking for a chimney sweep. To join the NACS you must do a two-day NACS Induction course,  have an on-site assessment, have public liability insurance and have all the necessary tools and equipment.

As a NACS member you can do other NACS short courses such as the Ladder and Roof Safety Certification course. Visit the NACS website (in Further Information below) for details.

You can also do training and assessment through NACS leading to registration with (for solid fuel) the Heating Equipment Testing Approval Scheme (HETAS), (for oil) the Oil Firing Technical Association and (for gas) the Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI).

As a qualified chimney sweep you can join the Guild of Master Sweeps. Visit the Guild's website (in Further Information below) for details.

Opportunities

Most chimney sweeps are self-employed, although some work for private companies, for example solid fuel distributors.

Setting up in business can involve a lot of expense and effort, as you will need to buy equipment and attract custom. It may be possible to buy an existing business.

Annual Income

Rates of pay for self-employed chimney sweeps vary according to how much work they have.

Further information

Tel: 0870 417 8777 Unit 15
Emerald Way
Stone Business Park
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0SR
Tel: 01785 811732 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577