As licensed gas fitters, sometimes we have responsibilities that make us unpopular.  When we’re on the job and we see something that contravenes the gas code, we’re not allowed to look the other way.  Safety is the only reason why these rules exist.  Funny, we often hear about business wanting to ‘cut red tape’ but this tape is keeping our safety net intact. Where would we be without rules and regulations for gas technicians? I shudder at the mere thought of it.

Recently I found a gas stove on kijiji for a great price.  When I asked about why he was selling it, the fellow told me that his wife didn’t like it, and that a gas technician who was in the house moving the gas line for their dryer noticed an issue with the gas line to the stove.  Unfortunately, that technician had no choice but to abide by the gas code and tell the homeowners that the stove is infracted.  Well that was it: gas stove was coming out!  They went electric, and I’ve gone to gas.

Big news around the industry: a couple models of Majestic brand fireplaces have been condemned.  It seems there is a flaw in the design: there have been a number of reported incidents of gas building up around the ceramic logs and exploding, shattering the glass into the room, and injuring people.  Here is the relevant quote from the TSSA’s release:

A Director’s Order was issued on September 14 prohibiting the sale, lease, rental, installation or use in Ontario of the following gas fireplaces manufactured by CFM Inc. (Majestic Fireplace):

All Insta-Flame and Northern Flame natural gas or propane-fired direct vent freestanding fireplaces with ‘FSDV22’ or ‘FSDV30’ or ‘FSDV32’ in the model name or number.

Any Insta-Flame and Northern Flame natural gas or propane-fired direct vent freestanding fireplace with the prefix ‘R’ in the model name or number is not included in the Director’s Order.

If you have a gas fireplace at home, take a minute to confirm the make and model of the unit. Call us if you have trouble identifying it. Should you own one of these Majectic models, shut it down, and for safety’s sake – get it replaced.

Call Afterglow for your water warmth and well-being needs!