This apprenticeship program is the first authorized apprenticeship program in the United States for the chimney industry that will bring professionalism and character to the chimney industry by providing quality training and certification. Eurotech Chimney has worked with the Department of Labor & Industry and the Manufacturing, Trades and Technical Programs Community College Workforce Alliance, to develop a comprehensive educational and training program to ensure the chimney industry is trained for the demanding needs of today’s and tomorrow’s heating and hearth needs. Eurotech Chimney Restoration is the home of Virginia’s apprenticeship program and we also are the home of the IAFCI (International Association of Fireplace & Chimney Inspectors) Education Center. A perfect marriage of professionalism and comment. IAFCI’s Education Center has been purposely built for our industry by our members. Please take a few moments to review the necessary information and training outline for the apprenticeship program.

Course Of Study Apprenticeship

 I. Introduction

Chimney & Vent Technician/Inspector
Lecture: 4 hours every other week
Home study: 2 hours per week

Course Study introduces theory, maintenance, repair and service along with training and education of the chimney as a system and as part of a system. This course will apply codes and standards as guideline for repair, service and installation of any appliances vented through a vent or chimney system.

II. Learner Outcomes

Course Topics: Year 1

1) Introduction of Chimney Basics, Safety & Access.

· Safety Instruction
· OSHA Requirements
· Company Policy
· Ladder Use
· Home Assessment
· Basic First Aid

2) Basic Principles of Sweeping.

· Set up in House
· Set up on Chimney
· Required Levels of Inspection
· Tools and Equipment use
· General Tool Safety
· Dust Control Methods and equipment
· Basic Documentation and Photography
· Customer Communication

3) Basic Introduction to Codes and Standards

· Chimney as Part of a System
· Introduction to Building Codes
· Statewide Building Code
· Use of National Fuel Gas Code
· Use of International Mechanical Code

4) Basic Principles of Chimney Repair

· Introduction to Masonry Repairs
· Introduction to Components and Repair Materials

Training Hours: 150

Course Topics: Year 2

1) The Fireplace and the Chimney

· Fireplace and Chimney Construction
· Fireplace Use
· Fireplace with Wood, Gas and Pellet Appliances
· Rumford Fireplaces
· Troubleshooting Problem Fireplaces

2) Other Flues in the Chimney

· Venting Heating Appliances
· Venting other Equipment into a Chimney
· Size and Condition Requirements
· Inspecting Heating Appliance Flues
· Principles of Venting Efficiently
· Introduction to Performance Testing

3) Hearth Appliances

· Unlisted Appliances
· Codes and Standards
· NFI Woodburning
· NFI Gas Specialist
· NFI Pellet

4) Identifying Hazards and Performance Issues

· Fire Hazards
· Health Hazards
· Use of Test Equipment
· CO Testing
· Following OSHA Regulations
· Customer Communication of Hazards

Training Hours: 150

Course Topics: Year 3

1) Inspection F.I.R.E. Course

· Understanding Fire Technology
· Forensic Evaluation
· Masonry Fireplaces
· Prefabricated Fireplaces
· Metal Factory Built Fireplaces
· Evaluation and Repair

2) Carbon Monoxide Training

· Testing
· Analysis
· Prevention
· Corrective Action

3) Combustion Analysis Training

· Theory
· Laboratory Training
· Evaluation
· Corrective Action

4) Professional Accountability

· Working with Code Officials
· Working with Other Professionals
· Documentation
· Basic Computer skills

Training Hours: 150

Course topics: Year 4

1. Fireplace. Codes and standards

· Current ICC codes
· Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
· NFPA 211

2. Chimney. Codes and standards

· Current ICC codes
· Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
· NFPA 211
· Manufacturers Installation Instructions
· UL Listings

3. Fireplace & Chimney historic overview of codes

· How code developed
· Minimum standards
· Today’s code with yesteryears buildings

Training Hours: 150

 

Chimney Repairer Works Process Apprenticeship Program

 899.364-010

Onet – 47-2021.00[SEH1] 

A. Chimney Maintenance and Repair (Masonry)

 

1. Safety Instruction - program in accordance with company policy and local, state and federal regulations.
2. Minor repairs, crown repair, minor repointing – Portland cement and lime, firebox minor repairs.
3. Planning a restoration, material selection
4. Inspection training and evaluations
5. Cap installation, weatherproofing, flashing repair

 

B. Chimney Maintenance and Repair (Prefab)

 

1. Safety Instruction - program in accordance with company policy and local, state and federal regulations.
2. Panel replacement, chase cover replacement, damper repairs
3. Planning a restoration, material selection
4. Inspection training and evaluations
5. Manufacturers instructions
6. Replacement of Prefabricated chimney and firebox - UL 127

 

C. Sweeping, Masonry

        1. Standing operational procedures:

A. Set up
B. Ladder safety and roof safety
C. Fall safety procedures
D. Sweeping
E. Dust control
F. Levels of inspection
G. Customer communication
E. Documentation
F. Inspect Level 1 and 2

 

D. Sweeping Prefab

A. Set up
B. Ladder safety and roof safety
C. Fall safety procedures
D. Sweeping
E. Dust control
F. Customer communication
G. Documentation
H. Inspect Levels 1, 2, and 3

2000 hours field experience with each year of apprenticeship Total 2,000 hours

SAFETY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY IN ALL APPRENTICESHIP
PROGRAMS AND, AS THE SPONSOR=S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY,
MUST BE TAUGHT AND PRACTICED CONTINUOUSLY
IN ALL ON-THE-JOB WORK PROCESSES.

 

Chimney Repairer Year Two

 899.364-010

Onet – 47-2021.00

E. Masonry pointing, cleaning and caulking, including

 

1. Major repairs, historic restoration of brickwork- lime mortar- restoration techniques and implementation
2. Erecting scaffolding
3. Pointing brick & stone; cutting and raking joint
4. Cleaning stone, brick and tile (water, acid)
5. Caulking stone, brick
6. Staining mortar joints 800 hours

 

F. Relining existing chimney flues

 

1. Gas relining, insulation, codes, material selection, NFPA 54 National Gas Code
2. Oil relining insulation, codes NFPA 31 National Fuel Oil
3. Fireplace relines UL1777, IRC, codes, insulation and smoke chamber termination
4. Smoke chamber restoration
5. Rumford - design and sizing 800 hours

 

G. Care and use of tools and equipment, including

1. Trowels, brick hammer, plumb rule, scaffolds, cutting saws, grinders, drills, hand equipment and tools, etc.
100 hours

I. Installation of Hearth Appliances

1. Wood burning
2. Gas
3. Alternative fuels
300 hours

 

2000 hours field experience with each year of apprenticeship Total 2,000 hours

SAFETY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY IN ALL APPRENTICESHIP
PROGRAMS AND, AS THE SPONSOR=S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY,
MUST BE TAUGHT AND PRACTICED CONTINUOUSLY
IN ALL ON-THE-JOB WORK PROCESSES

 

Fire Inspector Work Process

 373.267-010

O-net – 33-2021.01

A. Inspect Chimneys and/or Fireplaces to locate and report on potentially hazardous conditions such as code violations, misuse or abuse and operation performance. 1,600 hours

B. Identify corrective actions necessary to bring fireplaces and chimneys into compliance with applicable codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives. 800 hours

C. Conduct code inspections to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where code violations were found. 400 hours

D. Provide written detailed reports based on chimney and/or fireplace inspections which includes code violations observed, and recommendations for corrective measures. 600 Hours

E. Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the fireplace and/or chimney meet minimum code requirements and industry standards. 600 Hours

Total Hours 4,000

SAFETY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY IN ALL APPRENTICESHIP
PROGRAMS AND, AS THE SPONSOR=S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY,
MUST BE TAUGHT AND PRACTICED CONTINUOUSLY
IN ALL ON-THE-JOB WORK PROCESSES.