Chimney Sweeps & Fireplace Technicians

Chimney sweeps climb roofs, crawl into fireplaces and breathe soot. The job combines fall hazards, dust, carbon monoxide and fire. A clean, safe chimney also protects the customer's family from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, so careful, protected work benefits everyone.

• Chimney Sweeps
• Fireplace Technicians
• Masons
• Home Inspectors

Main hazards

• Falls from roofs and ladders: steep roofs, wet or icy shingles, chimney tops and ladders on uneven ground. See Roofing and Ladder Basics.
• Soot, creosote and ash dust: these irritate the lungs and skin, and soot has long been linked to cancer in chimney workers. Creosote buildup is also flammable. See Occupational Cancer and Treated Wood & Creosote.
• Carbon monoxide from blocked flues and appliances. See Carbon Monoxide.
• Fire: hot ash and live embers, buildup of creosote and chimney fires.
• Structural problems: loose bricks, crumbling crowns and damaged liners can fall, or the chimney can collapse under load.
• Other contaminants: asbestos in old flue liners or insulation, lead in old paint and mold. See Asbestos and Lead-Safe Renovators.
• Crawling and confined spaces in attics, fireboxes, smoke chambers and flues. See Confined Spaces.
• Electrical hazards from service lines near roofs and from lights and cords. See Overhead Power Lines.
• Heat in summer roof work. See Heat Illness.

Roof and ladder safety

• Use a harness with a lanyard or rope grab tied to a secure anchor on steep roofs and wherever you could fall 6 feet or more, along with roof jacks or roof ladders as needed. See Fall Protection Basics and Roof Anchors.
• Set the ladder on firm, level ground at the 4-to-1 angle, tie it off, and extend it 3 feet above the roof edge. Check for power lines before raising it.
• Skip roof work in rain, ice, snow or high wind, or when the roof is hot. Wear boots with good traction.
• Don't walk on weak or old roofing without checking it, and avoid roof edges and skylights. Carry tools in a bag, not in your hands.
• Keep a distance from chimneys that look unstable or leaning and have them evaluated first.

Soot and dust protection

• Use a HEPA-filtered chimney vacuum and a drop cloth or containment at the fireplace, with the firebox sealed, to keep soot out of the house.
• Wear a fit-tested respirator with P100 particulate filters or as your hazard assessment calls for, plus eye protection, gloves and coveralls. See Respiratory Protection and Respirator Filters.
• Brush and rod in a way that moves soot toward the vacuum. Avoid dry sweeping.
• Change out of dirty clothes before entering a vehicle or home, bag and wash them separately, and shower after work. Wash hands and face before eating. See Take-Home Contamination.
• Handle and dispose of ash and creosote debris in metal containers or sealed bags, away from combustibles.

Fire and carbon monoxide

• Check that fires are out and ashes are cold before work. Never clean a chimney with a fire burning.
• Look for creosote glaze (stage 3 buildup), cracked flue liners and gaps. Advise customers that a damaged flue needs repair before use.
• Install or check CO alarms at the job and recommend working alarms to customers. Leave the house when readings are high. See CO Detectors.
• Cover and vent the chimney properly after work, and make sure dampers and caps are working. Explain safe burning, seasoned wood and annual inspection to the homeowner (many fire codes and NFPA 211 support inspection at least once a year).
• Keep an extinguisher on the truck.

Inspection and customer safety

• Use cameras and lights to inspect liners and chimneys, and describe what you find honestly, with photos.
• Protect floors and furnishings, and tell customers to keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Report asbestos-like materials or heavy damage and recommend professionals for removal. Don't disturb suspected asbestos.
• Train new sweeps on ladders, harnesses, respirators and safe work practices. See Safety Training Basics.

Chimney sweep checklist

• The ladder is tied off and a harness and anchor are used on steep roofs
• There is no wet, icy or windy roof work
• I use a HEPA vacuum, containment and a fit-tested respirator
• Fire is out and ashes are cold; CO alarms are checked
• I bag and wash dirty clothes and advise customers about annual inspection

Last updated: October 5, 2026