Update on WETT Inspection™ Forms
Valued members,
As you know, a number of years ago, the organization put into motion a number of initiatives that would help us prepare for mandating our inspection forms in order to constitute a WETT Inspection™.
Trademarking the term "WETT Inspection™"; we started the application process with the support of legal counsel some years ago and only last year were approved;
Finalizing and testing new and improved inspection forms for systems (updates on this below);
Launching a new SOP for inspections, which was released to members a couple of years ago;
Creating a new SITE Inspection course; this is not a revised SITE Basic Inspection course, but a completely new course with a new approach to teaching.
WETT Inspection™ forms have been available to members for download from both the members only section of the WETT National website and our Student Member website, since Candidate members may use the WETT-branded inspection forms for inspection purposes.
After a thorough testing period, the forms were launched as fillable PDFs and have been in action in the field for close to two years now. We have continued to gather feedback from members and applied slight modifications to improve the functionality of the WETT Inspection™ forms. One of the biggest changes is the ability to click and unclick the checkboxes at will. We also removed some drop-down menu options based on feedback that members would prefer to not have limitations to their responses.
The newest versions of the inspection forms, labelled V1, are the forms all members should now be using. Please replace the files you are using currently with the latest versions. With plans to mandate the use of our inspection forms by all WETT members coming soon, we encourage you all to begin using them if you have not already. Once mandated, only the current version of the inspection forms will constitute a WETT Inspection™.
We have provided you with editable files so that you can complete them electronically. These forms are modifiable as long as they are not signed. This is a feature to safeguard against any potential tampering or alteration not made by you, the inspector.
Once you add your digital signature to the form (opened using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat), the form locks, with the exception of the digital signature field for the client. This prevents the client from changing any of the content. However, if the client’s digital signature is added first, you — the inspector — cannot add your digital signature: you must add your signature before the client’s signature is added. Once the signatures have been added, the form is locked and can no longer be edited.
If for some reason you are not adding your digital signature, you can add password security (File – properties – security – password security).
The forms must be saved to your device before sending.
Edit at your leisure, however, do not sign the form until it is FINAL. Your client is still able to add their signature after you have locked the form.
Member access and posting of WETT-branded inspection forms
WETT recognizes that the need to post inspection forms on members’ websites is important in order to communicate to consumers the need and value of having a WETT Inspection™ done. Therefore, we have also made available sample watermarked forms to help you promote your WETT Inspections™.
Because access to these forms is limited to WETT-certified individuals and Candidate members, the following must be adhered to:
Only WETT-certified professionals, or companies that employ WETT-certified professionals, may post WETT-branded inspection forms on their websites as reference for consumers
Only the provided sample version of the inspection form may be posted. This can be found in the WETT members only section of the website in the Documents section.
The inspection form can only be used in its original format. It cannot be altered in any manner without prior written approval by WETT Inc.
If a certificate holder fails to maintain membership with WETT for any reason, the right to use the inspection form is forfeited.
If a company no longer employs any WETT-certified person, the company forfeits the right to use the WETT inspection form and must remove the form from its website or advertisements within 60 days of the last WETT-certified person no longer being employed.
WETT Inc. reserves the right to require companies to suspend use of the inspection form if WETT Inc. deems the use inappropriate or damaging to the reputation of WETT Inc.
WETT may require the addition of text to accompany the inspection form to clarify the nature of support.
A disclaimer should accompany the forms stating that the inspection form is only valid when it includes the inspector’s WETT certification number.
SBI Training Bursary: Congratulations to Our 2023 Bursary Winner
SBI and WETT would like to congratulate Lucas Eady, the 2023 winner of the SBI Training Bursary.
Lucas has worked in the construction industry for a little over 30 years in a family business, mainly doing roofing and chimneys, and is looking for a new career that is not so physically demanding on the body.
He has been working for his brother, James Eady (Eady Home Inspections) in the home inspection industry for the last two years and would like to add WETT Inspection™ to his profile.
The purpose of this bursary is to provide financial assistance to a person seeking WETT certification as an installer, system advisor or sweep following the WETT path to certification. Eligibility is open to applicants seeking WETT certification who are Canadian citizens, reside in Canada and are family members of current or recently WETT-certified (within the last five years) professionals.
The recipient will have the course fees waived for:
The Code Compliance course
The Wood-burning Systems course, and
The SITE™ Inspection course.
Submission deadline for 2024 is September 30.
WETT Will be at the Spring Cottage Life Show
WETT members —Inspectors, Sweeps and Installers— will be promoted by the WETT National Vice President and Instructor in training Ian Myers, and Past President/long-time WETT instructor Brian Palmateer.
If you are going to the show, stop by and say hello!
Elections for the WETT National Board Have Launched
Key Dates
February 1, 2024: Call for Nominations released
March 22, 2024: Nomination Deadline
April 1, 2024: Voting Opens (make sure you have renewed for 2024)
May 3, 2024: Ballot Voting Deadline
June 13, 2024: Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Nominations for candidates for the 2024-2026 WETT Board of Directors are now closed. The Board is composed of a minimum of eight (8) and not more than twelve (12) directors, consisting of at least two each of WETT-certified advisors, inspectors, technicians and sweeps, with no more than five from any one category. The term is for two years.
A slate of nominees was sent electronically on April 1, 2024 for voting. The new Board will be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for June 13, 2024. This year we have openings for three (3) directors, as one position is acclaimed.
Elections will be done electronically.
For those members who do not have an email on file with the office, ballots will be mailed.
WETT Certification vs. WETT Inspection™
By Cindy Buckle
To completely understand the difference, let’s first answer “What is WETT and what does WETT do?”
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems in Canada.
Objectives of WETT
To develop, maintain, promote and deliver professional training courses within the framework of the Wood Energy Technical Training Program (WETT) for practitioners of trades related to the sale, installation, maintenance and inspection of systems using wood and other biomass fuels.
To maintain a registry containing the names of holders of valid WETT certificates and those who are students under the program.
In accordance with the WETT Code of Ethics, foster and promote among certificate holders the highest level of professional conduct in the delivery of services to the public.
To encourage and promote the safe and efficient use of wood energy through the distribution of public information materials and through collaboration with government agencies and related industries.
To foster and promote research and education in the utilization of wood as a source of energy.
To promote the interests and activities of the members of the organization in a reasonable and legal manner.
To provide a forum for the discussion of issues of importance or interest to the members and to share information and opinions for the mutual benefit of the members.
To carry on such other activities as may, from time to time, be ordered by the Board of Directors of the organization and which are consistent with these objectives.
Through the Wood Energy Technical Training (WETT) program, industry professionals spend many hours to become sufficiently educated to perform their jobs in the field when installing, servicing or inspecting solid-fuel-energy systems. When taking the path to WETT certification, any person who wishes to hold a WETT credential agrees to abide by the WETT Code of Ethics that holds them to a higher standard of performance and professional behaviour.
Individuals who have achieved WETT certification and hold a current, valid WETT certification number may do the following:
Inspect a solid-fuel-burning system.
Report on the condition of the inspected fuel-burning system.
May, but are not required to, provide advice on how to bring the inspected solid-fuel-burning system into code compliance. However, this may require a higher level of certification or training.
WETT Inc. does not certify appliances.
WETT Inc. does not certify an installation of a solid-fuel-burning system.
Manufacturers of solid-fuel-burning systems certify their appliances by test laboratories, like CSA or Intertek.
A WETT-certified individual cannot certify an appliance or an installation.
A WETT-certified individual can only attest to the proper installation of said appliance and chimney according to both Manufacturers’ Written Installation Instructions and the Provincial/National Codes that apply to that installation.
To find a WETT-certified professional in your area to inspect your solid-fuel-burning system, check the Search for Professionals page on our website
WETT names John Gulland as Honorary Member
WETT is pleased to announce that John Gulland has been named an honorary member of the organization. Honorary Membership is bestowed by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the organization and/or to the WETT Inc. professional training system.
John Gulland's involvement with wood burning began in 1974 when he built a wood stove for his own home. Since then he has gained professional experience in virtually every aspect of residential wood burning, including product design and manufacture, safety and environmental standards development, stove, fireplace and chimney retailing, policy and market analysis, laboratory and field research, and professional training. He is a founder and principal writer for the popular woodheat.org web site.
John Gulland
WETT Acting Executive Director, 1999/2000
WETT Conference & Expo
WETT 2024 Conference & Expo
WETT is pleased to announce that we will be hosting our first ever Conference & Expo being held in Moncton, New Brunswick on June 13 in collaboration with WETT-NB.
Our focus this year is on awareness and education.
The program will open with a keynote address from John Ceaser, Chair, Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
John is also the host of a podcast titled “Lend me your ears”, where he shares his experiences in being a business owner. We look forward to getting insights on this and also his perspective on the solid fuel industry and the synergies between CSIA and WETT. Learn more about John here…
The day will continue with a mix of hands-on training in:
Stainless steel liners
Masonry repointing parts 1 & 2
Flashing a metal roof
as well as some theoretical seminars on:
WETT Inspections™
Insurance Risk Analysis
CO Detection
Look for more details on these sessions and on our exhibitors coming soon.
Sign up early to secure your spot for what is sure to be an exciting day of learning and networking.
WETT names Marshall Byle as Honorary Member
WETT is pleased to announce that Marshall Byle has been named an honorary member of the organization. Honorary Membership is bestowed by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the organization and/or to the WETT Inc. professional training system.
About 45 years ago I built my first wood stove. As Vanessa Percival pointed out, it was the wild west back then. Oil embargoes were taking place, electrical prices were high, and people were installing wood-burning stoves with no certification and sketchy installation rules, even in the building codes. Small-town fire departments were called to deal with chimney fires, often, several per week.
I was serving a boilermaker apprenticeship at the Bruce Nuclear Development but decided to start a part-time chimney sweep business to help pay my mortgage, which renewed at 20% back then. (Sound familiar?) Eventually, I became a part-time nuclear worker and full-time solid-fuel technician, operating a full-service retail store.
Opportunities arose to be involved with the Ontario Chimney Sweeps Association, the Canadian Standards to develop training requirements for sweeps and solid-fuel technicians and, later, B365. When WETT got started, you couldn’t keep me out of it. Taking the first train-the-trainer courses with the best people across Canada was a tremendous experience. Jan Herald and I often delivered training together and later teamed up to upgrade some of the courses.
Over the years I had the opportunity to deliver WETT training all over Ontario and delivered the first courses in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
I don’t think I ever delivered a course without learning something myself. What a privilege.
Marshall is now retired and lives in a woodlot, still burning wood. He also continues to write a monthly column called “Rooftops” for the Bruce County Marketplace magazine. Has been writing this column for over 30 years.
Marshall Byle
WETT President, 1998/1999, 2000/2001
Selkirk Training Bursary: Congratulations to Our 2023 Bursary Winner
Selkirk Canada Inc. and WETT would like to congratulate Mitchell Somerville, the 2023 winner of the Selkirk Training Bursary.
Mitchell works as a sales associate for The Fireplace Centre, in Kamloops, BC. Mitchell's roles include sales and installations. He also attends trainings and studies installation manuals. Mitchell feels that becoming WETT certified is an important step in his development as a hearth professional.
During his time at The Fireplace Centre, Mitchell has proven himself to be irreplaceable. His positive attitude helps make the shop a happy and friendly place to do business.
The purpose of this bursary is to provide financial assistance to a person seeking WETT certification as an installer, system advisor or sweep following the WETT paths to certification. This bursary will cover the course fees for one individual per year seeking WETT certification.
Submission deadline September 30.
Congratulations to our 2023 Elizabeth Mason Academic Achievement Award Winner
In memory of Elizabeth Mason, who passed away in 2008, WETT created the Elizabeth Mason Academic Achievement Award.
Elizabeth was a long-standing WETT member committed to advancing the goals of the organization.
WETT is pleased to announce that Waldemar Beitler — from Ste. Anne, MB — is the 2023 award winner.
Wood Stoves Installed in Residential Garages / WETT Inspections™
By Ian Myers
Having the right and ability in Canada, under CSA B365 Installation code for solid-fuel-burning appliances and equipment, to install a wood stove into a residential garage may not be much of a concern for urban communities, but for many rural areas it is an important option.
The following are two, notable, additional requirements, while installing in a residential garage, that are not required when installing within a residential dwelling.
The applicable clause: 4.3 Hazardous Locations
An appliance shall not be installed in a location where a corrosive atmosphere, flammable gas or vapour, combustible dust, combustible fibres might be present. It may be installed in a
(a) storage or residential garage, provided that the appliance is mounted in such a manner that any component representing a source of ignition, such as a blower or bottom of the firebox, is at least 450 mm (18'') above the floor level and protected against physical damage.
Naturally, should a significant amount of flammable liquid be spilled within the garage (such fumes being heavier than air) having the air intake of the wood stove at least 18'' above the floor would help to prevent fumes from immediately being drawn into the fire box of the wood stove causing an explosion or fire. The additional “protection from physical damage” (such as a pole or curb in front of the appliance) should the stove be installed, in-line, such that it could be struck by a moving vehicle — would further contribute to the over-all safety of the installation.
These are all “well and good,” positive installation instructions. However, it does contain a contradiction, that from my experience results in a percentage of WETT inspectors declaring while inspecting that wood stoves in garages are “non-compliant,” beginning with the title of such installations being 'Hazardous Locations' and the introductory sentence declaring a hazardous location to be defined as a place where “flammable gas or vapour might be present.”
I am on the CSA B365 Technical Committee and I brought this topic up at our last meeting and requested that this wording be changed.
My rationale for the change, essentially is that it is a contradiction, as evidenced by what is not an unreasonable reading of the current Code. If an installation location was dangerous then CSA B365 would not be advising how to proceed.
Further, as installers and inspectors, using the Code — we do not assume responsibility for potential use or operation of that which has been installed or inspected, we do not inspect for “potentials,” if we did, then no appliance of any type would be installed anywhere.
I also said, that I understand and respect the message behind the current composition, but that education regarding usage, including the space where an appliance is located should best occur by other means. For example: the new WETT inspection forms have a page regarding Fire Codes, for educational purposes, plus there is an inspection point referring to the Hazardous Locations clause; this would be an excellent place to educate the public, with an additional, specific note for the user of the appliance which has just been installed or inspected, all the more reason for insurance companies to request a current WETT Inspection™ for wood-burning systems.
So, my suggestion was a simple one, that the word be changed from “might” be present, to – “is” present. By all means, while inspecting, if fumes or large amounts of combustible dust are present it should be noted as “non-compliant” in the Hazardous Locations category.
It is important to note, that gas and solvent containers being present in a garage are not hazardous. The design of such containers are also governed by Codes, up to and including how many units can be stored at one location. The analysis of such factors is outside of the expertise and definition of a WETT Inspection™.
It is important to clarify and amend the wording of our Codes in response to their “real-world” use. We certainly do not want them to be applied in an unintended way.
It is important that rural areas continue to have the option of a solid fuel burning appliance in their garage and our industry should protect that right.
WETT names Vanessa Percival as Honorary Member
WETT is pleased to announce that Vanessa Percival has been named an honorary member of the organization. Honorary Membership is bestowed by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the organization and/or to the WETT Inc. professional training system.
At 18 years old I used a wood stove for the first time, and I was hooked! I loved everything about it… the connection to the natural world, freedom from corporate fuel supply, and most of all the warmth.
I started working in a woodstove store in my early twenties, and boy, was it the Wild West out there in terms of installation guidelines, rules or codes! When I opened Embers in Perth, Ontario I registered for WETT courses right away. I understood the value of the education offered by the WETT program and was not disappointed in the information, trainer or course materials. Meeting other people that were on the same journey and sharing stories and laughs with these folks was precious.
When John Gulland asked if I would consider being on the WETT board, I gladly agreed. Having worked with HPBAC and WETT I saw the value they had to my business and was pleased to be involved with the board. We did some great work, a lot of energy went into coaxing the government that EPA emission standards needed to implemented in Canada. The Burn it Smart program took us all over Ontario, into Quebec and even into the US connecting with other retailers, installers, distributors and homeowners during the delivery of these very hands on Burn it Smart courses. There was always the important, ongoing work of course updates and development. All in all, working with WETT was very rewarding and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with a truly wonderful group of people, achieving some remarkable goals.
I am retired now, and gladly heating my house with a Jotul TL50, which I split and pile the wood for each year. Still loving the connection to nature, and teaching my Grandkids to do the same.
Vanessa Percival
WETT President, 2002-2005
Happy Holidays from WETT
The team at WETT would like to extend our best wishes to you all for a safe and peaceful holiday season. We hope you are able to enjoy the festivities with family and friends. Looking forward to what the new year will bring!
Holiday Office Hours
The WETT Board of Directors and national office will be unavailable from 5 p.m. ET on Friday, December 22, 2023 to Monday, January 1, 2024 inclusive. We will be back at 9 a.m. ET on January 2 and will make every effort to respond to all inquiries within the first 48 hours upon our return.
See you all in the new year!
Updates to B365-17
Here is the most recent update to the CSA B365-17. Click here to download it, and make sure to add it to your hardcopy.
Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14, 2023
This coming weekend is Thanksgiving. While enjoying your wood-burning fire, remember to take precautions. In honour of Fire Prevention Week, we provide you with the following article. As always, stay safe.
This article was provided as a public information piece by the WETT Communications Committee for members to share. We recommend that you share it with your networks/client base as a marketing tool for your business.
Chimney Fire Facts
As you snuggle in front of a cozy fire or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, you are taking part in a ritual of comfort and enjoyment handed down through the centuries. The last thing you are likely to be thinking about is the condition of your chimney. However, if you don't give some thought to it before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be very short-lived. Why? Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people.
Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fuelled fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the by-products of combustion — the substances given off when wood burns.
As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky; tar-like, drippy and sticky; or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system.
Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities — and catches fire inside the chimney flue — the result will be a chimney fire. Although any amount of creosote can burn, sweeps are concerned when creosote builds up in sufficient quantities to sustain a long, hot, destructive chimney fire.
Certain conditions encourage the build-up of creosote: restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and cooler-than- normal chimney temperatures are all factors that can accelerate the build-up of creosote on chimney flue walls.
Air supply
The air supply on fireplaces may be restricted by closed glass doors or by failure to open the damper wide enough to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly (the longer the smoke’s “residence time” in the flue, the more likely is it that creosote will form). A wood stove’s air supply can be limited by closing down the stove damper or air inlets too soon and too much, and by improperly using the stovepipe damper to restrict air movement.
Burning unseasoned firewood
Because so much energy is used initially just to drive off the water trapped in the cells of the logs, burning green wood keeps the resulting smoke cooler as it moves through the system than if dried, seasoned wood is used.
Cool flue temperatures
In the case of wood stoves, fully-packed loads of wood (that give large cool fires and eight- or 10-hour burn times) contribute to creosote build-up. Condensation of the unburned by-products of combustion also occurs more rapidly in an exterior chimney, for example, than in a chimney that runs through the centre of a house and exposes only the upper reaches of the flue to the elements.
Failing to maintain your woodstove or fireplace properly can lead to a chimney fire. Chimney fires occur when creosote deposits on the inner walls of the chimney ignite. A fire hazard exists if 1/4 inch of creosote (or more) coats the inner walls of the chimney.
Chimney fires can burn explosively — noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbours or passers-by. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying airplane. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about. Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have enough fuel to be as dramatic or visible. But the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure — and nearby combustible parts of the house — as their more spectacular cousins. With proper chimney system care, chimney fires are entirely preventable.
WAYS TO KEEP THE FIRE YOU WANT... FROM STARTING ONE YOU DON'T!
Chimney fires may even occur in clean, intact, properly installed chimneys. Have a WETT-certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your appliance at least once a year. More frequent cleanings may be required, based on the type of wood burned, the type of appliance and the frequency of use. In general, an older, uncertified wood stove, or any appliance that is used frequently, will require more than one cleaning per year.
Make sure a WETT-certified chimney sweep inspects your solid-fuel-venting system annually, and cleans and repairs it whenever needed.
Chemical cleaners and/or log products should not be used for maintenance in a wood-burning appliance. Do not depend on them to clean your chimney. A chimney requires professional sweeping on a regular basis; regular chimney inspections are always recommended. The Creosote Sweeping Log (CSL) will not tell you if your chimney is blocked or has any kind of structural damage. The Creosote Sweeping Log does not take the place of inspection and professional cleaning.
Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. WETT recommends that you call on certified chimney sweeps, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems.
Chimney fires don’t have to happen. Here are some ways to avoid them:
Use seasoned woods only (dryness is more important than hard wood versus soft wood considerations)
Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke
Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimney fire
Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, so you can adjust burning practices as needed
Have the chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis
Detection
The first indication of a chimney fire is usually the noise — a roaring sound that grows louder as the fire’s intensity increases. Clouds of black smoke and sparks will be seen exiting the top of the chimney; in severe fires, flames can extend several feet about the chimney.
Action
In case of a chimney fire, follow these steps:
Call the fire department immediately.
If able to, close the appliance’s dampers and/or the primary air inlet controls, limiting the fire’s air supply and reducing its intensity. If there is a barometric damper in the chimney connector, plug or close the opening in the barometric damper.
Alert and assist everyone in the house to evacuate, including you.
Closely monitor all combustible surfaces near the chimney. During severe chimney fires, these surfaces can become hot enough to ignite.
After a chimney fire, have the chimney inspected by a WETT-certified chimney technician/sweep. Contact your insurance carrier.
DO NOT USE THE CHIMNEY UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED by a WETT-certified technician/sweep. The excessive heat produced by a chimney fire can crack chimney walls, damage chimney liners, and damage some types of factory- built chimneys. If not repaired, these damages create a greater possibility for any subsequent chimney fire to spread beyond the confines of the flue to the house.
Signs that You've Had a Chimney Fire
Since chimney fires can occur without anyone being aware of them ... and since damage from such fires can endanger a home and its occupants, how do you tell if you've experienced a chimney fire?
Here are the signs a professional chimney sweep looks for:
“puffy” creosote, with rainbow-coloured streaks, that has expanded beyond creosote’s normal form
warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber, connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney
cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles with large chunks missing
discoloured and distorted rain cap
creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground
roofing material damaged from hot creosote
cracks in exterior masonry
evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners
If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call a WETT-certified technician/chimney sweep for a professional evaluation. If your suspicions are confirmed, a certified sweep will be able to make recommendations about how to bring the system back into compliance with safety standards. Depending on the situation, you might need a few flue tiles replaced, a relining system installed or an entire chimney rebuilt. Each situation is unique and will dictate its own solution.
Reminder: WETT Resources for Members
Valued member,
As a follow up to our previous communication on the launch of new resources for members, we are pleased to provide some further updates.
The organization has secured a trademark for the title “WETT Inspections™.” This provides us with an opportunity to further reinforce the quality and integrity of inspections undertaken by our qualified members. In order to ensure consistency, WETT has worked to develop the following resources to compliment the use of the term “WETT Inspection™.”
Standards of Practice for Inspections
SITE® Table
WETT Inspection Forms
SITE® Inspection Course
In keeping with our Mission Statement:
_______________________________________
“To foster and promote among certificate holders the highest level of professional conduct in the delivery of services to the public.”
Standard of Practice (SOP) for Inspections: This provides our membership with best practices in providing inspections to the general public and ensures there is consistency across the board with how our members engage with clients.
There is an element of potential liability, so a thorough and consistent method of work is required — do your due diligence, as both a credit to you and your professionalism as well as to the customer who hired you. Ensure the homeowner is fully aware of the extent of your contracted WETT Inspection® services. You can use the Consumer Inspection Brochure, found in the Documents section of the members’ section of the WETT Inc. website, to help you.
WETT-certified professionals are all bound — both ethically and by code requirements — to adhere to a high standard of professionalism. This includes advocating on behalf of:
the manufacturer of an appliance;
the governing bodies & authorities having jurisdiction that their business practices are aligned with and;
the homeowner who has selected a WETT-certified professional to review the installation of that appliance.
These standards of practice are the first step, with standards currently in development for installers and chimney sweeps.
“To encourage and promote the safe and efficient use of wood energy through the distribution of public information materials through the collaboration with government agencies and related industries.”
SITE® Table: To further enhance our communication with members and the general public, WETT has also re-developed the SITE® Levels of Inspection table that has stood as a guide for inspections for many years. Through feedback from both members and the public, we determined that further clarity to this table was required. This will stand to further enhance open communication between members and the public. The team has since created two versions:
A SITE® table for members: provides some clarity on what the minimum expectations are when inspecting, and what some key indicators are for deciding to move to a more comprehensive approach.
A SITE® table for the general public: provides a view to what is included in an inspection, with some key indicators that may require a WETT-certified professional to recommend further exploration. This table was developed with careful consideration to technical terms that the general public may not fully comprehend.
These tables say the same thing, but the language is tailored to each audience.
The WETT Reference Manual states “The inspection of a solid-fuel-fired heating system is a demanding and sensitive job.” Managing a homeowner’s expectations of what will be provided to them is key; educating the general public about the types of inspection & determining the correct type of inspection required for their purpose is important.
“To promote the interests and activities of the members of the organization in a reasonable and legal manner.”
Recommended Inspection Forms: These forms have been updated and are available in the Documents section of the members’ section of the WETT Inc. website. These forms are strongly recommended for member use and stand to ensure consistency in the service that our members provide to the public.
The forms have been designed to guide you through a thorough inspection, complete with references to codes and recommendations for photos and documentation.
Ensure you fill out as much information in the forms as possible. Have the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions available during your inspection to help you determine & document correct clearances. Take lots of pictures, as these will assist in your reporting practices. Ensure all safety & code requirements have been met (carbon monoxide detectors are required in all locations). Know your local building and fire code requirements as well.
SITE® Inspection Course: The new SITE® inspection course has been developed to train our members — and those on the path to certification — on the use of all the tools mentioned above. The comprehensive, two-day course (with online pre-course module) has been mandated as the next continuing education course for all existing members, and has replaced the SITE® Basic Inspection and SITE® Comprehensive Inspection courses.
We are sure you will benefit from the use of these valuable resources, made available to you as WETT-certified members, to further enhance the value of the title “WETT Inspections™.”
All of these tools and initiatives have been developed to work as a unit with one goal in mind; bridging the communication gap between WETT-certified professionals and those we service. We are confident that you will find them valuable resources and a benefit of WETT membership.
WETT is looking to fill the position of Education Coordinator
As a member in good standing, we wanted to provide you with the opportunity to respond to the attached request for proposal (RFP).
This RFP solicits proposals from qualified individuals in providing educational development services that support WETT Inc with its course curriculum, material review and instructor development.
Reporting to the Executive Director, and in conjunction with WETT experts, the following list briefly outlines the scope of work to be provided:
Content management
Course administration
Review/update course materials
Course development and review
Recruit and orient instructors and assist with skills development.
Approximately 700 hours per year (15 hours per week).
A letter/email expressing interest must be received no later than Friday, July 31, 2023. Your full proposal must be submitted no later than Friday, August 11, 2023 by email to manager@wettinc.ca, info@wettinc.ca & web@wettinc.ca.
Click here to view the RFP.
John Gulland Accepts the WETT Award of Excellence
The WETT Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the objectives of WETT Inc.
Our 2023 recipient is John Gulland.
John Gulland's involvement with wood burning began in 1974 when he moved to a rural area and built a wood stove for his own home. During the late seventies he worked for a major manufacturer of wood furnaces, responsible for product development, quality control and customer service. He became a consultant in the field in 1981 and served for one year as residential wood energy policy advisor to Energy, Mines and Resources Canada.
While continuing to offer consulting services, he established a highly successful wood stove and fireplace retail store in 1985, which he sold to its manager in 1992. Working under contract to the Canadian Wood Energy Institute (CWEI), he served as principal researcher, writer and project leader in the development of the reference materials and course documents for the acclaimed Wood Energy Technical Training program (WETT).
John has delivered dozens of training seminars and workshops for wood-heat professionals all over North America. He is acknowledged to be one of North America’s foremost experts on chimney installation design and function, especially in tightly constructed houses. He has also led teams of researchers conducting two major combustion venting research projects for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
From 1990 to 1994, his company provided association management and technical services to Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.), the national registrar for the WETT program, and to the Association of Registered Wood Energy Technicians of Ontario (ARWETO), its affiliate in Ontario.
In the mid-1990s, he developed a new manual and workshop called Reliable Chimney Venting, which was adopted and published by the U.S. HEARTH Education Foundation. His book, The Hearth in the House as a System is now online. John is deeply involved in initiatives to reduce indoor and outdoor smoke emissions from wood-burning equipment.
WETT is pleased to award John Gulland with our 2023 Award of Excellence.
John accepted his award in person during our AGM on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Horseshoe Valley Resort.
Congratulations to Dave Rayner
Congratulations to Dave Rayner for being recognized recently by the Association of Wood Energy Technicians of Manitoba (AWETM) for his lifetime contributions to the industry.
Dave got his start in the hearth business in 1979. He was well known in the Manitoba market as the owner/operator of “Ye Olde Soot Sweepers”. With time, the business evolved into a retail location called “Ye Olde Hearth Shoppe”.
Dave was one of many volunteers across Canada who helped to establish WETT Inc. and is a founding member of AWETM. Dave was also a long-time instructor for WETT training programs in Manitoba.
From left-to-right: Randy Hoeppner, Past-President of AWET-M; Dave Rayner, and Justin Rayner (Dave’s son and General Manager at Eldur Hearth Products).
WETT is Looking for a Technical Consultant — Ethics
This Request for Proposal (RFP) solicits proposals from qualified individuals in providing consultation services that support WETT Inc. with its member dispute process and subsequent communication with complainants and members.
SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PROVIDED
The following list briefly outlines the scope of work to be provided:
• Serve as a File Coordinator for ethics complaints as outlined in the complaints process;
• Provide technical references in response to members and complainants;
• Attend committee conference calls;
• Provide detailed record of work and invoicing in a timely manner;
• Estimated workload: 150 hours per year.
Click here to download the RFP.