Safety Standard for Hot Glass-Front Fireplaces Takes Effect
Industry Urges Supervision and Adding Barriers to Keep Kids Safe
ARLINGTON, VA, January 5, 2015. Starting January 1, 2015, all newly manufactured glass-fronted, gas fireplaces and stoves will include an installed protective barrier if their glass surface temperature exceeds 172 degrees Fahrenheit to protect young children and others from serious burns, according to the Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association. This new safety standard requires that the barrier must be in place when the product is installed.
"While gas fireplaces, stoves and inserts are a great asset to any home, the glass can become very hot during operation and stay hot long afterwards, creating a potential burn hazard," said Jack Goldman, president & CEO of HPBA. "In the past several years, there have been reports of burns involving young children and others who may not been aware of the potential risk of touching the hot glass on gas fireplaces, inserts and stoves. While we believe these incidents are few, even one is too many. We believe the new safety standard will provide greater protection to young children and others with special needs."
