Is there a law in the UK forcing private homeowners to use fireguards if they have small children?

Two or three people now have told me it's the law to fit a fireguard, as we have a one year old and another on the way. We've not yet lit the fire, but have taught our son to keep away from it anyway. Would I be breaking the law to light it without a guard? Obviously I am aware of the need to supervise etc, and that fireguards aren't there to be relied upon, and am not being neglectful, I just want to know if there actually is a law relating to this... Thanks.

I certainly hope that there is no law governing fire guards, we surely do not need this pathetic government to dumbdown any more than they already have...

I'm not aware of any law. We have a small smokeless fuel burning stove and our son has been fine. He's never gone anywhere near it. The Health Visitor never said anything when she visited and it was lit.

If it's an open fire then it might be safer to have a fireguard, but I find that the heat keeps them away from it anyway.

There is now, actually. The law requires you to use a fireguard to protect children under 12 years of age (7 in Scotland) in a room with an open fire or other heating appliance.

Heating Appliances (Fireguards) (Safety) Regulations 1991, amongst others.

Not that I know of. We have a mortgage and a 1 year old son and we have never been told theres a law that requires us to fit a fireguard, although I agree its definitely worth doing.

We stopped using our "real flame" gas fire after getting a £550 gas bill the winter we used it! Its still there but has been switched off and disconnected. So we only have to worry about keeping our little one away from ther hot radiators!

there is no law covering fireguards just as there is no law stating we have to have smoke detectors/alarms

No law - but certainly not a clever idea with little ones around.

suicidal

a fire guard is a very good thing to have .even if you don't have coal fire use one in front of a gas fire .i fell into a coal fire when i was Young and still have the scars on my neck 50yrs ago .fit one and be safe not sorry.