CSIA News:INDIANAPOLIS –– The month of October is Fire Prevention Month when homeowners are encouraged to look around their homes for any potential fire risks.
One risk that homeowners often overlook is having their dryer vents cleaned. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2012 clothes dryers counted for about 5,100 fires, resulting in 10 deaths and 180 injuries. “Failure to clean” is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings. Lint and debris can build up in clothes dryers creating potentially hazardous conditions including carbon monoxide intrusion and the possibility for fires.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that a CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician performs exhaust duct inspections on an annual basis to ensure efficient operation of your clothes dryer system. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians have passed an extensive exam on the proper inspection and maintenance of dryer vents, including applicable codes and standards relating to these systems.
CSIA Certification is the hallmark of excellence in the chimney service and venting technology industry. The credential – which is endorsed by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association as well as Duct Cleaners Network, signifies knowledge of practices important to providing the best service and to staying ahead in an ever-changing industry.
“After being in business for four years I wanted to do something to set myself above the competition. I did some research and decided the C-DET credential would be the way to go. I took the exam and passed and I am very proud to say that I was the first person to become a C-DET holder in my state. My training helps me to educate my customers as well as making sure they are safe and their dryer is running efficiently,” said Steve Schwaller, owner of the Dryer Vent Dude in Lincoln, Nev.
Homeowners can find additional information on dryer vent cleaning and find their nearest C-DET Certified dryer vent technician at www.dryersafety.org.
About the Chimney Safety Institute of America
The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a nonprofit organization, formed in 1983. CSIA is dedicated to the education, training and certification of chimney and industry related professionals, and to educating the public about the dangers of chimney fires and other problems and the maintenance and performance of chimney and venting systems.
