3.8. Fireplace

•  I. The inspector shall inspect: A. readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys; B. lintels above the fireplace openings; C. damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and D. cleanout doors and frames. 
• II. The inspector shall describe: A. the type of fireplace. 
• III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction: A. evidence of joint separation, damage or deterioration of the hearth, hearth extension or chambers; B. manually operated dampers that did not open and close; C. the lack of a smoke detector in the same room as the fireplace; D. the lack of a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the fireplace; and E. cleanouts not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material. 
• IV. The inspector is not required to: A. inspect the flue or vent system. B. inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels. C. determine the need for a chimney sweep. D. operate gas fireplace inserts. E. light pilot flames. F. determine the appropriateness of any installation. G. inspect automatic fuel-fed devices. H. inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices. I. inspect heat-distribution assists, whether gravity-controlled or fan-assisted. J. ignite or extinguish fires. K. determine the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics. L. move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents. M. perform a smoke test. N. dismantle or remove any component. O. perform a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-style inspection. P. perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection 

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