He is a lucky charm, energy specialist, chimney sweep and safety advisor in one person: Werner Haseidl from Peißenberg is a sought-after contact when it comes to topics such as “fire protection” or “saving energy”.
But the corona pandemic also complicates the work of the district chimney sweeper.
Peissenberg
- In the Weilheim and Wielenbach area, the 52-year-old is responsible for around 2500 households.
In contrast to the children's saying “Who is afraid of the black man?”, He is welcome almost everywhere, because with his specialist knowledge he helps to prevent fires or can prevent carbon monoxide from escaping into the living area in good time.
A nice chat with a few private words, as it used to be, has barely existed for a year.
"That is difficult to do with a distance and a face mask," says Haseidl, "but even if many people fear infection, my work has to be done." Some chimney sweeping jobs that have already been scheduled can be postponed.
Always weighing up the individual case
"However, there are certain tasks which, if they are carried out on time, we are bound by the statutory provisions and the instructions of the responsible authorities," explains Anton Dengg, Chief Master of the Upper Bavaria Chimney Sweepers Guild. “In our estimation, certain activities cannot be postponed in the long term because they contribute significantly to averting danger.” It is always necessary to weigh up the individual cases. Dengg: "The current pandemic situation means an unprecedented challenge for our craft businesses."
As a self-employed foreman with his own business on Forster Straße in Peißenberg, Haseidl has to regularly check the fireplaces in his district, recognize, document and report potential dangers. "Because an increased and unnoticed leakage of carbon monoxide from a heater can quickly become life-threatening," he knows. Accuracy and a sense of responsibility are just as essential for this job as a head for heights. The image of the soot-smeared man still haunts many minds. But this notion has long been outdated, at least since people became aware of air pollution and its consequences. Particulate matter, the ozone hole and climate change are among the central issues of our time.
The important tasks of the chimney sweepers guild therefore include measurements of pollutant emissions and tests to determine whether fuels are being used optimally.
If the values are too high, they know suitable measures to regulate the furnace in an energy-saving and environmentally friendly way.
“Chimney sweeping is a job with a future and we depend on good specialists;
my company and many others offer internships and train people.
We are auditors and consultants at the same time, ”says Haseidl, who is happy about his versatile job in the fresh air and the beautiful view over the roofs.
His specialist knowledge is already in demand when planning new heating systems.
Chimney sweeps must therefore have knowledge of construction, heating and fire protection techniques.
Despite innovations, brooms and sweeping lines have not become superfluous
Since modern heating systems blow less dirt through the chimneys, there is also less sweeping. Of course, this does not mean that brooms and sweeping lines have become superfluous, but the use of modern, partly electronic testing and measuring devices has priority. Other additional fields of activity are the cleaning of ventilation systems, the installation of smoke alarms, the implementation of the gas show and advice on fire protection. “My working days are very busy,” says Haseidl, “because when I finally get home there is a lot of office and paperwork waiting.” In addition, there are regular training courses in order to always stay up to date with the latest technology.
In addition to his self-employment as a master craftsman, Werner Haseidl has been appointed by the government of Upper Bavaria for seven years to carry out so-called sovereign activities. "This includes the fireplace exhibition, exhibition or change of the fireplace notification, keeping the dust-book and building inspections according to state law." This work is carried out exclusively by authorized district chimney sweeps as state-leased entrepreneurs in their district. Nationwide uniform fees apply for sovereign activities, which are set out in the sweeping and inspection regulations.
Haseidl has even built up a real trusting relationship with some people in his district: “You often walk around the whole house, it's part of the inventory, so to speak.” Everything he hears and sees remains his professional secret.
He prefers to work on and above the roofs - as in the classic image of his profession with a sweeping line and ladder.
"At 30 degrees in summer I am very happy when the working day is over and I can wash off the dirt under a cool shower."
BY PETER STÖBICH