Choose My Fuels in Chipping Norton as your go-to fuel distributor

ACMS stands for the Approved Coal Merchants Federation Scheme Consumer Charter.

The charter is a guarantee of the standards and service to the consumer in the distribution of solid fuels.

The answer is simple - all coal merchants who belong to the Approved Coal Merchants Scheme support and follow the Coal Trade Code.

The Coal Trade Code began in 1962 as a joint venture between the National Coal Board and the wholesale and retail parts of the domestic coal trade The Solid Fuel Association, whose members include the major solid fuel producers/manufacturers and the distributive coal trade finance the scheme.

The scheme was created so standards could be set for coal merchants and, in particular, a system could be developed to show their customers that they were keeping to these standards. The code is administered by a national panel with an independent chairman.

When a coal merchant joins the Approved Coal Merchants Scheme, they have a duty to their customers, and the scheme sees to it that they abide by the Coal Trade Code as follows:

• Supply good quality coal and smokeless fuel correctly described.

• Ensure that packed fuels are marked with the maximum of information.

• Ensure that staff have a good basic knowledge of the Retail Coal Trade.

• Supply suitable fuels for particular appliances.

• Investigate all customer complaints properly.

• Display a detailed, up to date price list.

• Trade in a manner compatible with the good repute of the Retail Coal Trade.

• Make customers aware of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning fossil fuels, and how they can obtain information to protect themselves.

They rarely do, but if you have a problem firstly contact ourselves. As an Approved Coal Merchant, we give our assurance that we will deal quickly and sympathetically with your query.

HETAS is the official body recognised by the government to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services. Its work in approving products covers boilers, cookers, open fires, stoves and room heaters. It also lists in its official 2007 guide, factory made chimneys and carbon monoxide detectors and alarms suitable for use with solid fuel.

Using a HETAS registered installer ensures the following assurances:

• All HETAS registered installers are trained and assessed as competent.

• HETAS is the only competent persons scheme specialising in solid fuels and wood biomass.

• The HETAS scheme covers the range of installation work that the installer maybe involved with e.g. dry appliances, appliances with boilers, solid mineral, wood and wood biomass, relining of chimneys, hot water and heating systems.

• HETAS provide technical and regulation support to our registrants.

• HETAS publish lists of approved appliances, fuels and equipment to help you the consumer, as well as installers and designers in choosing an installation to suit your individual needs, whilst complying with regulations and safety standards.

• In the rare event there are complaints about matters of safety or compliance with building regulations, consumers can make a complaint to HETAS and they will endeavour to help resolve the problem, working closely with all parties.

• For further information on HETAS and the full guide to appliances, fuels and services please visit their website hetas.co.uk