English
Chimney Sweep (Rauchfangkehrer)
GewO §94 Z.55
Verified: April 2026
Key Facts
- Type: Regulated trade — Zuverlaessigkeitsgewerbe!
- Special: District-based system (Kehrgebiet)
- Qualification: Master exam (Meisterpruefung)
- Registration cost: Free (€0)
- Start immediately: NO — must wait for official approval
- Public function: Fire safety inspections
This is a Zuverlaessigkeitsgewerbe (Reliability Trade)
Chimney sweeps have a quasi-public function: they inspect combustion systems
and issue fire safety certificates. Because of this public responsibility,
the trade requires a formal reliability assessment by the district authority
BEFORE you can start working. You cannot begin immediately upon registration.
The District System (Kehrgebiet)
Austria operates a unique district-based system for chimney sweeps:
- Each chimney sweep is assigned a specific geographic district
- Assignments are made by the provincial government (Landesregierung)
- The system guarantees coverage across all areas, including rural ones
- Competition within a district is limited (geographic monopoly)
- This system is periodically debated but remains in place
What This Trade Covers
- Chimney cleaning and maintenance
- Fire safety inspections of combustion systems
- Issuing fire safety certificates (Befund)
- Carbon monoxide safety checks
- Consulting on heating system efficiency
Vollstaendige deutsche Version →
Legally binding: German text of GewO 1994.