New Laws around Smoke alarms now apply in Queensland
Smoke alarms are vital for saving lives and possibly possessions. As we leave behind another long hot Sunshine Coast summer, focus begins to shift towards the cooler months. Electric blankets, heaters and fire places get dusted off and ready for those chilly nights. Getting the electrical items checked by a licensed electrician is a good start to ensure safety and integrity of the appliances and reduce the risk of fire in your home but often the age and condition of our smoke alarms get overlooked.
What happens if these appliances or systems fail?
The second and final line of defence in the case of an electrical appliance or system failure causing fire is smoke detection. Smoke detectors save thousands of lives every year and the government hasmoved to phase in new legislation that is aimed at increasing smoke alarms throughout Queensland homes.
When it comes to residential fires, the statistics don’t hide the facts, with approximately 2500 people killed each year and another 500 people losing their lives to the effects of carbon monoxide. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been avoided with the installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the property.
What is now required?
New and substantially renovated homes are now required to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways where bedrooms are connected, and on each and every level of the residence. This applies to homes where building applications were lodged after 1 January 2017. Requirements for other homes will be phased in over 10 years. Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms will be required from: 1 January 2022 in all homes leased and sold 1 January 2027 in all other homes.
What Can I do to Comply?
To comply with the new laws homeowners can install either hardwired 240V smoke alarms or non-removable 10-year battery smoke alarms. However, any existing hardwired 240V smoke alarm must be replaced with a hardwired 240V photoelectric smoke alarm by a licensed electrician. The installation of hardwired 240V smoke alarms must be performed by a licensed electrician. In existing homes, it is possible to have a combination of detectors, which can be 240V or battery operated and interconnectivity which can be both wired and wireless.
Buderim Electrical can take care of all your pre winter testing.
For further information contact Qld Fire and Emergency Services
