Smoke Alarms

Are you aware that the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services amended the Domestic Smoke Alarms Act in 2016?

Make sure you are across the new rules and regulations.

Existing Dwellings

• From 1 January 2017, when replacing smoke alarms, they must comply with the new standards
• From 1 January 2027, all dwellings must have compliant smoke alarms

For dwellings being sold, leased or an existing lease renewed

• From 1 January 2017
  • As per existing dwellings, as smoke alarms are replaced, they must comply with the new standards
  • Property sellers must lodge a Form 24 with the Queensland Land Registry Office stating the requirements of the smoke alarm legislation have been met
• From 1 January 2022, all dwellings must have compliant smoke alarms

New Dwellings or Substantial Renovations

• From 1 January 2017, all dwellings must have compliant smoke alarms

The new legislation states

Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:

1. be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014); and
2. not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
3. be less than 10 years old; and
4. operate when tested; and
5. be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.

Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey:

1. in each bedroom; and
2. in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
3. if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and
4. if there are no bedrooms on a storey at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

Smoke alarms must be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery

Rules Around Tenancies

• Within 30 days before the start of a tenancy in a domestic dwelling, the lessor/landlord must test and clean each smoke alarm in the dwelling.
• During a tenancy in a domestic dwelling, the tenant must test and clean each smoke alarm in the dwelling, at least once every 12 months.

Testing & Cleaning Smoke Alarms

• To test a smoke alarm, press the 'test' button. Cleaning should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions, which is usually vacuuming.
• You do not need to be qualified or licenced to clean or test a domestic smoke alarm.

Would you like the contact details of professionals who are tried and tested and can assist you with all your smoke alarm needs? Send me a message HERE, let me know what sort of information you need assistance with and I will point you in the right direction.

The above information has been sourced from the Queensland Government. To read up more in relation to the new legislation CLICK HERE.