Share
Fire Hazards - The Importance of Smoke Alarms
22 Nov 2022
In a fire, smoke and deadly gases tend to spread farther and faster than heat.
That's one reason why most fire victims die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not from burns. A majority of fatal fires happen when families are asleep because occupants are unaware of the fire until there is not adequate time to escape.
A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. This often allows a family the precious, but limited, time needed to escape.
Smoke alarms are crucial part of home fire safety. A working smoke alarm can increase the chances of surviving a fire up to 50 per cent.
Queensland Smoke Alarm Legislation
From 1 January 2017, when replacing smoke alarms they must be of a photoelectric type which complies with Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014.
Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than ten years ago must be replaced. (Note: Smoke alarms should have the date of manufacture stamped on them.)
Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement must be replaced with a hardwired smoke alarm.
Property sellers must also continue to 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,
Smoke alarms in all dwellings must:
i) be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014); and
ii) not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
iii) be less than 10 years old; and
iv) operate when tested; and
v) be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey:
i) in each bedroom; and
ii) in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
iii) if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and
iv) 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 either hardwired or powered by a non- removable 10-year battery.
Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
When you sleep, your sense of smell also sleeps. If a fire starts, toxic fumes can overcome you.
Photoelectric smoke alarms see smoke and will alert you early, so you can escape.
With interconnected alarms, you will be alerted no matter where you are, or where the fire starts.
The new QLD legislation specifies the type, positioning, and interconnectedness of alarms, which are critical factors for an early warning and quick escape.
Smoke alarms are a life-saving device that are too often neglected. Be sure to contact your Property Manager to determine if your rental is up to date with the latest legislation, and always keep records of compliance for your own protection.
