Queensland smoke alarm legislation changes
From the beginning of 2017, Queensland homeowners will be required to update smoke alarms systems in line with the new fire legislation. The changes to the legislation will be rolled out over the next 10 years but it is hoped that property owners will move to upgrade their homes sooner rather than waiting until the relevant deadlines come around to ensure residents are protected against fire.
The Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Bill Byrne, announced the changes made in QLD Parliament late last month. In his statement the minister explained that the updates to the legislation have come about following recommendations by the inquiry into the tragic 2011 Slacks Creek house fire in which 11 people died, 8 of them children.
Smoke alarm legislation changes
The new smoke alarm requirements specify that every Queensland residence must be fitted with an interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm system, either hard wired or wireless with 10-year lithium battery alarms by 2027.
The smoke alarms must be fitted in all bedrooms and in the hallways of homes.
Amendments to the legislation are hoped to avoid fire accidents like the one in Slacks Creek by providing the earliest possible warning of a fire situation for everyone in the home. This is achieved by installing photoelectric type smoke alarms which detect smoke from smoldering fires and interconnecting all alarms to ensure if the alarm activates near the kitchen that anyone at the other end of the house or in a bedroom with the door shut will be alerted to the danger.
Within the 10-year smoke alarm legislation roll-out the government has stipulated a range deadlines.
- owner-occupied private residences are required to comply by 2027
- all houses leased or sold are required to comply after 5-years (by 2023)
- all homes built or significantly renovated ill need to comply upon completion after Jan 1, 2017
The updated smoke alarm requirements also state that every smoke alarm replaced or installed from January 1, 2017, must be a photoelectric style alarm.
Updating your smoke alarm system
Many newer homes may already be fitted with a hardwired smoke alarm system and only require the installation of additional alarms to the bedroom areas. However, older homes with individual 9-volt smoke alarms will require a full hardwired or wirelessly integrated system installed.
Please note - hardwired or 240 volt smoke alarm systems are connected to the power supply of your home and should only be installed, repaired or upgraded by a licenced electrician for the safety of your home and family.
For more information on updating the smoke alarm system in your home speak to our Brisbane electrical team on 3881 0956 or complete our booking request form today.