Smoke Alarms
Supply, Install and Maintain
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES
Smoke Alarms are life saving devices designed specifically to detect smoke. In the instance of a possible fire within a premises, smoke alarms are designed to alert the occupants, providing every opportunity to exit the property safely.
Currently Queensland is trailing behind the rest of Australia when it comes to smoke alarm installation. It is estimated that only 72% of Queensland households have an installed and fully operational smoke alarm, risking the safety of occupants. It is this lack of awareness of effective fire safety that has prompted changes to the Fire and Emergency Services (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Act 2016. The changes require the installation of interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms in all dwellings and in various locations throughout homes, aiming to make Queensland the safest state in Australia, ensuring that a greater portion of homes are safe for residents.
QUEENSLAND SMOKE ALARM LEGISLATION HAS CHANGED
There has never been a more important time to seek the services of a qualified, and experienced electrical team to review and upgrade your smoke alarms. With recent changes to legislation, meaning more stringent requirements placed on homeowners and property managers, now is the perfect time to consider whether your smoke alarms meet the new requirements.
From 1st of January 2022, all homes being sold or leased must comply with Queensland Smoke Alarm Legislation with all other dwellings required to comply by 2027.
Smoke Alarms must be:
photoelectric (AS 3786-2014);
not be more than 10 years old;
operate when tested; and
interconnected with every other smoke alarm within the dwelling, to ensure, that in the event of an emergency, all alarms will sound and activate together.
Smoke alarms must also be hardwired or powered by a non-removable lithium battery with a 10-year durability.
A smoke alarm must be installed on every level of a dwelling, in each bedroom, in all hallways that connect bedrooms to common areas within the dwelling.
The new regulations ensure the safety of home occupants are paramount. After all, only working smoke alarms save lives!
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR LANDLORDS, PROPERTY MANAGERS & BODY CORPORATES?
For landlords, property managers and body corporates, the recent changes to Queensland’s smoke alarm legislation require immediate action. All Landlords, Property Managers and Body Corporates should familiarise themselves with the legislative changes and the new requirements, to ensure that their properties comply.
In terms of rental properties, the changes have the greatest impact on the residential sector, with all dwellings in Queensland subject to the new regulations, which require the installation of interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms to be fitted in all bedrooms, hallways and on every level of the premises.
Whilst the 2027-time frame may appear far into the future, for landlords who are looking to sell their property, or for those who are in the process of renewing tenancies, these changes come into effect now, meaning that a failure to have complaint smoke alarms installed can result in you being unable to sell or lease your property, potentially causing significant financial loss.
Another impact of the change of legislation for landlords and property managers, is that failure to comply with changes in accordance with the schedule of dates, can void your landlord insurance and leave landlords subject to civil disputes from tenants in the event of a fire.
Ultimately, the safety of tenants is paramount for a landlord, and with complex changes, and timeframes set down for compliance, there has never been a better time to work with a qualified and knowledgeable electrician, such as the team at All Access Electrical, who can ensure your property is not only in safe hands, but compliant with changes to the legislation.
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY?
Recent changes to smoke alarm legislation in Queensland are intended to ensure that the state becomes the safest state in terms of fire safety in Australia. Whilst the changes may seem tough and costly for homeowners, they are essential, with current figures suggesting that only 72% of Queensland homes have a working smoke alarm installed.
For homeowners looking to cash in on the booming property market, the changes to Queensland’s smoke alarm legislation are vital to consider, prior to listing your property on the market. With interconnecting photoelectric smoke alarms required in all Queensland dwellings, in all bedrooms, hallways and on each level of the home, many homeowners will need to upgrade. For those who are selling, this will need to occur sooner rather than later, with any home sold from January 1 2022, required to have compliant smoke alarms installed.
Even for homeowners who are not intending to sell, the changes to legislation are important to consider in terms of your family’s safety. Only working smoke alarms can save lives, so upgrading to interconnecting photoelectric devices, which ensure that if an alarm is triggered in one area of the property, all alarms will sound, ensuring occupants the maximum opportunity to exit safely. Of all fire related deaths in Australia, 80% are attributed to homes without working smoke alarms.
With compliance dates seemingly years away, it is easy for homeowners to be complacent. However, connecting with the team at All Access Electrical can ensure your families safety is assured now rather than later.
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION WITH ALL ACCESS
All Access Electrical is your one stop shop when it comes to ensuring your home’s smoke alarms are compliant with the newly introduced regulations. Compliance now not only ensures you beat the last-minute rush to upgrade, but also ensures the ongoing safety of your family.
Our licensed and qualified team offers a comprehensive smoke alarm installation, and maintenance service. With a 7-year manufacturer’s warranty on all our select smoke alarm products, and a free wall controller with every home installation (valued at $120), our trained experts provide an affordable and reliable service.
With experience and sound legislative and compliance knowledge, you need to look no further than us, for your smoke alarm installation needs.
SERVICE PERFORMANCE
