Smoke alarms are essential for detecting fires early, providing critical time for occupants to evacuate safely. They are the first line of defense against the dangers of smoke inhalation and fire-related injuries, especially during the night when fires are harder to detect. By sounding an alarm at the earliest signs of smoke or fire, they can save lives, reduce property damage, and give emergency services time to respond. For Gold Coast residents, ensuring smoke alarm compliance with the help of a professional Gold Coast electrician is a simple yet effective way to protect both your home and loved ones from the devastating effects of fire. In this brief article, we look at the key considerations and provide links to organise the services you need for smoke alarm compliance in your Gold Coast home or business.
New Smoke Alarm Legislation
Recent changes to smoke alarm legislation in Queensland aim to improve fire safety across the state. To be compliant, it’s important to work with a licensed electrician. We can help ensure your smoke alarm installations are safe and compliant, meeting the legislative requirements. Following is a breakdown of the legislation requirements as of 11/11/24.
Smoke Alarm Requirements
Smoke alarms must:
- be photoelectric.
- comply with the Standard. (The body of the alarm must be marked with AS3786-2014.)
- be hardwired (e.g. 240v) to the mains power supply with a secondary power source (i.e. non removable 10 year battery) or; be powered by 10 year non-removable batteries type photoelectric smoke alarm.
- be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
- must not contain an ionisation sensor.
- Avoid buying smoke alarms with this symbol, they are not photoelectric:
Installing Smoke Alarms
*For private homes, townhouses and units
Smoke alarms must be installed:
- on each storey
- in each bedroom
- in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
– if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey; and
– 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.
Maintaining Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms should be regularly dusted or vacuumed to make sure they continue working properly.
Accidental alarms go off when there is no fire. They can be a nuisance and become dangerous if homeowners remove the alarm batteries or disable an interconnected system to silence the alarm.
The fire service is not permitted to disable sounding alarms in unattended residences.
Make sure you regularly:
- Test to ensure they are working correctly.
- Vacuum to ensure no dust affects the sensors.
Smoke Alarms for Different Scenarios
Owner Occupier
All existing private homes, townhouses and units require interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by 1 January 2027. All registered caravans and motorhomes must also be fitted with a photoelectric smoke alarm.
Landlord
Within 30 days before the start of a tenancy, the lessor/landlord must test and clean each smoke alarm in the home.
Some real estate agents may outsource smoke alarm maintenance to another company with associated fees paid by the landlord. The real estate may request a “certificate of compliance” from these companies as proof of service. This is not a legal requirement but may be part of the real estate agent’s internal process.
Renter or Tenant
As a renter or tenant, landlords are responsible for the installation of smoke alarms that comply with legislation. During a tenancy, the renter must test and clean each smoke alarm in the home, at least once every 12 months.
Building or Renovating
As part of a building approval process, requiring a Building Certifier, all new homes and renovations should have the required smoke alarms installed in line with the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) formally known as Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Building Regulation 2006.
Selling or Leasing
All homes or units being sold, will require photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms. The obligations on property sellers are triggered by the date the initial sale contract is signed.
Caravans or Motorhomes
From 1 July 2024, all caravans or motorhomes whose Queensland registration is commencing or being transferred must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed on the ceiling.
Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Queensland Fire Department provides funding through the Deaf Connect Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme to help Queenslanders who are deaf or hard of hearing to purchase specialty smoke alarms.
To find out if you are eligible contact:
Deaf Connect
Email: smoke.alarms@deafconnect.org.au
Phone: 07 3892 8500
TTY: 07 3892 8501
Organise Your Smoke Alarms Today
Learn more about smoke alarm installations on this page, or contact our team for more information. We are licensed, experienced, and ready to assist with you smoke alarm enquiry today.
