How smoke alarm-detectors may save your life.
Smoke alarm-detectors. Learn about the importance of smoke detectors, also Queensland Government requirements. QBIS.
What the Queensland Government require and its legislation.
As of 1/01/17 Queensland Fire and Emergency service requirements for Smoke alarms in houses being sold, leased or an existing lease renewed, have been changed.
What do smoke alarms-detectors do?
Alert you of smoke and fire. Every second counts in alerting building occupants of smoke and fire, seconds may save the lives of you and your family!
Type of detector needed?
- Photoelectric.
- Battery.
- Hardwired.
- Linked.
Consult a professional installer for the optimum location and type of detectors (required by law) also to suit your home.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommends all homes are fitted with photoelectric smoke alarms (not ionisation types).
Your obligations regarding Smoke alarms-detectors?
- Owner.
- Tenant.
- Seller.
- Landlord.
Qld fire department on legislation requirements for smoke alarms
How many do I need and what locations?
- How many Smoke Alarms are required is dependant on the size and sometimes design of the house.
- Attach Alarms to the ceilings, not on walls. Always refer to the manufacturers recommendations.
Where not to install them?
Do not install near:
- Windows, doors, fans, air-condition units.
- Outside bathrooms.
- Fluorescent lights, this may affect them.
- Kitchens areas.
These locations are likely to cause false alarms.
Can I install them myself or do I require a qualified electrician?
Although you can install battery operated smoke alarms, I would strongly advise consulting your local fire authority or a professional installer to help advise you on the most effective locations.
Hardwired smoke alarms must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Who installs them?
There are many professional intallers of smoke alarms that will work out the best location as well as install them. Some may also have the qualifications to install hardwired smoke detectors. They can also test the existing alarms.
How much do they cost?
This depends on the retailer, manufacturer and type of alarm.
Very little in comparison to potentially saving lives!
What is the life span of a Smoke Alarm?
This would be dependent of the manufacturer. Some are guaranteed to last up to 10years. It is not advisible to keep them longer than the manufacturers recommendation.
Note the expiry date recommended by the manufacturer, keep it in a place that you are not likely to forget and replace them within the required time frame.
How often do the batteries need to be replaced?
This is dependant on the type of battery.
- Usually within 1 year, replace the battery, unless they are guaranteed to last longer.
- Lithium batteries have a longer life span than Alkaline or standards batteries.
- Some are guaranteed to last up to 10 years.
Maintenance of Smoke Alarm-detectors:
Smoke Alarms must be checked on a regular basis.
- Press the test button on the smoke alarm and replace the battery when necessary.
- If hardwired, have the Alarm replaced by a qualified electrician.
- Do not paint the Smoke Alarm.
- Make sure the Alarm is kept clean.
- Never disable the Alarm.
- Write down the expiry date recommended by the manufacturer and replace it within that time frame.
- Within 1 year, replace the battery, unless they are guaranteed to last longer. Lithium batteries have a longer life span than Alkaline or standards batteries.
- If the Alarm emits a short beep, replace the battery.
Nuisance noise from Smoke Alarms?
If the Smoke Alarm is going off without any smoke, this is generally from battery requiring replacing. Or the Alarm itself maybe faulty.
- Replace the battery.
- Test the Smoke Alarm.
- If faulty, have the Smoke Alarm replaced with a compliant one.
Do not lose sight of the fact that Smoke Alarms can potentially save lives.
Security, fire safety & obstructions.
- Make sure all security screens to windows and doors can be easily opened by a child from the inside.
- Dead bolted doors and windows can also be easily opened by a child from the inside. .
- There is no furniture or strored items obstructing your fire escape path.
Be mindful that if Smoke Alarms alert you of a fire and the house is so secure that you cannot escape a fire, this could cost lives!
Smoke alarm-detectors. Other things to consider to ensure the safety of your family:
- Fire blanket.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Fire exit plan.
Smoke alarm-detectors. Fire escape plan:
It is extremely important to discuss with your family and inhabitants of your house a method of fire escape and devise a plan of escape. The following link may assist you.
Smoke alarm-detectors related resources:
For the latest information regarding current regulations on smoke alarms refer to the following useful links: