The time to have your Smoke alarms updated is now! Out with the old ionisation systems and in with the new photoelectric smoke alarm systems!
With roughly six months to go until legislation changes come into effect on the 1st of January 2022, it’s time to consider updating your living circumstances to protect yourself and family. With the impending law changes Rolly’s Electrical has taken the extra steps to keep you safe!
At the start of 2021 our team underwent the Brooks Fire Products and Solutions Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Testing & Maintenance course and Design & Installation course. Both these courses have equipped Rolly’s with the essential knowledge to safely install and maintain your new photoelectric smoke alarm system.
Research from around the world found that old ionisation smoke alarms (stand-alone alarm system) are slow to react. This has led to fatal outcomes and tragic stories that could have been prevented. With the upgrades in technology, photoelectric smoke alarms (interconnected alarm system) are incredibly effective. One study found that in some fires, photoelectric alarms can sound 15 minutes sooner than ionisation alarms.
The first changes in Australian law came back in 2017, when ionisation alarms were banned for sale in Queensland. The new changes that come into effect from 1st of January 2022 will be as follows for;
DWELLINGS BEING SOLD, LEASED OR AN EXISTING LEASE IS RENEWED:
1. Be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014); and
2. Not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
3. Be less than 10 years old; and
4. Operate when tested; and
5. Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey;
- 1. In each bedroom; and
- 2. In hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
- 3. If there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and
- 4. 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 hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery, or a combination of both may be allowed.
Exisiting Dwellings for owners / occupiers must comply with the above changes from 1st January 2027, but we recommend that you look to update to a photoelectric system as soon as possible. For more comprehensive information from the Queensland Fire and Emergency.
Services click Here. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/smokealarms/Pages/default.aspx
Unsure whether your smoke alarms comply with current legislation? Want to get the jump on 2022 changes? Please contact us. Our team of expert technicians provide a full range of smoke alarm services. Find out more here.
