Login
iscover
Promoted by SmokeAlarmsAustralia.com.au
Smoke alarm compliance can be complex and understanding how many alarms a property needs and where they are to be placed often raises questions for landlords in the management of their rental portfolios.
Under legislation in Queensland coming to effect on the 1st January 2022, rental properties need interconnected smoke alarms on each storey, in each bedroom, connecting hallways, and in an exit path if a dwelling has a storey with no bedrooms or hallways.
Interconnecting smoke alarms is a requirement in Queensland under the new legislation. This means that if one alarm sounds, all alarms will sound. There are many types of smoke alarms and it is important to know about the differences in photoelectric, ionisation, hard-wired, radio frequency or battery-operated alarms. Photoelectric alarms are required by QFES as they are quicker to detect smoke than Ionisation alarms. More information on alarm types can be found at the Smoke Alarms website as listed below.
Smoke alarm positioning in these areas mentioned above are also critical. Placing a smoke alarm near windows, doors, fans or air conditioners may push smoke away from detectors reducing the effectiveness of an alarm in a fire situation. Smoke alarms could also be affected by dead air space which is an area where air gets trapped preventing smoke detection.
The correct servicing of smoke alarms is also important and contributes to the longevity of the alarm. A push button test on the alarm only tests that the alarm has connected power. Testing with artificial smoke, cleaning the alarms, checking alarm positioning and expiry dates is an integral part of the testing process.
Working smoke alarms provide early warning and give the best opportunity to save lives & reduce the risk to property. For landlords there is a responsibility to ensure that all rental properties have working smoke alarms and it is important that smoke alarms are checked and maintained regularly.
Ensuring a rental property is compliant to the 2022 legislation can be made easy with Smoke Alarms Australia. If you would like to know more about smoke alarm legislation, requirements, service programs or to order brochures please visit us as http://www.smokealarmsaustralia.com.au or contact us at
