In Queensland, safety is a top priority when it comes to residential properties. The state has implemented stringent smoke alarm legislation to enhance fire safety and protect residents. This blog post serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and complying with the new QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation, along with important dates to mark on your calendar.
Understanding the QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation
The Queensland Smoke Alarm Legislation, enacted in 2022, introduces crucial changes aimed at reducing fire-related risks in homes. It outlines specific requirements for smoke alarms, ensuring that they are modern, interconnected, and capable of detecting smouldering fires early. These changes are pivotal for homeowners, landlords, and tenants.
Key Provisions
Interconnected Alarms
Verify that smoke alarms are installed in all the required areas, including bedrooms, interconnected hallways, and on each level of the house. These alarms should be interconnected so that when one alarm detects smoke, all alarms throughout the house activate simultaneously. This enhances early warning capabilities.
Photoelectric Technology
Photoelectric smoke alarms are now mandatory. They are more effective at detecting smouldering fires, which produce toxic smoke before flames become visible.
Power Sources
Smoke alarms must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or non-removable 10 year battery powered type alarm. This ensures their continuous operation, even during power outages.
Important Compliance Dates
Owner Occupier - For existing dwellings
From 1 January 2017
Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014. (Note: the date should be stamped on the back)
Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement, must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.
From 1 January 2027
All existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. These must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or non-removable 10 year battery powered type alarm.
The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:
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.
Selling or Leasing - For dwellings being sold, leased or an existing lease renewed
From 1 January 2017
Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014. (Note: the date should be stamped on the back)
Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement, must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.
To get everyone out safely during a house fire, it is essential to also have a well-practised fire escape plan.
Existing landlord’s and tenant’s obligations continue. Property sellers must continue to lodge a Form 24 stating the requirements of the legislation have been met. See New Smoke Alarm Legislation for more details.
From 1 January 2022
All homes or units being sold or leased, or existing leases renewed, will require hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms. Non-removable 10-year battery smoke alarms can be installed in place.
Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
be photoelectric (AS3786-2014); and
not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
Be hardwired to the mains power supply, if currently hardwired. Otherwise, smoke alarms can be either hardwired or powered by a non removable 10 yr battery or a combination of both.
be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:
on each storey
in each bedroom
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.
The obligations on property sellers are triggered by the date the initial sale contract is signed.
When a contract of sale is signed after the 31/12/21, the seller is obligated to upgrade the dwelling to the updated interconnected domestic smoke alarm standard prior to the dwelling being transferred.
The property seller must declare on a “form 24” to the buyer as part of the transfer process that this obligation has been discharged.
How to Ensure Compliance
Ensuring compliance with the QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation is essential. Here's what you can do:
Professional Inspection
Engage Interlight to inspect and upgrade your smoke alarm system, if necessary.
Regular Testing
Test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are in working order.
Documentation
Keep detailed records of inspections, tests, and replacements to demonstrate compliance.
Education
If you're a landlord, educate your tenants about smoke alarm safety and testing procedures.
Stay Informed
To stay up-to-date with the latest information and resources related to smoke alarm legislation in Queensland, visit the official Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) website at www.qfes.qld.gov.au/smokealarms or get in touch with Interlight.
In conclusion, compliance with the new QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation is not only a legal obligation but also a critical step in ensuring the safety of your home or rental property. By understanding the legislation, marking important compliance dates, and taking proactive steps, you contribute to a safer living environment for yourself and future occupants. For the most current information, always refer to the official QFES website.