The Queensland Government has introduced changes to overhaul smoke alarm systems.
Changes to smoke alarm systems include the following;
- From 1st January 2017, all smoke alarm installations will need to be fully compliant for new buildings or when significant renovations occur.
- Smoke alarms will need to be interconnected and either hard-wired or powered by a 10 year lithium battery. They will also need to meet minimum performance standards with Photoelectric-Type smoke alarms acting as the performance baseline.
- All private dwellings are required to comply with the full new smoke alarm requirements within 10 years from commencement.
- As per the requirements under AS 3786-2014, smoke alarms are to have a lifespan of at least 10 years and smoke alarms are recommended to be replaced after 10 years.
- All dwellings that are sold or leased will need to comply at the time a contract for sale or lease agreement is entered into.
- Home owners are required to install additional smoke alarms in every bedroom, between areas containing bedrooms, in any hallway servicing bedrooms and in any other story of a residential dwelling.
It is hoped that the Government will absorb the “early adopter” costs making the changes more affordable for homeowners.
