New QLD smoke alarm legislation - What you need to know

On January 1st 2017 new laws will come into effect that apply to new domestic dwellings, rental properties, and properties that are undergoing substantial renovations.

These new laws state that every residence is required to be installed with one unified smoke alarm system with the aim to protect lives by rapidly alerting residents to the presence of fire.

Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
be of the photoelectric type (AS 3786-2014); and
not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
be less than 10 years old; and
operate when tested; and
be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together

The smoke alarms must be installed on each storey:
in each bedroom; and
in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and otherparts 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.
There is a phased roll out for this over the next 10 years and compliance will depend on your situation. 

FOR EXISTING DWELLINGS
From 1 January 2017:
When replacing smoke alarms, they must be of a photoelectric type which complies with AS 3786-2014.
Existing smoke alarms that were manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced. (They should have a date printed on them stating the date of manufacture). 
Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
From 1 January 2027 all dwellings must have smoke alarms detailed as above. Smoke alarms must either be hard wired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.

FOR DWELLINGS BEING SOLD, LEASED OR AN EXISTING LEASE IS RENEWED
From 1 January 2017:
Same requirements as for existing dwellings.
Property sellers must lodge a form 24 with the Queensland Land Regisrty Office stating the requirements of the new legislation have been met.

All properties must comply by 1 January 2022

NEW DWELLINGS AND DWELLINGS BEING SUBSTANTIALLY RENOVATED
From 1 January 2017:
These dwellings are to comply from this date and the development approval process will ensure that building works approved after this date will bring these dwellings into compliance

For more information see this flyer produced by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

If you need an electrician to assist you in complying contact Elexcel on 07 5628 0550 or complete an enquiry form on the Contact Us page

Elexcel are Electrical contractors covering Gold Coast and Brisbane. We perform domestic and commercial work of all types and sizes. Call Paul and his team on 0413322042 to discuss your electrical requirements.