FOXLAW on QLD Property Law

Smoke Alarms – is your dwelling compliant?

This year, the Queensland laws on smoke alarms changed.  For existing dwellings (houses/units), as of 1 January 2017, when replacing a smoke alarm, it must be of the ‘photoelectric’ type (the ‘ionization’ type is no longer acceptable under the updated legislation – an easy way to spot these is by the radioactive sticker on them, as they rely on a radioactive material).  Smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced immediately, along with any smoke alarm which does not operate when tested.

These changes are part of a larger movement to phase in safer smoke alarms that are interconnected (meaning that triggering one will trigger all of the alarms to sound). The rules that apply differ depending on the situation, as set out below:

New Dwellings and Substantially (50%) Renovated Dwellings (starting 1 January 2017):

Smoke alarms must:
-          be of photoelectric type (as per Australian Standard 3786-2014);
-          not also contain an ionization sensor;
-          be hardwired to the mains power supply (with a secondary power source – battery);
-          be less than 10 years old;
-          operate when tested; and
-          be interconnected with every other smoke alarm (all trigger together).

Properties Transferred/Sold or Leased or Lease Renewed (from 1 January 2022):

Smoke alarms must:
-          be of photoelectric type (as per Australian Standard 3786-2014);
-          not also contain an ionization sensor;
-          be hardwired to the mains power supply (with a secondary power source – battery), although dwellings existing before 1 January 2017 can be hardwired or powered by a 10-year removable battery;
-          be less than 10 years old;
-          operate when tested; and
-          be interconnected with every other smoke alarm (all trigger together).

Existing Dwellings (starting 1 January 2027):

As per the requirements for Transferred Properties discussed above. Essentially once we get to 2027, all property owners must be on board with the new laws.  But for those property owners who substantially renovate or sell/lease/re-lease, they will be forced to be on board sooner.

Interconnectivity can be achieved by a wired or wireless method.

While our focus is on the legal requirements above, earlier adoption of the new measures (rather than waiting for 2022 or 2027 as applicable) is recommended/encouraged.

There are also specific requirements regarding where smoke alarms must be placed, both within the dwelling itself (i.e. which rooms/areas) and the placement of the smoke alarms within rooms (e.g. distances from ceiling corners, light fittings, air-conditioners and fans, etc). 

For more information, refer to this Information Sheet: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/smokealarms/Documents/New-Smoke-Alarm-Legislation.pdf

or the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/smokealarms/
or talk to a professional appropriate to your needs (e.g. property manager, solicitor, electrician, etc).

Be safe and ensure you are compliant today!!! J