Changes to Queensland Smoke Alarm Legislation

Smoke alarms and their maintenance are governed by Queensland Law prescribing the type of alarms to be installed in new and old buildings, and how they must be maintained.

The state of Queensland has made new changes in the legislation relating to the smoke alarms. These new changes have made all those concerned with buildings and properties responsible to install and maintain the right types of smoke alarms.

For Building Owners/ occupiers

The new Smoke Alarm Legislation has made it compulsory for the owners/ occupiers of the existing dwellings from January 1, 2017

1.  To replace the existing smoke alarms with new photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with the Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014.
2. To replace all the smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old with photoelectric smoke alarms of the above standards
3. The smoke alarms that failed to operate when tested must be replaced with new photoelectric smoke alarms
4. When replacing hardwired smoke alarms, new smoke alarms must be of hardwired type

From Jan 1, 2027, the landlord/ occupier of an existing dwelling unit must ensure that

1. All the smoke alarms must be photoelectric type complying with the AS 3786-2014 standards and must have an ionization sensor
2. They must be less than 10 years old
3. Must operate flawlessly when tested
4. Must be interconnected with all other smoke alarms in the house so that when one goes off all go off together
5. Smoke alarms must be installed in all the bedrooms, hallways, and other areas that connect the bedrooms with other areas of the dwelling unit
6. Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey of the dwelling unit
7. The smoke alarms must be hardwired to the domestic power supply or have a non-removal long-life batteries that will last for at least 10 years or a combination of both

Property sellers

From January 1, 2017, the new legislation for smoke alarms makes it compulsory for the property sellers to comply with the requirement of replacing the old smoke alarms with new Photoelectric smoke alarm units.

While selling the property the Seller must file Form 24 to the Queensland Land Registry office as to the due compliance of the new smoke alarm legislation.

Then in the case of a dwelling unit that is sold, all the requirements for smoke alarms must be complied with in full on and from January 1, 2022, itself.

Smoke alarm requirements for new buildings and renovations of old buildings:

From January 2017, all the building approvals received must be in full compliance with all the requirements of the new Smoke alarm legislation. From January 1, 2022, itself, the proposed new building or the old building in which substantial renovations are carried out must comply with all the requirements of the new smoke alarm regulations of

1. Installing the photoelectric smoke alarms
2. Having ionization sensors
3. Must be hardwired to the mains supply and must have a secondary power source also
4. All the smoke alarms must be interconnected
5. Must have a smoke alarm in all the bedrooms and the hallways connecting all the of them, and must have at least one alarm in each storey of the building, or in the pathway used by most of the inmates to exit the building

Landlords

From January 1, 2017, in case of a building that is about to be leased out, the landlord should install smoke alarms as per the legislation and replace all the old smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old and those fail when tested.

The landlord must test and clean the smoke alarms 30 days before the commencement of the tenancy.

The Tenant/ Renter

During the tenancy period, the tenant is required to test and clean the smoke alarms installed in the dwelling unit under his occupation at least once in 12 months.

Real Estate Agents

For complying with the requirements of the new smoke alarm legislation, the real estate agents can appoint professional companies that are engaged in the installation, testing, and maintenance of the smoke alarms and obtain a Certificate of compliance from these companies as proof of substantial compliance of the new smoke alarm regulations in the state of Queensland in Australia.

Thus, all those connected with the building, renovation, and occupying properties in the state of Queensland are made responsible for the proper compliance of the new legislation and sufficient time is granted for the due compliance.

This legislation has paved way for the prevention of property damage and loss of life due to fire accidents in the residential dwelling units.

Smoke Alarm Installation Brisbane

If you’re looking for an experienced, qualified technician to assess your current smoke alarm system or for smoke alarm replacement, please contact us today here at Voltfix Electrical.

Voltfix Electrical comply with all Australian standards and perform all mandatory testing requirements. We offer exceptional service for residential and commercial properties in Brisbane, including Logan, Redlands and surrounding areas.