The new Smoke Alarm Legislation… What you need to know.

The New Smoke Alarm Legislation, broken down for you…

So you have heard that the smoke alarm rules are changing but, did you know it applies to everyone?  It’s not the most thrilling subject in the world to discuss but doing so could save your life!

Did you know that when you sleep your nose also sleeps? You WILL NOT smell smoke if there is a fire in your home while you are sleeping.  This is what contributes to so many house fire deaths around the world.

By 2027 the new legislation will affect all owner occupiers and investment home owners; it will happen in stages in the lead up to 2027.  You will need to update the smoke alarm systems in all dwellings according to the below timeline.  It can be quite costly for some home owners but the QLD government has given ample time to prepare.

It’s pretty simple once broken down. Read below and find out what steps you will need to take, and when, to make your home compliant. 

1^st January 2017

All existing dwellings including those being sold or leased

• Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced.
• Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately
• Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacing must be replaced with a hard-wired smoke alarm.
• All replacement smoke alarms must be of a photoelectric type and comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014.
• Any replaced 240volt smoke alarms, must be replaced with another 240volt smoke alarm.
• A replacement for a battery powered smoke alarms may be a 240volt, 10year non-removable battery, or 9volt Alkaline.

Note: Existing landlords and tenant’s obligations regarding the installation and testing of smoke alarms continue.

New dwellings and dwellings being substantially renovated

• All new dwellings and dwellings being substantially renovated need to comply with the full breadth of changes outlined in the new legislation for 2027.
• New dwellings must be built with 240volt hard wired alarms and interconnected smoke alarms in the required locations

1^st January 2022

If a dwelling is sold, leased or an existing lease is renewed & government owned dwellings.

Smoke alarms in all dwellings must;

• Be of photoelectric type
• Be either hard wired or fitted with a 10 year, non replaceable battery
• Be less than 10 years old
• Operate when tested
• Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling

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 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.

1^st January 2027

All dwellings (including owner occupier)

Smoke alarms in all dwellings must;

• Be of photoelectric type
• Be either hard wired or fitted with a 10 year, non replaceable battery
• Be less than 10 years old
• Operate when tested
• Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling

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 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.