Tag: QLD smoke alarm law

QLD smoke alarm laws are the most stringent in the nation. These laws have been amended and updated over time due to several tragic fires which have resulted in significant loss of life.

QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation

The two main pieces of legislation in Queensland are the;

  • Fire Services Act 1990 (previously known as the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990)
  • Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008

The objectives of the legislation are to ensure that all fire safety installations (including interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms) within a building are maintained, and to ensure that people can safely evacuate from a building in the event of a fire.

QLD smoke alarm laws - Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008
QLD smoke alarm laws – Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008

Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 – QLD Smoke Alarms

Part 5A of the QLD Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 deals specifically with photoelectric smoke alarm requirements for domestic dwellings. It states that smoke alarms must;

  • Comply with the Australian Standard (AS 3786:2014).
  • Contain a photoelectric sensor, and not also contain an ionization sensor.
  • Be either hardwired into the building’s main power supply or powered by a non-removable minimum 10-year lifespan battery.

Where Should QLD Smoke Alarms Be Installed?

Part 5A also states exactly where photoelectric smoke alarms must be installed inside a domestic dwelling (prescribed locations). It says that photoelectric smoke alarms must be installed in;

  • each bedroom.
  • the hallway which connects each bedroom.
  • if there is no hallway connecting each bedroom, then a part of the storey that is between the
    bedroom and the rest of the dwelling.
  • for each storey with no bedrooms—on the most likely travel path of exit from the dwelling.

Where Shouldn’t QLD Smoke Alarms Be Installed?

Part 5A (3) also provides exact distances and measurements where photoelectric smoke alarms should / should not be installed. It states that photoelectric smoke alarms must not be installed;

  • within 300mm of a light fitting.
  • within 300mm of a corner of the ceiling and a wall.
  • within 400mm of an opening from which air is supplied from an air conditioner or forced air vent.
  • within 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan.
QLD smoke alarm laws - Fire Services Act 1990
QLD smoke alarm laws – Fire Services Act 1990

Fire Services Act 1990 – QLD Smoke Alarms

In addition to the above, Division 5A of the QLD Fire Services Act 1990 (previously named the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990) stipulates that from 1st January 2022 all rental properties and properties being sold in Queensland must have photoelectric smoke alarms which;

  • Are less than 10 years old.
  • Operate when tested.
  • Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the building so that all activate together.

If the smoke alarm being replaced was hardwired to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply, the new replacement smoke alarm must also be hardwired to the dwelling’s electricity supply and be a photoelectric smoke alarm. Any newly constructed homes or substantial renovations must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms which are hardwired to the mains power supply. A definition of a ‘substantial renovation’ is provided within the Act.

Furthermore, these interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm requirements will become mandatory for ALL dwellings in Queensland by 1st January 2027.

When it comes to QLD smoke alarms - what is the law?

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms In QLD Rental Properties

With respect to QLD rental properties, in addition to all the above points, the Act also states that;

  • The lessor must test each smoke alarm within 30 days before the start of a tenancy in a domestic dwelling.
  • The tenant must test each smoke alarm in the dwelling at least once every 12 months.
  • If the tenant is aware a smoke alarm in the dwelling has failed, the tenant must advise the lessor as soon as practicable.
  • The tenant must clean each smoke alarm at least once every 12 months.

Direct links to the QLD government website are posted below if you would like to read the full legislative documents for yourself.

QLD Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008 (current as at 01 July 2024)
QLD Fire Services Act 1990 (current as at 01 July 2024)

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN Smoke Alarm YouTube channel or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

This new QLD smoke alarm legislation has been implemented due to several fires which have tragically resulted in multiple fatalities in each instance.

Coronial inquest findings noted that had each property been fitted with functioning interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in prescribed locations, the occupants may have stood a better chance of survival.

Early smoke / fire detection improves escape time from a burning building. During a fire emergency, it was not only the heat and flames themselves which presented a life-threatening hazard, many victims were first overcome by an accumulation of smoke and toxic fumes. The new QLD smoke alarm legislation lists prescribed locations for smoke alarm installation, and the types of smoke alarms which are permitted.

Russell Island House Fire – Brisbane 2023

In the early morning of 6th August 2023, Emergency Services were called to a house fire on Russell Island, just off Brisbane’s southeast coast. The cause of the house fire remains undetermined, however it resulted in the loss of six lives – five young boys and their father who returned to the inferno in an attempt to rescue his children. The fire also destroyed two neighbouring homes and left several people needing treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.

The landlord and home owner was subsequently charged and fined for failing to comply with QLD smoke alarm legislation as they had not installed legally required and compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in the Queensland rental property.

Russell Island house fire tragedy - the owner did not comply with QLD smoke alarm legislation

Slacks Creek House Fire – Brisbane 2011

Just before midnight on 23rd August 2011, an accidental fire ripped through a house in Slacks Creek, South Brisbane.

The fire was to cause the greatest loss of life in a domestic house fire in Australian history, with a total of 11 people (including many children) perishing due to smoke inhalation.

A finding from the 2014 Coronial Inquest stated that;
‘Once this particular fire started, it is likely that some or all of the deaths would have been prevented if the sleeping occupants had been quickly awoken and had realised that they needed to leave the house as quickly as possible … smoke alarms were either not present in the dwelling or were not maintained’.

Many recommendations from the Coronial Inquest were incorporated into the QLD Building Fire Safety (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Legislation Amendment Regulation 2016.

The QLD smoke alarm legislation itself may be viewed at the Queensland Government website below;
https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2016-0221

Palace Backpackers Fire – Childers 2000

On 23rd June 2000 at 1am a disgruntled resident deliberately lit a fire inside the Palace Backpackers Hostel in Childers, southeast Queensland.

The fire spread rapidly throughout the old timber building and the hostel did not have working photoelectric smoke detectors or alarms. The result? 15 young people sadly lost their lives. The arsonist was captured by police and sentenced to life in prison. The devastating effect of this event is still evident on the local township to this day.

Why New QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation – Summary

The updated QLD smoke alarm legislation was introduced in response to several tragic incidents that claimed multiple lives and highlighted the need for improved fire safety measures. Devastating events like the Slacks Creek house fire in 2011, which killed 11 people from the same family, the Childers backpackers fire in 2000 that resulted in 15 deaths, and the Russell Island house fire in 2023, where a father and his five sons tragically lost their lives, served as stark reminders of the dangers of inadequate fire detection systems.

These heartbreaking incidents reinforced the importance of having photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all homes. The new QLD smoke alarm legislation ensures that when one alarm detects smoke, all alarms sound simultaneously, providing vital extra seconds for occupants to escape safely.

By complying with the updated QLD smoke alarm legislation, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related fatalities and protect their loved ones. Upgrading to interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms is not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about safeguarding lives. If you haven’t yet updated your smoke alarm system, now is the time to take action. Don’t wait for a tragedy to remind you of the importance of fire safety in your home and complying with the new QLD smoke alarm legislation.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN Smoke Alarm YouTube channel or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

As the winter chill gradually gives way to the warmth of a Queensland spring, we find ourselves emerging from the cozy hibernation of the colder months. Spring cleaning, gardening and home maintenance tasks become top priorities, and one key activity that should not be overlooked is checking your interconnected photoelectric fire alarms. Whilst this may not seem like the most glamorous of springtime duties, it is undeniably one of the most important ones. The primary purpose of a smoke alarm is to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a fire. By checking them in the spring, you ensure that they are in good working condition and ready to alert you in case of an emergency.

Here’s how you should make checking your interconnected photoelectric fire alarms a regular springtime ritual.

Photoelectric Fire Alarm Spring Cleaning

Did you know that the changing of the seasons can have an impact on your photoelectric fire alarms? Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside them, reducing their efficiency and increasing the possibility for nuisance alarms. Whilst you’re already in spring cleaning mode, why not take a few extra minutes to ensure your alarms are fully clean and operational?

Give them a wipe down with a clean microfibre cloth and then gently vacuum around the exterior shell of your photoelectric fire alarms with the soft brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner to remove any cobwebs, dust build-up etc. which may have occurred over the winter months. Outside of this spring time activity it is recommended to clean your ZEN Smoke Alarms every 6 months.

Photoelectric Fire Alarms Battery Check

Smoke alarms obviously often rely on batteries for power, and these batteries can weaken or die over time. Fortunately most modern photoelectric smoke detectors are now equipped with 10-year long life lithium batteries which are sealed inside the smoke alarm itself (after 10 years the entire smoke alarm is simply swapped out for a new one).

However, if you still have an older style battery fire alarm which uses 9V replaceable batteries then spring is a great time to either replace the old batteries with fresh ones, or our recommendation is to upgrade to new battery fire alarms with 10-year long life batteries. So, go ahead, replace those dusty old 9V replaceable battery smoke alarms in springtime with the newest photoelectric fire alarms equipped with 10-year long life batteries, and ensure your interconnected photoelectric fire alarms are always ready to do their job.

Testing Your Photoelectric Fire Alarms

Testing your interconnected photoelectric fire alarms is a relatively quick and straightforward task. You don’t need any special tools or expertise. Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms have a ‘test’ button that you can press to ensure they are working correctly. It’s a small effort for a significant safety boost. In QLD, photoelectric smoke alarms must be interconnected (so if one smoke alarm activates, they all do).

When testing your photoelectric smoke alarms be sure to check that all the smoke alarms are interconnected and activate together, usually within about 10 seconds of the test button being pressed on the first interconnected fire alarm. If not, it’s time for some troubleshooting or possibly a replacement. Outside of this annual spring time activity it is also recommended to test your ZEN Smoke Alarms monthly.

Spring time test your photoelectric fire alarms
Spring time test your photoelectric fire alarms

Photoelectric Fire Alarms Expiry Date

Photoelectric fire alarms don’t last forever and should be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture. According to Australian Standard 3786:2014, the smoke alarm date of manufacture should be printed on the rear of the smoke alarm – go on, have a look. If they’re older than 10 years then they should be replaced with newer models. Why? Photoelectric sensors and other internal components can degrade over time, leading to a less effective photoelectric smoke alarm.

Location Of Your Photoelectric Fire Alarms

Whilst you’re at it, double-check the placement of your photoelectric fire alarms. Are they strategically positioned throughout your home as per Queensland smoke alarm laws? In Queensland there should be one interconnected photoelectric smoke detector inside each bedroom, the interconnecting hallway outside the bedrooms, and at least one on each level of your home. If there is no interconnecting hallway outside the bedrooms then a photoelectric smoke alarm must be installed outside the bedroom and other parts of the storey. Proper placement can make all the difference in early detection.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Placement Recommendations

Teach Your Family About Smoke Alarms

Checking your photoelectric fire alarms in the spring also presents a valuable opportunity to educate your family about fire safety, particularly young children. Show them how to test the alarms and explain the steps to take if they ever hear one go off, including who to call. Surprisingly, young children may not automatically associate the sound of a smoke alarm with danger, so this education is very important. In an emergency, phone 000 (triple zero) to contact the Queensland Fire Department for immediate assistance.

If you don’t already have one, spring is also the perfect time to create a home fire escape plan and rehearse it with your family. Familiarizing everyone with escape routes and emergency procedures can significantly reduce stress and confusion in a crisis, ensuring everyone knows exactly what to do when every second counts.

Conclusion

So there you have it, as you embark on your spring cleaning rituals and home maintenance tasks, don’t forget to check your photoelectric fire alarms. It’s a simple yet essential step to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. With working interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in place, you can enjoy the beauty and rejuvenation of a QLD spring with the peace of mind that you are well-prepared for any potential fire-related emergencies. So, make it a springtime tradition to give your ZEN Smoke Alarms the attention they deserve – because the safety of your loved ones always comes first.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN Smoke Alarm YouTube channel or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005