The changes to the Queensland smoke alarm legislation outlined a number of key compliance dates and the next on come into effect from 1 January 2022 for dwellings that are leased or sold. Is your Body Corporate confident that Lot Owners have met their legislative requirements?
The legislation specifies that all Queensland dwellings, leased or sold, will be required to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling and on every level.
With the deadline just over two months away and some manufacturers and installers not able to keep up with demand, as well as pending price increases to several smoke alarms brands, now is the time to act.
What are the changes?
The next step in the legislation requires all Queensland dwellings to install photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms and in hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling.
What is an interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm?
Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are also known as optical or photo-optical. The alarms have the capability to detect visible particles of combustion and are connected to other smoke alarms in the dwelling either directly or wirelessly.
Research has found that interconnected photoelectric alarms respond quicker than the current smoke alarms and they are less likely to create a false alarm.
Why are the changes occurring?
Photoelectric smoke alarms are becoming a requirement to address the danger of fires occurring whilst people are sleeping in their homes. When people are sleeping, their sense of smell also sleeps. Photoelectric smoke alarms will detect the smoke in its early stages allowing you to exit your property safely.
When are the changes set to take place?
The rollout of interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms will happen over a 10-year period.
Below are the key dates to be aware of:
- 1 January 2017: in new dwellings and substantially renovated dwellings
- 1 January 2022: in domestic dwellings leased and sold
- 1 January 2027: in all other domestic dwellings
If you require assistance or are unsure what to do, please don’t hesitate to contact your SSKB Community Manager.
