September 1, 2016
Queensland property owners will have a maximum of 10 years to replace any existing smoke alarm detectors with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.
People selling or leasing properties will have just five years to do the same.
And people building or significantly renovating a property will have just four months.
On Wednesday the State Government handed down new smoke alarm legislation which it said would make Queensland households the safest in the country, forcing home owners to remove outdated ionised models and update to photoelectric models instead.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Bill Byrne said the legislation followed recommendations handed down after a fatal house fire at Slacks Creek in 2011 claimed 11 lives.
The legislation specifies that every Queensland residence will need to be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms, as well as the hallways of residences.
“By having the alarms interconnected, it won’t matter which part of a house a fire might start in, the alarm closest to you will sound and if you are asleep, an alarm will sound in your room, even if the area is closed off to the rest of the house,” Minister Byrne said.
“Research shows that photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms are the most effective on the market for alerting people to fires early.
“I am proud Queensland is now the national leader on this issue, making sure we are doing all we can to keep residents safe.”
Minister Byrne said a 10-year phased rollout of the legislation would allow ample time for everyone to have their alarms installed correctly.
“Hard-wired, interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms will require a qualified electrician to conduct the installation and ensure the alarms are working as they should be,” he said.
“There is an option to install photoelectric alarms with a 10-year lithium battery that have the capability to achieve interconnectedness wirelessly between alarms. This option may be more suitable for Queenslanders living in remote areas where attendance of an electrician could be difficult.”
All houses being built or significantly renovated will need to comply with the smoke alarm legislation upon completion after January 1, 2017.
All houses leased or sold will need to meet compliance after five years, and all owner-occupied private dwellings will need to comply with the legislation within 10 years.
Any smoke alarm being replaced after January 1, 2017 must be a photoelectric alarm.
Minister Byrne said although some residents would have up to 10 years to install the alarms, everyone should take action to update their alarm system as soon as possible.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) worked closely with the State Government to develop the legislation.
QFES has a free Safehome program where Queenslanders can request a visit from local firefighters who will advise them of the best locations for smoke alarms and suggest other fire safety initiatives around the home.
To request a Safehome visit call 13QGOV or visit the QFES website
