When was the last time someone you know mentioned Queensland’s “new” smoke alarm legislation? The rules came into effect in 2017, some six years ago now, with the end goal of dramatically slashing the number of deaths caused by house fires in the state. 13 really is an unlucky number, because that’s how many average deaths Queensland records every year due to home fires. To get that number hopefully to 0, the 2017 rules require all Queenslanders to eventually install state-of-the-art interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, hallways and levels of every single home.
How much do you know about smoke alarms QLD?
But did you know the smoke alarm legislation QLD-wide was actually so wide and complex that certain parts of it are still being phased in? We know the rules are complicated, and we know you have questions, so here at Tradie Near Me, we’re committed to providing the answers. When you use Tradie Near Me to send the best possible electrician Brisbane wide to your premises, you’re getting a tradie with the very best verified skills, performance and safety record and real-life reviews and recommendations – so you can be sure that their answers are the most accurate.
QLD smoke alarm legislation – The lowdown
So without further ado, here is Tradie Near Me’s exclusive Q&A – compiled thanks to the input and experience of the most skilled and experienced electricians Gold Coast & Brisbane wide. Let’s get started:
1. When did the regulations take effect?
For all new buildings and substantially renovated buildings, the answer is January 1, 2017.
2. Did that apply to existing homes?
While the regulations do apply to existing homes, the compliance deadlines were not all the same.
3. So what is the compliance deadline for an owner-occupied home?
It depends on the type of home. For most homes, the deadline was whenever the existing smoke alarm was due for replacement – or 10 years after the manufacturing date.
4. What about for rental properties?
‘Queensland smoke alarm legislation’ was trending on Twitter until very recently, and that’s because 2022 was the deadline for compliance by all rental properties. The rules also stipulated that, by 2022, rental properties need to feature compliant smoke alarms that are fully tested and cleaned prior to the start of the new tenancy agreement.
5. What is an interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm, anyway?
Without getting technical, rest assured it’s simply the state-of-the-art in technologically-advanced home smoke alarm technology. How is it better than what you may already have? Basically, they’re infinitely better at detecting a smouldering fire – or a fire that is producing smoke before there’s an actual flame. Not just that, the ‘interconnected’ nature of these alarms means they communicate with all the other alarms in the home so that when one detects smoke, all the others start screeching as well.
6. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
If you’re tempted to ignore the rules and trust in your existing smoke alarms, the penalties are pretty severe – including fines, penalties and even legal action. But even worse, if your home is unfortunate enough to suffer a fire, your insurance company may not pay out.
Tradie Near Me – The authority for smoke detectors QLD
Need to know more about the new smoke alarm legislation QLD-wide? You’re in luck with Tradie Near Me – the easy way to find a Brisbane smoke alarm electrician and a Gold Coast smoke alarm electrician. By benefitting from our fully-vetted network of 5-star licensed and insured tradies, you’re giving yourself the best possible opportunity to find experts in local smoke alarm compliance that offer obligation-free quotes, upfront pricing and 100% guaranteed workmanship for life. So if you require advice or fully-licensed services for all your needs to fulfil the smoke alarm legislation Brisbane and Gold Coast-wide, give Tradie Near Me a try today.
