Do My Smoke Alarms Meet the Current Legislation?

Smoke alarms legislation has changed recently in QLD, and there are more changes coming soon. Ensure your premises are compliant with a smoke alarm solution that meets requirements. In this article, we briefly review the changes and address the important question, ‘Do my smoke alarms meet the current legislation?’

*NOTE: This information is current at 15/8/23 for South East QLD Australia.

Landlords

From 1 January 2022

From 1 January 2022, at the commencement of a new lease or lease renewal, you must ensure your dwelling / unit meets the requirements of the domestic smoke alarm legislation. This may involve installing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms into the bedrooms in addition to the currently required smoke alarms. 

SRC: QFES

Discuss a smoke alarm review or installation for your rental property

Owner Occupiers:

From 1 January 2017

• Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014. (Note: the date should be stamped on the back)
• Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
• Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement, must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.

From 1 January 2027

• All existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. These must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or non-removable 10 year battery powered type alarm.

The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:

• on each storey
• in each bedroom
• in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
• if there is no hallway, between the bedroom 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.

SRC: QFES

Discuss a smoke alarm review or upgrade for your property

Regular Testing

Smoke alarms need to be regularly tested to ensure they are operational, and ready to function when needed most. Contact our team to assess and test your smoke alarms.