As of January 1, 2027, all residential properties in Queensland, Australia, must comply with updated smoke alarm legislation aimed at enhancing fire safety across the state. This mandate extends to all owner-occupied homes, rental properties, and properties intended for sale. Rental properties have been required to have these upgrades since 1st January 2022.
Key Requirements:
- Photoelectric Smoke Alarms: All smoke alarms must be of the photoelectric type, compliant with Australian Standard AS 3786-2014. These alarms are more effective at detecting smouldering fires and reducing false alarms compared to ionization alarms.
- Interconnection: Smoke alarms must be interconnected so that when one alarm is activated, all alarms in the dwelling sound simultaneously. This ensures that occupants are alerted promptly, regardless of their location within the property.
- Installation Locations:
- On each storey of the dwelling.
- In every bedroom.
- In hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling. If a hallway is absent, alarms should be installed between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey.
- In the most likely path of exit from the dwelling if there are no bedrooms on a storey.
- Power Source: Smoke alarms must be either hardwired to the mains power supply with a backup battery or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
Compliance Deadlines:
- By January 1, 2027: All existing private homes, townhouses, and units must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed. This requirement applies to both owner-occupied and rental properties.
Installation and Maintenance:
- For hardwired smoke alarms, installation must be performed by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance.
- Regular maintenance, including testing and cleaning, is essential to ensure alarms function correctly.
Adhering to these regulations is crucial for the safety of all residents and to comply with Queensland law. Homeowners are encouraged to upgrade their smoke alarm systems well before the 2027 deadline to ensure the utmost protection against fire hazards.