Home Owners Guide to Smoke Alarm Safety

Transcription

1 Home Owners Guide to Smoke Alarm Safety Smoke alarms save lives. Most importantly - only working smoke alarms save lives. You and your family are at risk if: You do not have batteries in your smoke alarms 1 Your smoke alarms are not correctly positioned 2 Your smoke alarms are older than 10 years 3 You have ionisation technology smoke alarms v battery operated smoke alarm s sole source of power is a 9v battery. If the battery has been removed, the smoke alarm will not function at all. 240v (hard-wired) smoke alarms have a 9v battery back-up - if the battery has been removed, the alarm will not sound in a fire situation where power supply has been cut or affected by the fire. 2. Australian smoke alarm legislation requires smoke alarms on every level of a house, specifically between all bedrooms and the rest of the house. Fire Authorities strongly recommend smoke alarms inside every bedroom. Most fires occur at night whilst people are asleep, and as our sense of smell does not work when we are asleep, hearing the smoke alarms is critically important, and additional smoke alarms inside bedrooms is the wisest and safest approach. 3. All smoke alarms have a lifespan of 10 years and should be replaced before their expiry date. Smoke alarms older than 10 years have a 30% increased chance of not functioning. Every smoke alarm will show a manufacture date, or a replace-by date on the reverse or side of the alarm. If your smoke alarms show a manufacture date prior to October 2004, you should replace the alarms immediately. 4. There are two types of smoke alarm technology - ionisation and photoelectric. Every Fire Authority in Australia recommends photoelectric smoke alarms as they are proven to be far more effective in a smouldering fire - which is how most house fires start. Ionisation alarms are far more likely to false alarm (e.g. cooking toast, opening the oven, having a shower). Ionisation smoke alarms are no longer allowed to be used in the Northern Territory. To see what type of alarm you have, look for this radioactive symbol on the reverse of the alarm. If you see this symbol, the smoke alarm is ionisation, not photoelectric. Smoke Alarm Solutions Pty Ltd ABN info@smokealarmsolutions.com.au Fax Brisbane/Gold Coast/ Sunshine Coast Rockhampton/Emerald Gladstone Mackay Townsille Cairns New South Wales Victoria South Australia

2 Recommendations Smoke Alarm Solutions is supremely qualified to make the following recommendations. We service the smoke alarms in more than 200,000 Australian homes, we service the smoke alarms in more than 1,500 homes every single day, and we have performed more than 1.5 million smoke alarm inspections. There is no company in Australia that has more experience in smoke alarm safety. And our experience frightens us - 50% of homes we attend for the first time do not have working smoke alarms. That s every second house that is at risk. Most homes have smoke alarms, but our experience shows that 50% of them are not protected adequately. The main reasons are: The alarms do not work because the battery has been removed The alarms are not correctly positioned for maximum safety The alarms are past their expiry date The alarms are faulty, damaged, broken or simply don t work Recommendations Check the expiry date of your alarms and immediately replace any alarms that are older than 10 years Change ionisation alarms to photoelectric alarms Check the location of the alarms in your home, and ensure that you have at least one smoke alarm on every level, and that there is a smoke alarm between the bedrooms and the rest of the home. Install alarms if required. Consider installing alarms inside every bedroom Consider installing 10 year lithium battery (battery never needs changing) alarms Test all smoke alarms at least monthly, and change batteries no less than yearly 10 Year Lithium Battery smoke alarms Almost all of us have experienced our smoke alarms going off for no apparent reason. It occurs often when cooking toast, frying, opening the oven, having a shower, even mowing the lawn (which ionisation alarms tend to do, whereas photoelectric alarms do not). All too often, people remove the battery from the alarm at these times, then never replace the battery - putting their lives at risk. Smoke Alarm Solutions Pty Ltd ABN info@smokealarmsolutions.com.au Fax Brisbane/Gold Coast/ Sunshine Coast Rockhampton/Emerald Gladstone Mackay Townsille Cairns New South Wales Victoria South Australia

3 We strongly recommend smoke alarms with a 10 year lithium battery (the battery cannot be removed). This type of alarm is a little more expensive than a standard battery alarm, but as you never need to buy batteries, the extra you pay at the start is more than saved over the next 10 years as you will never need to buy a battery again. If you purchase a photoelectric 10 year smoke alarm, you will also experience fewer false alarms. In December this year, revolutionary new photoelectric 10 year smoke alarms become available. Not only are these absolutely beautiful, but they are the first smoke alarms anywhere in the world which can come in any colour, any pattern, any image that you require. Just like you can accessorise your mobile phone, you can now accessorise your smoke alarms with the replaceable Skins. You will find attached more details about these beautiful alarms, and they will be available in time for Christmas. You can pre-order alarms now from Smoke Alarm Solutions. Smoke alarms should be tested at least monthly, preferably weekly. When was the last time you checked yours? Smoke alarms are often in difficult to access areas, particularly hard-to-reach ceilings. Most people use a stepladder or chair to reach them, putting themselves at risk of injury. It is no wonder they are rarely tested. There is now a quick, easy, simply and safe solution: Smoke Alarm Solutions Pty Ltd ABN info@smokealarmsolutions.com.au Fax Brisbane/Gold Coast/ Sunshine Coast Rockhampton/Emerald Gladstone Mackay Townsille Cairns New South Wales Victoria South Australia

4 This simple device can be used in seconds to test the alarm without the need to take risks. The Finger is ideal for anyone with a smoke alarm in their home and is particularly recommended if you or someone you know is older or less able. Every year falls are a major cause of injury for the over 65 s. The Finger is available in two sizes - 600mm and 900mm from as little as $7.00. This brand new smoke alarm tester will be in shops in time for Christmas, and will be available online in 4 weeks. You can pre-order The Finger now by contacting Smoke Alarm Solutions. Documents All State Fire Authorities publish excellent educational information about smoke alarms. For simplicity, we have included information sheets from Queensland Fire & Rescue Service, and this information is relevant no matter which State you live in. Further Information The smoke alarm experts at Smoke Alarm Solutions will be pleased to answer any questions you have in regard to smoke alarms. Smoke Alarm Solutions Pty Ltd ABN info@smokealarmsolutions.com.au Fax Brisbane/Gold Coast/ Sunshine Coast Rockhampton/Emerald Gladstone Mackay Townsille Cairns New South Wales Victoria South Australia

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6 WORLD S HOTTEST SMOKE ALARMS 16 million color options Any Paint Color

7 Information Sheet Smoke Alarm Maintenance and Replacement MAINTENANCE How do I keep my smoke alarms working? Smoke alarms can only save lives if they are well maintained and work properly. Steps to remember: Once a month check the battery by pressing the test button. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle. Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly. Replace the batteries at least once a year. Pick a memorable day (e.g. April Fool s Day, anniversary or your birthday) and replace the batteries each year on that day. In most models when batteries are low the detector will sound a short BEEP every minute or so. This is your reminder to replace the batteries. Smoke alarms must never be painted. If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Turn on the range fan, open a window or wave a towel near the alarm until the alarm stops beeping; or use the hush button (if fitted). Do not remove the batteries from your smoke alarm. Smoke alarms wear out over time. They should be replaced prior to the expiry date on the manufacturer s warranty. You may want to write the purchase date with a marker on the inside of the smoke alarm unit. That way, you ll know when to replace it. Read the manufacturer instructions. All types of smoke alarms have a limited life-span and need to be replaced according to manufacturer s instructions. For more information, relating to the maintenance responsibilities in rental properties, refer to the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Wake Up to Photoelectric Smoke Alarms brochure. REPLACEMENT Why do I need to replace my smoke alarm? Both hard-wired and battery operated smoke alarms are manufactured to have a recommended service life of at least 10 years under normal conditions of use (AS 3786). After 10 years smoke alarms may malfunction and their efficiency compromised with accumulated dust, insects, airborne contaminants and corrosion of the electrical circuitry. A smoke alarm constantly monitors the air 24 hours a day. At the end of 10 years, it has gone through millions of monitoring cycles. After so much use, components may become less reliable. This means that as the smoke alarm gets older, the potential of failure increases. Most smoke alarms have an expiry or replace by date written on them. QFES strongly recommend that when your current smoke alarm becomes faulty or nears the end of its service date, that you replace it with a photoelectric smoke alarm and that multiple alarms are interconnected. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) position is that all residential accommodation be fitted with photoelectric smoke alarms and that all smoke alarms in single dwellings (Class 1 buildings) be interconnected. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommend that all smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years. How do I dispose of a smoke alarm I ve replaced? Individual or small numbers of ionisation or photoelectric smoke alarms can be safely disposed of in household rubbish. The small amount of radioactive material in a domestic ionisation smoke alarm is insufficient to cause harm to people or the environment. Ver 08/14 Great state. Great opportunity.

8 Information Sheet Smoke Alarm Installation Common features in smoke alarms Test button - to ensure correct operation. Tested by Scientific Services Laboratories to comply with AS3786. Some models have hush buttons to stop nuisance alarms. Some smoke alarms can be interconnected which sound alarms in all connected units. Interconnection allows all smoke alarms to sound simultaneously should any one alarm activate. All occupants are alerted, maximising the opportunity for escape. Power supply options for smoke alarms You can buy smoke alarms from hardware stores, electrical retailers, or through your electrician. There are two power supply options for smoke alarms: 240 Volt Smoke Alarms A 240 volt smoke alarm, also called hard-wired smoke alarms, are connected to a home s electrical system and has battery back-up power supply. Advantages Considered more reliable in the longer term. Uses a battery to provide back-up power if the AC power fails. Back up batteries can be either 9 volt or built-in and tamper proof rechargeable lithium. Power-on indicator. Disadvantages More expensive. Need to be installed by a qualified electrician. 9 Volt Smoke Alarms A 9 volt smoke alarm, also called battery operated smoke alarms, are stand alone and operated only by a battery. Advantages Easy to install. Low battery indication. Battery missing indicator. Disadvantages Battery needs to be replaced annually. INSTALLATION - Where do they need to go? As a legal minimum requirement, a smoke alarm must be installed on or near the ceiling on any storey: Between any area containing bedrooms and the rest of the house or unit e.g. hallways; On a storey not containing bedrooms on the most likely evacuation route from the storey. Hard-wired smoke alarms are required in all new and significantly renovated homes and units built since July These need to be installed by a licensed electrician, in line with BCA standards. Because smoke rises, smoke alarms should be placed on the ceiling out of the corner (dead air space). If that is not possible, it may be positioned high on a wall, according to the manufacturer s instructions. Every residence is different and you will need to assess your home. The following is suggested as a guide. Alternatively, follow the manufacturer s instructions: A smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each level of the home provides a minimum degree of protection from the threat of fire; In a single-level home, one alarm may be sufficient (as a minimum) if all the bedrooms connect to a common hallway; Additional alarms are needed in homes with separated sleeping areas; Where occupants sleep with bedroom doors closed, install a smoke alarm in each bedroom and the hallway. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services strongly recommends that you consider installing additional alarms. In cases where occupants sleep with the door closed or in a child s bedroom, it is especially recommended that an alarm be installed in each bedroom. Ver 08/14 Great state. Great opportunity.

9 Information Sheet To maximise smoke alarm operation avoid installation in the following positions: In dead air space. This is an area in which trapped hot air will prevent smoke from reaching the alarm. This space generally occurs at the apex of cathedral ceilings, the corner junction of walls and ceilings, and between exposed floor joists. Near windows, doors, fans or air conditioners. Excessive air movement may prevent smoke and gases from reaching the smoke alarm or cause nuisance alarms. In or outside of the bathroom as steam may cause nuisance alarms. In kitchens. If there is no alternative, a photoelectric type is preferred. In insect infested areas, as insects flying into the alarm could cause nuisance alarms. TV Room Dining Room Living Room Kitchen * Minimum by law from 1 July Hall Inside the bedroom if you are a heavy sleeper or if you close the door. Dining Room Kitchen Ideal Locations and number required by law: Between the bedrooms and the rest of the house. Dining Room Kitchen Living Room Hall * Additional recommendation for added safety (not law). Living Room Hall Inside each bedroom, in the hallway and living areas, and connected together. * Minimum by law from 1 July Dining Room Kitchen Near bedrooms and on every storey of a multi-level house. Hall Living Room Upper Hall * Additional recommendation for added safety (not law). Kitchen Living Room * Minimum by law from 1 July For advice on the selection, placement and maintenance of smoke alarms contact your local Queensland Fire and Emergency Services fire station or a reputable fire protection company. Additional alarms are needed in homes with separated sleeping areas. Ver 08/14 Great state. Great opportunity.

10 Information Sheet Smoke Alarm Legislation Legislation requiring the installation of smoke alarms in all domestic dwellings, including rental properties, came into effect on 1 July The legislation also details the ongoing smoke alarm maintenance obligations of lessors and tenants. In summary, the legislation requires that: smoke alarms complying with Australian Standard be installed in houses and units (Class 1a and 2 buildings under the Building Code of Australia) by 1 July Smoke alarms are readily available from major hardware stores and retailers; smoke alarms are located outside sleeping areas and one on each level of the dwelling. These location requirements are the same as those that apply for homes built since July This means that if you live in a property built since July 1997 the property should already have the correct type and number of smoke alarms installed; lessors install alarms and replace them before the end of their service life (smoke alarms are required to have a recommended service life of at least 10 years under normal conditions of use); lessors test and clean smoke alarms and replace batteries where they are spent, within 30 days before the start of a tenancy (including the renewal of an existing tenancy); tenants test and clean smoke alarms at least once every 12 months during a tenancy and replace spent batteries during the tenancy; landlords have a right of entry to install smoke alarms under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act Section 192; and information about the smoke alarm maintenance obligations of lessors and tenants is contained in a rental rules document that a lessor is legally required to give to a tenant when the tenancy agreement is given to the tenant for signing or the day the tenant occupies the premises, whichever first occurs. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services position is that all residential accommodation be fitted with photoelectric smoke alarms. Further information on smoke alarms is available on other Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Information Sheets. Failure to comply with legislative requirements can result in prosecution. For more information regarding landlord and tenant responsibilities, visit and download the Wake up to photoelectric smoke alarms. Ver 08/14 Great state. Great opportunity.

11 Information Sheet Photoelectric Smoke Alarms This type, also known as optical or photo-optical, detects visible particles of combustion e.g. smouldering cigarette smoke. They respond to a wide range of fires, but they are particularly responsive to smouldering fires and the dense smoke given off by foam filled furnishings or overheated PVC wiring. Advantages Good for smouldering fire and dense smoke Not as prone to cooking nuisance alarms Contain no radioactive material Suitable for general use Your protection against fire increases with the quality and type of smoke alarm that is installed. Research indicates that photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more effective than ionisation types across a wider range of fires experienced in homes. For this reason, QFES recommends that photoelectric smoke alarms be installed, especially if you are installing only one alarm. If you already have smoke alarms installed, QFES recommends that you supplement the existing alarms with photoelectric types, especially between sleeping areas and exits from your home (e.g. hallways); and at the end of the service life of existing smoke alarms, replace them with photoelectric types. It is expected that stocks of photoelectric alarms will become more readily available at retailers as demand increases. Ionisation Alarms This type detects invisible particles of combustion e.g. from cooking toast. They activate quickly for fast, flaming fires with little visible smoke. Smoke Alarm Types Ionisation smoke alarms contain a very small amount of radioactive material and are completely safe under all normal conditions they may encounter, including a fire, and pose no threat to people or the environment. Other Smoke Alarm Options These include: Alarms for deaf and hearing-impaired people Alarms with emergency lights Special models for kitchens and caravans Inter-connectable models that sound alarms in all connected units What to look for? Queensland Fire and Emergency Services strongly recommends, when purchasing smoke alarms, you check that it complies with the Standard AS The following labels will appear when smoke alarms comply with this Standard. For further information go to CSIRO s Activfire website ( which provides consumers and fire safety advisers with details of smoke alarms that have been verified as conforming with requirements of Australian Standard AS Ver 08/14 Great state. Great opportunity.