WA’s building and fire safety authorities have joined forces to remind home owners that all smoke alarms should be replaced when they are 10 years old. Building & Energy and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) are urging people to check the dates on their smoke alarms and arrange for new ones to be installed if they have expired.
The 10-year replacement applies to all smoke alarms, including hard-wired models connected to the mains power.
The call comes during October 2021, which marks the 10th anniversary of the requirement under WA’s Building Regulations that any dwelling being sold, rented or hired must have compliant smoke alarms.
Installation, maintenance, and replacement of smoke alarms is the responsibility of the property owner, not the tenants. The manufacture date or the expiry date should be marked on the smoke alarm, Building & Energy Acting Executive Director Nabil Yazdani said.
“If the smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, or you can’t find the date, it’s time to replace it to ensure it operates effectively when you need it the most.
“Australian Standards stipulate an operating life of 10 years, after which the alarm’s sensitivity and functions can decline.”
DFES Deputy Commissioner Strategy and Emergency Management Mal Cronstedt AFSM said homes with more than one smoke alarm should have their system interconnected.
“Having interconnected smoke alarms means when one alarm detects a fire, all alarms will sound throughout the property giving you as much warning as possible of an emergency,” Deputy Commissioner Cronstedt said.
“If your home was built since 1 May 2015 you are required by law to have interconnected smoke alarms. Only working smoke alarms can save lives so it is crucial you take the time to check, maintain or replace your alarm to ensure the safety of your household.”
Mr Yazdani said Building & Energy has published an updated fact sheet about smoke alarm laws for established dwellings including applicable Australian Standards, location requirements, maintenance and options for non-habitable areas.
“A replacement hard-wired smoke alarm must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor and comply with electrical and building regulations,” he said.
This information has been taken from the Website of Western Australia Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety, for more info visit the Building & Energy or DFES websites.
