Guidelines for Smoke Alarms: Instructions on Installation, Upkeep, Testing, and Replacement
In Victoria, house fires are a significant concern, with over 3,000 incidents reported each year [1]. Many of these fires could be prevented, according to the Country Fire Authority (CFA). One of the key measures to protect your home is the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms.
The CFA recommends installing new smoke alarms with a lithium battery that has a 10-year lifespan for the highest level of security [2]. These alarms should be interconnected, ensuring that every smoke alarm in the house activates as soon as one smoke alarm senses smoke [3].
For maximum protection, smoke alarms should be installed on each level of a house, with one smoke alarm in each bedroom and living area, as well as in hallways and stairs between floors [4]. The CFA also advises installing smoke alarms inside bedrooms to increase the likelihood of detecting a fire quickly.
In addition, smoke alarms should be located between each bedroom area and the remainder of the home [5]. When installing smoke alarms, they should be located in the centre of the ceiling, at least 300mm from any cornice or wall. If installed on the wall, they should be located 300-500mm from the ceiling [6].
For rental properties, landlords must ensure that smoke alarms are correctly installed and in working order, and must ensure that smoke alarms are tested at least once every 12 months and have their batteries replaced as required [7]. If you're unsure of testing or replacing your smoke alarm batteries yourself, you can get a qualified professional to assist [8]. Smoke alarm units should be replaced every 10 years by a licensed electrician [9].
In Victoria, houses built before 1 August 1997 only require standalone, battery-powered smoke alarms, while those built after require smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standards AS3786 and are connected to 240 volt mains power [10].
Key prevention measures include never leaving cooking unattended and keeping the cooking area clean to avoid grease buildup, keeping flammable items like paper towels and curtains away from stoves, toasters, and heaters, using electrical appliances properly, avoiding overloaded power boards, and turning off portable heaters when not in use or when going to bed [1].
Practicing safe heating use, ensuring portable heaters are well clear of combustible materials like bedding and curtains, being cautious with fire pits and outdoor fires, and avoiding smoking indoors, especially in bed, are also crucial prevention measures [1].
By following these precautions and ensuring your smoke alarms are properly installed and maintained, many house fires in Victoria can be prevented [1]. Smoke alarm checks are vital for home safety and are recommended to be scheduled around the change of daylight saving time [11].
Sources: [1] CFA. (n.d.). Home fire safety. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/ [2] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarms. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarms/ [3] CFA. (n.d.). Interconnected smoke alarms. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/interconnected-smoke-alarms/ [4] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarm locations. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarm-locations/ [5] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarms in bedrooms. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarms-in-bedrooms/ [6] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarm installation. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarm-installation/ [7] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarm maintenance for rental properties. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarm-maintenance-for-rental-properties/ [8] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarm battery replacement. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarm-battery-replacement/ [9] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarm replacement. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarm-replacement/ [10] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarm requirements for existing homes. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarm-requirements-for-existing-homes/ [11] CFA. (n.d.). Smoke alarm checks. Retrieved from https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarm-checks/
Maintaining the safety of your home and lifestyle involves vigilance in preventing fires, such as the installation of top-quality smoke alarms. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) suggests using smoke alarms with a lithium battery and a 10-year lifespan, and these should be fitted in home-and-garden areas like the living room, hallways, bedrooms, and even inside bedrooms for optimal protection.
