Friday, 22 August 2008
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The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Smoke Alarms) Regulation 2006 came into effect on 1 May 2006. Smoke alarms must now be installed in existing buildings in which people sleep. Previously alarms were mandatory in new buildings and some altered buildings; now all buildings where people sleep must have them.
Details on the type of smoke alarm needed and its correct positioning can be downloaded as PDF files from the Department of Planning webpage, or obtained between 8.30 am and 5 pm weekdays from Council’s Help & Service Centre at Level 4, 31 Victor Street, Chatswood. There is also a Smoke Alarms Help Line on 1300 858 812.
Most building fire deaths occur while people are asleep. A smoke alarm is an effective early warning device designed to alert those in a building to a fire. When installed in the correct location it increases the time available for a safe escape.
It is the responsibility of building owners to install the alarms. In setting the minimum standards, the Government has balanced safety with ease and affordability. Owners are welcome to install more advanced systems.
No action is needed if a building already has fully functioning smoke alarms or smoke detection and alarm system installed that complies with a previous or current requirement, as long as the location of the alarm complies with the new Regulation.
This new Regulation does not override any other legal requirements regarding smoke alarms and systems, including the Fire Safety Order, or the Building Code of Australia.
Owners have six months to comply, until November 2006.