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Smoke Alarm Legislation is Changing in Queensland

Is Your Property Compliant? New Queensland Legislation Comes into Effect on 1 January 2027.

Why is the Legislation Changing

In January 2017, the Queensland Government introduced new smoke alarm legislation to improve fire safety in homes across the state. The legislative amendments were implemented following the tragic 2011 Slacks Creek house fire, which claimed the lives of 11 people, including eight children.

The following coronial inquest revealed there were no working smoke alarms in the home and recommended an increase in smoke alarms requirements.

These legislative changes have been rolled out in three stages across 10 years to provide homeowners, landlords, businesses, and caravans/motorhomes time to transition.

The final stage is now underway. By 1 January 2027, all Queensland homes must comply with these new laws.

To be Compliant, Smoke Alarms must:

  • be Photoelectric – Photoelectric technology uses light beams to detect smoke
  • be interconnected, hardwired or wirelessly – when one goes off, they all go off
  • be AC hardwired, or DC powered by a non-removable 10-year battery
  • comply with Australian Standard AS3786-2014 or Australian Standard AS3786-2023

What is Required to be Compliant

  • Smoke alarms must be installed:
    – in every bedroom
    – in every hallway or rooms connecting bedrooms
    – on every storey of the home
    – on the ceiling of caravans and motorhomes.
  • Smoke alarms are powered either by a non-removable battery or the mainpower supply.
  • No matter which option you choose, make sure your smoke alarms are:
    – photoelectric
    – interconnected
    – installed in all required locations in your home, caravan or motorhome.

 

Creating a Safer Home

  • Keep your smoke alarms working to protect you.
    – Test them monthly to make sure they’re operating properly.
    – Keep them clean and free from dust and insects by vacuuming or dusting.
    – Keep them clear – don’t block or cover them.
    – Never paint over smoke alarms.
  • Make and practise a home fire escape plan so you and anyone in your home knows how to get out quickly and safely in the event of a fire.
Quell Interconnected Smoke Alarms
Quell interconnected smoke alarms link multiple units together so that when one sensor detects smoke, all alarms sound simultaneously across the entire home.
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Why Australia is Moving to Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
The widespread adoption of photoelectric technology for smoke alarms has come about as a result of modern households having a greater number of synthetic materials.
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