Self contained smoke alarms are required to be installed in every dwelling (Class 1, 2, 3 and Class 4) under Regulation 707 of the Building Regulations 2006. They need to be installed in appropriate locations on or near the ceiling of every storey of the dwelling in accordance with AS3786-1993.
A working smoke alarm provides you with early warning of a fire and gives you time to escape safely.
Fire risk is greatest at night when you are asleep. When we sleep we can lose our sense of smell. Without a working smoke alarm you may not wake up or wake up too late to safely escape. You are four times more likely to die in a residential fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm.
Smoke alarms should be tested monthly by pressing the button and waiting for the beep sound.
Smoke alarm batteries should be changes every year with the entire smoke alarm replaced every 10 years.
