Fire safety in homes is still a major issue and results in numerous serious injuries and fatalities every year. The new smoke alarm regulations aim to drastically minimise the frequency and impact of fire incidents. Our electricians are able to install new smoke alarms in your home, providing you with a much safer environment. Previous legislation declared these rules for landlords in order to ensure maximised safety for their tenants at all times. However, these regulations have now stretched to all homes with the aim to reduce fire-related incidents even further. We have collated information regarding the new regulations and possible changes you may need to make to your home. Although this may seem inconvenient, it is a small price to pay to protect your loved ones and home from the risk of fire.
Electrical Requirements
Smoke alarms in the past have often been prone to demonstrate electrical faults, this reduces their functionality, meaning that they no longer fulfill their purpose and safety is again at risk. In order to eradicate this issue, it is now required that all smoke alarms have been deemed to meet the new mains and wiring standards. As well as this, each alarm will have to have a long-life battery that is able to function for extended periods. This means that even if the wiring becomes damaged or frayed, the alarm will still work effectively. All alarms that have been installed for 10 years or longer need to be updated to newer more advanced models. Technology has advanced massively over time, as a result of this, smoke alarms that were effective 10 years ago may no longer be the most effective solution to keeping your home safe. Updating your smoke alarms will increase the accuracy and will significantly reduce the chance of the alarm breaking and therefore failing to function when necessary and being the difference between life and death.
When Do These Smoke Alarm Regulations Come Into Practice?
These new regulations were introduced in February 2019 however there is a two-year window until the new regulations become a legal requirement. Meaning that the aim is for each and every home to comply with these by 1st February 2021. By doing this, the occurrence of serious injury or fatalities should be significantly reduced by this time.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide is virtually undetectable due to its colourless state and lack of smell. If breathed in, carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems or death. For this reason, it is extremely important to carry out all of the necessary precautions.As well as the smoke alarm regulation, it has also been declared a legal requirement to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a solid fuel-burning appliance, including an open fire or wood-burning stove.
At P Blackhall Ltd we are passionate about keeping you and your home safe. Our electricians can install any alarm system in order to guarantee that your home is in compliance with the new smoke alarm regulations. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at 0131 357 6123 to discuss your needs.
