NEW RULES FOR SMOKE AND FIRE ALARMS FOR EVERY HOME IN SCOTLAND

Imminent changes to legislation will extend the existing high standard of protection from smoke and fire, currently required in private rented housing, to ALL HOMES.

The changes to the Housing (Scotland) Act come in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Currently, the most rigorous standards are applied to new-build and private rented housing only, but the new law will require that all homes are safe for occupants regardless of whether it is their own home or a rented property from a social or private landlord.

What are the requirements of the new smoke alarm legislation?

In practical terms, the law will require private homes to;

• have at least one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes
• one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
• one heat alarm installed in every kitchen

In addition, there will be a 10-year age limit for alarms and all alarms will have to be ceiling-mounted and should be interlinked.

There will also be a requirement for carbon monoxide detectors to be fitted where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance or a flue.

What is an Interlinked smoke alarm?

The requirements mean that all alarms must be interlinked. Existing smoke alarms will need to be reviewed to ensure they meet this requirement.

You may not hear an alarm closest to the fire but, by having an interlinked system, you will be alerted immediately.

Tenements/blocks of flats

(In a shared property such as a tenement or block of flats there is no requirement for different properties to fit alarms linked to each other).

Alarm types: battery or mains-wired

You can install specified types of sealed long-life battery alarms or mains-wired alarms with a maximum lifespan of 10 years.

Installing mains-wired alarms in flats and in houses over three storeys also requires a building warrant from your local authority.

How much will new smoke alarms cost and who will pay?

Any costs will be the responsibility of home owners.

The cost of each mid-range sealed long-life battery alarm is around £90+vat installed.

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