CO.S.H. ALARMS: SAFETY, THE LAW AND HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE
All homes in Scotland must adhere to a new fire and smoke alarm standard. This includes rented property as well as owner-occupied homes.
The new legislation came into force in February 2022 and is designed to make everyone safe and prevent death and injury from fire, smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning
A ministerial working group on building and fire safety was established to review Scotland’s building and fire safety regulations; this followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The requirement is to have alarms interlinked so that occupants will hear an alarm even if it is not the closest one to the danger
The alarms can be connected by using:
1. tamper-proof, long-life lithium, battery-powered alarms which can be installed by competent handymen or by householders themselves (these alarms use radio waves to communicate and require no wireing) or
2. mains -interlinked alarms which must be installed by electricians these alarms must be connected using wires. The cost of any repairs and redecoration should be taken into account.
The new standard requires that
a. one smoke alarm should be fitted in the room most frequently used for general living purposes
b. one smoke alarm is required in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
c. one heat alarm should be installed in every kitchen
d. a carbon monoxide(CO) alarm is also required where there are carbon-fuelled appliances such as boilers, fires, and flues. CO alarms do not have to be linked to the smoke and heat alarms but must have sealed batteries for the duration of their operational lifespan, commonly seven or ten years
There are still question marks concerning how the new law will be monitored. It is possible that insurance customers in Scotland who do not adhere to the law regarding the fitting of compliant alarms may jeopardise any fire-related household insurance claim they may make
However, most importantly, by installing alarms at the earliest opportunity you will provide improved safety in your home for you and your family
For more information contact CO.S.H. Alarms Ayrshire on 01292 611373 (or see the adjacent advertisement)