Is there any statutory requirement for the maintenance of smoke detectors?
Do they have a fixed life or can they last until they fail?
Do they need cleaning/dusting?
Thanks Beedie, just what I was looking for (NSW requirements are much simpler – OFT Smoke Alarms)
Ensure that you have them installed, they must be shown on the condition report & battery replaced at the commencement of the tenancy, the responsibility for the replacement of batteries and testing then goes to the tenant.
If you're buying a property I would recommend an electrical report, about $200, as it has come to our attention that even new recently installed smoke detectors and RCDs haven’t been installed correctly.
Basically, the selling agent just calls around for the cheapest quote and because of the cheap price the sparky sends his apprentice out to do the job.
Smoke should be maintained in operating condition at all times. Smoke alarms should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Occasional light vacuuming will keep the air vents clean. On battery powered units, check to see that the battery is in place, connected, not corroded and functioning. Although the test frequency is not prescribed in the Ontario Fire Code, smoke alarms should be tested on a regular basis. Some manufacturers and authorities recommend that smoke alarms be tested at least once a month.
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