Smoke Alarm Legislation

Landlords have a legal obligation in Australia to ensure that their rental property is safe and secure. Failure to provide this duty of care is a criminal offence.

National Legislation

Rental properties must have the correct number of working smoke alarms, complying with the Australian Standard (3786:2015) and they must be installed and positioned as outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) part 3.7.2.3.

State Legislation

On 1st July 2007, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 was updated –
stating that landlords must test and clean each smoke alarm within 30 days prior to every tenancy change or lease renewal. This check ensures that smoke alarms are working, not expired and correctly positioned. Batteries must also be tested for voltage remaining or replaced regularly.

On 1st January 2017, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 was updated – stating that any newly installed or replacement smoke alarms must be photoelectric
(not ionised technology). Any new or substantially renovated properties will also require interconnected smoke alarms and additional alarms in bedrooms. Further legislation regarding existing rental properties will come into effect in 2022.

Due to the complexity of this legislation, rental property owners are encouraged to engage in the services of a professional smoke alarm servicing Electrical company.

A trained All Good Mate Electrician will attend the property to ensure both state and national legislation is being adhered to.

A compliance report is issued and provides physical proof that all smoke alarms at the property have been checked. This report may be vital when processing any relevant insurance claims or when evidence of a duty of care is required.

All Good Mate will issue an entry notice (Form 9) to the tenant and ensure entry is gained according to the Residential Tenancies & Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.

A complete history of servicing for the property is maintained for the property manager and the landlord.

If you require any clarification or you're unsure if you are meeting the legislation, please contact us or call 1300 734 983.

RCD PROTECTION

What is an RCD?

An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a bare wire. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide.

What does and RCD do?

An RCD is a sensitive safety device that switches off electricity automatically if there is a fault.

An RCD is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults.  For example, if you cut through the cable when mowing the lawn and accidentally touched the exposed live wires or a faulty appliance overheats causing electric current to flow to earth.

National Legislation

Electricians have a legal obligation to meet the Australian/New Zealand Electrical Installations & Wiring Rules (AS/NZ 3000:2018). They must provide a safe and secure Electrical Installation to prevent persons, livestock and property from electric shock, fire and physical injury hazards that may arise from an electrical installation. Since 2018 the rules have changed and are listed below.

If you are unsure if your premise is meeting the standards. Feel free to give us a call 1300 734 983.

2.6.3.2.2 Installation requirements - Australia only RCDs shall be installed at the switchboard at which the final sub circuit originates.

2.6.3.2.2 Domestic & Residential installations - Australia only 30mA RCDs shall be provided for all final sub circuits.

2.6.3.2.3 Non Domestic & Non Residential installations - Australia only 30mA RCDs shall be provided for all socket outlet or lighting final sub circuits ≤ 32A and for fixed wired electrical equipment ≤ 32A that may represent a risk of

Alterations, replacements and repairs - Australia only RCD protection shall be provided as required by Clause 2.6.3.2.2, 2.6.3.2.3 and 2.6.3.2.4 where any alteration to an existing final sub circuit is undertaken or a switchboard replacement is completed.

Test & Tag

According to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (Qld), as an employer you must regularly inspect and test specified electrical equipment and safety switches in your workplace.

When was the last time your workplace has been test & tagged?

The requirements for inspecting and testing differ depending on the type of work that is carried out with the electrical equipment.

For electrical equipment used in construction work, the information for inspecting and testing can be found in the AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites standard.

3 months: building, construction and demolition - this requires the most frequent testing due to it being considered a harsh environment and therefore an appliance being damaged is more likely compared to other settings.

• 6 months: factories, warehouses and production - this type of an environment isn't considered as harsh, but because appliances are often used constantly it needs to be tested every 6 months.

• 12 months: an environment where the equipment/supply cord is prone to flexing or open to abuse - this is often referred to as a hostile environment as the appliance can be overused and is therefore exposed to abuse by the user, as well as dust, general deuteriation and the weather.

If you require any clarification or you're unsure of your test intervals, please contact us or call 1300 734 983.