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Posted By Son of SkyWalker
I have been posed a question by a friend who is receiving opposing answers to the following question:
"In Scotland do domestic dwellings have to hard wire smoke detectors?"
The local fire safety officer says no.
I know that they do not hard wire smoke detectors when they fit them in houses as part of their drive to improve safety in the event of a fire.
My friend is being told that as of September 2007 the requirement was to hard wire smoke detectors. Can anyone help me please?
Son of Skywalker
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Posted By Sally
In the document 'Fire Precautions in Domestic Childminding Premises' produced by the Chief Fire Officers Association Scotland it does specify that smoke detectors should be hardwired.
Is it this he is refering to?
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Posted By Son of SkyWalker
Hi Sally
I do not think so although they may be thinking along those lines.
I know that for childminding in the home the smoke detectors have to be hard wired (I went through this when my wife was childminding) but I do not believe the domestic properties are to be used for childminding just housing.
Son of Skywalker
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Posted By M Forbes
It depends on the use, my previous job was a property manager, and as such i was responsible for leased properties.
If the property is to be used as an HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) all smoke detectors must be hard wired with a battery backup, they must also be linked so upon an alarm being triggered, all other alarms activate. There are more to the HMO Regs if you look them up
It is only classed as an HMO, if all the occupants are not related by blood.
As for non HMO properties, there is no legal requirement for hardwired smoke detectors to my knowledge, but i did leave this position in September 2007. . . . so couldnt confirm 100%
Hope this helps
Regards
M Forbes
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Posted By Son of SkyWalker
Thanks for the pointer. I have been trying to find the HMO legislation on line but cannot find anything worthwhile. Can you point me in a direction please?
Son of Skywalker
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Posted By Ron Hunter
This requirement will apply to new build or significant alteration/ refurbishment via building warrant process. Otherwise there is no legal impediment to you or I buying a £5 detector from B&Q and sticking it on the hall ceiling.
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Posted By Son of SkyWalker
Thanks Ron
I am building up a good picture.
Son of Skywalker
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Posted By Ron Hunter Lest I mislead you, there is a differing retrospective standard (the repairing standard) applicable to both private and social landlords. This includes Local Authorities. See (for example) http://www.edinburgh.gov...ate_rented_housing_panel
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Posted By Ron Hunter
This from prhpscotland (info in the public domain for landlords)and you'll see where the date comes from:
"The Scottish Government has issued statutory guidance on satisfactory provision for
detecting and giving warning of fires as follows:
“This criterion should be regarded as met if there is one or more than one functioning smoke alarm installed in the house, the number and position of alarms to be determined by the size and layout of the house. There should normally be at least one smoke alarm on each floor. If there are multiple alarms, they should be
interlinked.
Although it is best practice to install mains powered smoke alarms, an existing smoke alarm may be mains powered or battery powered. However, a smoke alarm installed from 3 September 2007 onwards must be mains powered. This includes replacement alarms."
Statutory Guidance. Now there's an interesting term......
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Posted By Son of SkyWalker
Many thanks for the responses. It is now making more sense but it is concerning that the fire and rescue service fire safety officer did not know of this.
I'll throw another one in your direction:
Can an unqualified trades person change a wall socket cover if it is damaged or does this have to be performed by a qualified electrician? It is after all very similar to changing a plug!!
Son of Skywalker
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Again I have to ask you "in what circumstances?"
I've done this very task several times in my own house and for others, and I'm not an electrician.
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Posted By water67.
To best of my knowledge there is no requirement to fit hard wired or indeed any smoke detection in properties used for domestic use only. My LA, similar to most others fits battery operated smoke detectors in all housing stock with the proviso that the tenant is wholly responsible for maintaining it, replacing batteries etc. There are no exceptions and we will maintain these in households considered vulnerable e.g. elderly tenants.
Hope this helps
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Posted By Son of SkyWalker
Hi Ron
I am referring to a socket face being replaced as part of work rather than in our own houses by ourselves.
Am I being naive in thinking it is a grey area?
Son of skywalker
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Posted By Bryan Goldsmith 16052
I believe that Pt P of the Building regulations is the legislation that covers this. In the DIY field you can only purchase cable in the new colour coding so that it is easy to see if work has been carried out post Pt 'P'! (Not withstanding stockpiles of old colour coded cable) As far as I understand there is a similar move to mark sockets and fittings. I don't think replacing the odd broken socket face would be viewed any different to changing a light fitting in the long run as no major change has been made to the 'design load' of the circuit. Obviously you would need to be confident that you are 'competent' to actually do the job.
Not sure of specifics in terms of Scottish Legislation.
Regards
Bryan
Regards
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Posted By Garry Homer
BS 5839 : 2004 is the standard governing fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings (dwellings).
Part 6 of this BS is the Code of Practice for the design, installation and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings.
This makes recommendations for fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings that are designed to accommodate a single family. It also gives similar recommendations for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The recommendations apply to both new dwellings and existing dwellings.
It uses a risk assessment approach for each situation but recognises that in most cases, the guidance given can be applied as a minimum standard. If there are additional risk factors, then a better grade should be used.
The 'Grades' are essentially about the reliability of systems in terms of their power sources.
Grade D - Interlinked mains smoke/heat alarms with backup power (battery).
Grade E - Mains without backup.
Grade F - Battery only.
Grade F is said to be only suitable for a limited range of existing dwellings and only where there is a 'reasonable certainty' that batteries will be replaced when necessary.
For all new homes and most existing homes, Grade D is now the recommended minimum standard.
I think Scotland is different. Scotland's Domestic Technical Handbook 2006 - Section 2 provides guidance on meeting the requirements of the Scottish Building Standards but appears to use the out-of-date, 1995 Code of Practice, calling only for smoke alarms in hallways and on landings.
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