For: Accommodation Services

Legislative Standards require all shared accommodation establishments have:

• Correct placement and location of smoke alarms
• Correct and appropriate number of smoke alarms
• All smoke alarms are past expiry date (10 years from date of manufacture)
• Alarms tested annually with both manual test button and simulated smoke
• Alarms have a decibel reading greater than 85
• New batteries are installed every 12 months

Central Coast Smoke Alarm Services Annual Compliance Test include –

• Inspect smoke alarms for secure fitting
• Ensure smoke alarm location complies with EPAA & BCA regulations
• Relocate any existing 9 volt battery smoke alarms to comply with EPAA & BCA regulations to make property compliant
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms that have removable batteries
• Test all alarms for correct operation via manual test button & simulated smoke
• Verify expiry dates on all alarms – replace if past expiry date
• Test alarms for audible notification with sound meter & record decibel reading
• Verify all smoke alarms meet current Australian Standards AS3786
• Record all details & supply a Compliance Test Certificate for every smoke alarm
• Ensure ventilation holes are clear of obstructions
• Bar code each smoke alarm with date of test & next test date

Central Coast Smoke Alarm Services only use & recommend Photo-electric smoke alarms because they are –

• Designed to ‘see’ smoke before it bursts into flames
• More efficient for slow burning, smouldering fires and dense smoke
• Not as prone to be triggered by cooking – statistics show over 25% of ionisation alarms are disconnected due to false alarms
• Contain no radioactive material
• Fire and Rescue Authorities across Australia recommend them
• The Northern Territory Fire Service has legislated only photoelectric smoke alarms can be installed and other states are expected to adopt this legislation