WHY INSTALL A SMOKE ALARM?

When people get in touch with us about installing or upgrading, there are generally two main reasons they do so:

Peace of Mind
The damage that fire can cause can be tremendous. Knowing that the people living in your property are suitably protected is of prime importance for most property owners.

Fulfilment of Legal Requirements
Under current UK law, property owners or landlords are legally required to ensure their property meets current UK regulations. Every smoke alarm we fit complies with current BS5839-Part 6 guidelines.

Whatever your reason for looking to upgrade or install a smoke alarm systems, T Walsh Contracts is here and ready to help you. All our electricians and electrical engineers are SELECT approved. SELECT is the trade association for the electrical contracting industry in Scotland.

We have over 20 years of experience installing not just smoke alarms, but fire, heat and carbon monoxide detectors too. Contact us today and we can help protect your property against all forms of fire and smoke damage.

OUR SERVICES

We can undertake anything you may need when it comes to smoke alarms, but our most regularly requested services are:

• Install or replace smoke detection systems.
• Link up all smoke detection units, old and new.
• Provision of full electrical certification for smoke alarms.
• Upgrading smoke detectors to meet specific landlord requirements.
• Upgrade or install smoke detectors which comply with BS5839-Part 6 regulations.
• Advising our customers on the available options.
• Testing of current systems to find out whether they are BS5839-Part 6 compliant.
• Regular maintenance to ensure systems continue to perform as expected.
  
  

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT: FEBRUARY 2019 CHANGES TO THE LAW REGARDING SMOKE AND FIRE ALARMS – COMES INTO FORCE IN FEBRUARY 2021

In February 2019, the Scottish Government released information about new guidelines regarding fire safety.

Why were these new regulations introduced?
In the aftermath of the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, London, the Scottish Government embarked on a meticulous review of their fire safety regulations.

When do these regulations come into force?
February 2021.

What property types are affected by the new regulations?
Every type of property must abide by these new regulations, and it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the property is sufficiently protected against smoke and fire.

How many alarms needed to comply with these new regulations?
All alarms need to be mounted on the ceiling and linked together. Also, carbon monoxide detectors are required if the property contains a carbon-fuelled appliance such as an open fire, boiler, stove, heater or flue.

• One smoke alarm must be installed in the room which is used most often as the general living area during daytime.
• One smoke alarm must be installed in each circulation space (hallways, landings etc.).
• One heat alarm must be installed in every kitchen in the property.

Smoke alarms must be interlinked
All smoke alarms in a property must be interlinked. Even if all your smoke alarms are otherwise compliant, failing to ensure they are interlinked will leave you on the wrong side of these new regulations. The reason for this is that you may not hear the furthest away alarm and may not become aware of smoke or fire danger until it is too late.

Do multiple properties within a building have to be interlinked?
No, as long as the smoke and fire detection system in each property is interlinked, that is sufficient. You need not interlink all flats in a block for example.

Which smoke detection system to choose
The most cost-effective type of system will depend on the specifics of your property. there are two types of smoke and fire alarm. T Walsh Contracts will help you assess your property and work out which type of system will provide comprehensive protection against smoke and fire for your property at the cheapest price.

• Mains-wired alarm systems
  These tend to be cheaper than battery-powered alternatives. You will need the services of an electrician to install these systems so remember to include this cost when weighing up which system to choose.
• Battery-powered alarm systems
  Tamper-proof, long-life lithium battery powered alarms are more expensive but can be installed without the services of an electrician.

Is there financial support for property owners to comply with these regulations?
No, it is the responsibility of the property owner to comply with these regulations at their own cost.

Who will check that a property complies with these regulations
Proof of compliance with these new regulations will be documented in home reports, once these regulations come into force in February 2021. Local authorities will use their powers to ensure all properties are compliant.

How can tenants ensure their landlords comply?
These regulations are a legal requirement for all property owners. If you feel your landlord is not in compliance then you can report them to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) who will ensure compliance and issue any penalties they see fir for non-compliance.

What if my landlord is a housing association or local authority?
In this instance, you can report your housing association or local authority to the Scottish Housing Regulator who will investigate on your behalf, ensure your landlords brings your property up to the requisite level of protection, and administer any resultant punishments for non-compliance.

What if I share ownership with a housing association?
As with other standards of condition, the responsibilities for these issues should be detailed in your occupancy agreement. Typically though, it is the responsibility of the tenant/proportion owner, as opposed to the registered landlord, to ensure the property is compliant with these new guidelines.