Fire Safety Higher Standards for all Homes

By theorkneynews on March 19, 2018 • ( 1 Comment )

By Natalie Oxford via Wikimedia Commons

A higher standard for all homes for fire and smoke alarm installation is to be introduced by the Scottish Government. The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 will be amended to reflect the new requirements

An extensive consultation took place in Scotland after the horrific fire which engulfed Grenfell Tower in 2017.

” A majority of respondents agreed that a common new minimum standard should be based on the standard currently applied to private rented property. Primarily because this is perceived to be a good minimum standard, or that this adequately covers fire safety risks.“

The proposed new standard for all homes, bringing it into line with the private rented sector, will include the following:

at least one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes,
at least one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings,
at least one heat alarm installed in every kitchen,
all alarms should be ceiling mounted,
all alarms should be interlinked.
to allow specified types of sealed long-life battery alarms as well as mains-wired alarms – reflecting the availability of appropriate technology and will encourage compliance;
to specify a maximum age of ten years for alarms
to require carbon monoxide detectors in all homes.

David McGown,ACO SFRS (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service) Director of Prevention and Protection said:

“The presence of working smoke and heat detectors have been proven to significantly reduce casualties and fatalities occurring as a result of fires within the home.

” SFRS therefore welcome and support the next steps from this consultation which will undoubtedly improve home safety for all residents, regardless of tenure.”

Kevin Stewart Housing Minister in the Scottish Government said:

“Fires and fatalities from fires are decreasing but even one death is one too many. Scotland already has rigorous standards for smoke and fire alarms developed over time, with the highest standard currently applied to new-build and private rented housing.

“The tragic events at Grenfell Tower last year emphasised how important building and fire safety is, which is why we brought forward our consultation on this issue. Now everyone will benefit from the same level of protection, whether you own your home, or rent from a social or private landlord.”