Smoke detection in dwellings

In the UK a substantial number of people die and others are injured in domestic fires every year, many from smoke inhalation. It is widely accepted that those deaths and injuries would be significantly reduced by installing and maintaining smoke alarms within dwellings.

Purchasing a smoke alarm

When purchasing a smoke alarm ensure it complies with a British Standard or the International Standard Organisation (ISO) standard. For self-contained smoke alarms they must comply to BS 5446 Part 1 1990, and for a full alarm system to BS 5839 Part 1 1988.

Never buy a second-hand smoke detector. Look for the BS kitemark or the CF mark with the standards displayed.

Where are self contained smoke alarm systems required?

• All new dwellings and extensions to existing dwellings.
  Please note: In all new dwellings, the smoke alarms permanently wired to an electric circuit fused separately at the distribution board lighting circuit.
• In roofspace conversions.

It is recommended that the installation of a smoke detector is done by a qualified electrician.

Self contained smoke alarms are not recommended for use in areas such as kitchens, garages or places where steam, condensation or fumes could give rise to false alarms. More appropriate and effective detectors are available for such instances, Eg. heat detectors.

A high standard of protection can be provided by installing detectors in the kitchen and Lounge areas. In a single storey dwelling, a single smoke detector may be adequate if sited in the main circulation area such as the hall or landing, see Figure 1. In a typical two storey dwelling, interlinked smoke detectors should be installed both at ground and at landing levels, see Figure 2.

Figure 1:                                                       Figure 2:

Maintenance

Building Control have no authority to ensure that smoke alarms are maintained. It is vitally important that your smoke alarm is regularly checked. Further information can be obtained from the manufacturers' instructions.

Positioning

Smoke alarms should be located in a circulation route such as the hall or landing, so that there is one:

• not more than 3m from every bedroom door
• not more that 7m from every door of a living room or kitchen
• every 15m in a circulation route, such as a corridor.
  

In order to operate as effectively as possible, care should be taken when positioning smoke detectors. It is recommended they are positioned as shown in main circulation area such as halls or landing as shown in Figure 1 and 2.
Do not position above a heater. Remember it must be easy and safe to reach for maintenance purposes.