Smoke & Fire Protection Feature
Safety & Regulation
A best practice approach to fire safety
Simon Jones from life safety manufacturer Kidde Safety Europe looks at upcoming changes to Scottish fire safety regulations, and how these will impact the requirements for domestic dwellings across the UK
A
ccording to recent research, 27% of UK renters revealed that they do not have a smoke alarm on each storey of their home – and private renters (32%) are less likely to have an alarm than social renters (20%).
In addition, the research showed that 51% of tenants surveyed did not have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm fitted in their property. To ensure occupant safety, it is paramount that landlords and property
owners have an in-depth understanding of the safety alarm requirements for their dwelling(s) and that the correct models are installed in the appropriate locations. To improve safety in domestic dwellings, Scotland is leading the way in fire safety in the UK by updating its fire safety legislation. Although only applicable in Scotland, we see this as a best practice approach to occupant safety and recommend that landlords and property owners UK-wide adopt these changes.
WHAT DOES THE NEW LEGISLATION IN SCOTLAND COVER? Te updates to the Scottish legislation were introduced in response to the Grenfell fire tragedy in London in 2017 and look to ensure that building occupants are as safe as possible. Following the fire, an interim report reviewed the Building Regulations and Fire Safety in the UK which identified the failings
and flaws in current fire safety legislation. As such, and leading by example, Scotland is changing its fire and smoke
alarm legislation under the Housing (Scotland) Act so that by February 2022, all homes in Scotland must have interlinked alarms installed. Tis aims to provide protection for privately owned and rented homes as well as social housing premises. Te responsibility for ensuring this lies with the property owner, which is why it is so important for landlords, local authorities and housing associations to familiarise themselves with the requirements. Te updates to the Scottish legislation, which landlords must comply with by February 2022, stipulate that alarms should be installed as follows:
• One smoke alarm in the living room (or the room that is used most regularly by the occupant)
• One smoke alarm in every hallway or landing • One heat alarm in the kitchen • Each smoke and heat alarm should be ceiling mounted and interlinked • Carbon monoxide alarms with sealed-in batteries that last the full product lifetime must also be installed in rooms where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance or flue.
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMApril/May 2022 | 39
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