We opposed a proposed change to the Australian Building Codes that aimed to reduce false alarms that result in unnecessary fire brigade attendances.
The change would have meant that some buildings, such as hotels, would no longer need to install monitored smoke detectors.
While the aim is worthwhile, the solution was ill-informed. An unforseen effect would be a significant increase in the risk of a sleeping occupant being unaware of the presence of a smouldering fire. A Deaf or hearing-impaired person could be overcome by smoke and fumes before the heat detector or the sprinkler system were activated.
We; AFAC, National Council for Fire and Emergency Services; the Australian Protection Association of Australia; and Standards Australia advised that the benefit would be outweighed by dangers to personal safety.
As a result, the proposal to change the Building Code of Australia to install smoke alarms in place of smoke detectors was withdrawn. The current requirements will remain in force.