New South Wales Servicing
Here are some commonly asked questions about servicing in New South Wales. For a detailed fact sheet please email admin@1300smokealarms.com or call 1300 766 532.
Q What is the best smoke alarm to install in a rental property?
If the property is built after July 1997 or has been substantially renovated, the alarm must be a 240v alarm according to the Building Code of Australia. Photoelectric smoke alarms are the most reliable and efficient alarm on the market and all that 1300 Smoke Alarms use. Whilst costing more than a standard 9v battery smoke alarm, we have found this alarm to have less false alarms and responds better to real smoke threats.
Q Where do smoke alarms have to be located?
This is set in the Building Code of Australia. The absolute minimum requirement is one per property. There must be at least one alarm on every level of the property, regardless of the layout of that level. The location of the bedrooms in the property then decide how many alarms are required. Alarms must be positioned between the bedroom exit points and the rest of the house.
Q Do you offer a Once-Off Inspection service?
Yes. We provide the same professional service on a once-off basis. The fully detailed Inspection and Compliance Report is included in this service.
Q What areas do you service and what is your capacity?
We currently service most parts of New South Wales. We are rapidly expanding and if we do not currently service you area please let us know as we may be very shortly.
Q What Insurance do you have?
We carry the highest level of insurance in the industry for your peace of mind. In addition to a $20 million Public Liability Insurance cover, we have in place a $5 million Professional Indemnity Insurance cover. Professional Indemnity Insurance is vital, and you should never use a service provider who does not have this insurance. PI Insurance is necessary for any professional who provides advice.
Queensland Servicing
Here are some commonly asked questions about servicing in Queensland. For a detailed fact sheet please email admin@1300smokealarms.com or call 1300 766 532.
Q What are these new Licensing Requirments?
From 1st January 2011, to carry out or supervise any fire protection work in Queensland an appropriate BSA Licence or ESO Licence is required. The Building Services Authority (BSA) developed these new licencing requirements to improve compliance with the fire safety regulations.
Q Can i check to see if my current provider holds a BSA or ESO Contractors Licence?
Perform an online BSA search at:
www.bsa.qld.gov.au/SearchForLicensee/SearchBSALicensee.aspx
Perform an online ESO search at:
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/elis/contractorResults.do
Q Do contracting companies need to be Licensed after 1st January 2011?
To contract to provide an Inspection, Testing, Maintenance and Installation service for smoke alarms as per Australian Standards including AS1851, manufacturer’s specifications and the Building Code of Australia you must be a Licenced BSA Contractor or a Licenced Electrical Safety Office (ESO) electrical contractor.
All of their employees carrying out this work are required to hold an appropriate BSA or ESO individual occupational licence.
You do not require a Licence to undertake basic (non) Australian Standard AS1851 cleaning (includes pushing the test button, clearing off cobwebs, dust etc and replacing the battery) and installation of (non BCA) required
Q What is Australian Standard AS1851?
Australian Standard AS1851 – is a maintenance program that provides a systematic and uniform basis to implement and administer inspection, test and preventative maintenance for smoke alarms and fire detection equipment and eliminates “corner cutting”.
Using a Licensed company that performs maintenance to Australian Standard AS1851 – 2005 provides Landlords and Agents with tangible benefits in terms of safety outcomes, quality assurance, risk management, insurance and evidence of compliance which all forms part of good corporate governance.
Q What can Owners do after 1st January 2011?
Owners can still perform maintenance within the scope of a fire protection licence personally to the value of $1100 that is (i.e. clearing off cobwebs, dust etc), testing (press the test button), installing alarms & battery replacements without the need for a Licence.
Q Can Owners give compliances under Australian Standards?
Yes, but it is recommended to only use the services of a Licensed BSA Contractor or ESO Contractor to perform this service.
Q When do the smoke alarms in a rental property have to be inspected?
The Qld Fire and Rescue Amendment Act 2006, states that Smoke Alarms in rental properties must be working, tested & made compliant to Australian Standards within 30 days PRIOR to the start of a tenancy change or tenancy renewal.
Q What is the best smoke alarm to install in a rental property?
If the property is built after July 1997 or has been substantially renovated, the alarm must be a 240v alarm. Photoelectric smoke alarms are the most reliable and efficient alarm on the market and all that 1300 Smoke Alarms use. Whilst costing more than a standard 9v battery smoke alarm, we have found this alarm to have less false alarms and responds better to real smoke threats.
Q Where do smoke alarms have to be located?
This is set in the Building Code of Australia. The absolute minimum requirement is one per property. There must be at least one alarm on every level of the property, regardless of the layout of that level. The location of the bedrooms in the property then decide how many alarms are required. Alarms must be positioned between the bedroom exit points and the rest of the house.
Q Do you offer a Once-Off Inspection service?
Yes. We provide the same professional service on a once-off basis. The fully detailed Inspection and Compliance Report is included in this service.
Q What areas do you service and what is your capacity?
We currently service the entire South East Queensland region. We are rapidly expanding and if we do not currently service you area please let us know as we may be very shortly.
Q What Insurance do you have?
We carry the highest level of insurance in the industry for your peace of mind. In addition to a $20 million Public Liability Insurance cover, we have in place a $5 million Professional Indemnity Insurance cover. Professional Indemnity Insurance is vital, and you should never use a service provider who does not have this insurance. PI Insurance is necessary for any professional who provides advice.