07 September 2008In the UK many people die or are injured in domestic fires every year, many of these are from smoke inhalation. These figures could be reduced by installing and maintaining domestic smoke alarms.
Where are self-contained smoke alarm systems required?
Self-contained smoke detector is not recommended for use in kitchens, garages or places where steam, condensation of fumes could give rise to false alarms. More appropriate and effective detectors area available for such situations, e.g. heat detectors.
It is also recommended that detectors be interlinked to form a system and not independent units. Also, smoke detectors should be wired to a lighting circuit, this is so that if the lighting fails then so will the alarm system and it is very likely that a failed lighting system will be repaired quickly.
Choosing a smoke detector
Domestic smoke detectors come in two basic types:
Research has shown that ionising detectors often are a little quicker to react to hot blazing fires than optical detectors. Whilst optical detectors are better at detecting smouldering fires of the sort that might be started by a cigarette having fallen down the back of a sofa or chair. This means that an ionising detector might be better if situated in a corridor near a kitchen as it is less likely to be set off by burning toast, but would react quicker if the toaster were on fire.
However, there isn’t a lot to chose between either Ionization of Optical smoke detectors.
When purchasing a smoke detector ensure it complies with a British Standard or the International Standard Organisation (ISO) standard. A self-contained smoke detector must comply with British Standard 5446 part 1 1990, for automatic fire detection, and to British Standard 5839 part 1 1988, for alarm systems.
Never buy a second-hand smoke detector. Always look for the British Standard kite mark or the CE mark.
Smoke detector can be powered
The last is the best method.
Installing smoke detectors
Detectors in kitchens and lounges can provide a high standard of protection. In a bungalow, a single smoke detector may be okay if sited in the main circulation area (hallway etc.). In a typical two-storey house, smoke detectors should be positioned at ground and first floor level. Also, an audible alarm should be fitted near bedroom doors.
A qualified registered electrician should carry out the installation of a smoke detector.
Positioning
Smoke detectors should be located in a circulation space (hallway, landing stairs, corridor etc.) so that there is a detector:
For smoke detectors to operate effectively, care needs to be taken when positioning them. Detectors, if wall mounted, should be not less than 150mm and not more than 300mm from the ceiling. If ceiling mounted, detectors should be not less than 300mm from a wall or light fitting.
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Where is the best place for a smoke detector? If your home is on more than one level the best place for the smoke detector is in the hallway above the bottom of the staircase. This is because smoke is likely to be detectable in the hallway before it reaches the upstairs landing and bedrooms. But if you can’t hear the alarm in the bedrooms you’ll need to link another detector on the landing. It is a good idea to do this anyway because smoke from a fire on an upstairs bedroom is unlikely to be detected by a downstairs detector. If you are putting in several detectors and you’ve put one between sleeping areas and living accommodation, you should put the other detectors in individual rooms where a fire is most likely to occur. The living room is the most likely place for a fire to start at night, then the kitchen and lastly the dining room. You should also consider putting detectors in any bedroom where a fire is likely to start. For instance, where there is an electrical appliance such as an electric blanket or heater or where the occupant may not be able to respond very well to a fire starting in the room, such as an elderly or sick person or very young child. 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. |
Some do’s and don’ts on positioning smoke detector
What to do when the alarm goes off
Alert the household and get everyone out by the safest route. If you have to go through a smoke filled area crawl with your head low.
If it’s safe to do so shut doors and windows to help reduce draughts that could fan the fire. Feel each door with the back of your hand before opening. If it is warm or smoke is coming through don’t open it. It could be protecting you from a dangerous fire.
Make sure everyone stays outside the house until the Fire Brigade arrives and tells you it’s safe to go back in.
Be safe – be sure.
Possessions are replaceable – people are not
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