Written Question · S6W-20282 · Session 6
in light of paragraph 2.11.9 of the Building standards technical handbook 2022: domestic, which was published on 1 June 2022, what its pos…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of paragraph 2.11.9 of the Building standards technical handbook 2022: domestic, which was published on 1 June 2022, what its position is on whether the guidance offered on its website regarding the requirements for fire alarms, stating that households can use "either sealed battery alarms or mains-wired alarms", is accurate.
The answer
The advice provided on the Scottish Government website is correct. Home owners may use either sealed battery or mains-wired fire alarms to meet the Tolerable Standard guidance. The Building Standards Domestic Technical Handbook 2022 sets a higher standard requiring two power supplies for new buildings under the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended.
Since 1 February 2022, the Tolerable Standard has required every home in Scotland to have interlinked smoke alarms and a CO alarm where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance.
This requirement already applied to new build and private rented properties since 2013. The Tolerable Standard ensures the same level of protection now applies to all tenures, regardless of whether someone owns their home or rents from a private or social landlord.
The Tolerable Standard sets out the following requirements for coverage in every home:
• One smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes (normally the living room/lounge);
• One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings;
• One heat alarm installed in every kitchen;
• All smoke and heat alarms to be ceiling mounted; and
• All smoke and heat alarms to be interlinked.
Having an interlinked system means the occupier will be alerted immediately, regardless of the room in which the alarm is triggered, increasing the chance to escape.
Sealed battery alarms or mains-wired alarms are compliant with the standard. Both types of alarm are interlinked by radio frequency and do not need WiFi.
If battery alarms are used, they must be sealed tamper-proof units and have long-life lithium batteries. Batteries last for the duration of its operational lifespan, which may be up to 10 years or more
- although sensors degrade over time.
The Tolerable Standard is a minimum standard, and does not preclude more effective or extensive systems provided that they meet the basic requirement of (a) a secure power source for the lifetime of the unit, and (b) effective means to provide an immediate alert in the event of any part of the system being actuated.
New build homes and homes undergoing refurbishment work that requires a building warrant are required to comply with the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended. Guidance on this is set out in the Building Standards Domestic Technical Handbook. This requires that smoke alarms be mains operated with battery back-up and all alarms interlinked.
However, long-life and tamper-proof battery powered alarms have been allowed as part of the Tolerable Standard in recognition that it may not be possible or may be prohibitively costly to install mains powered alarms in existing properties where there is no refurbishment work planned.
Since 1 February 2022, the Tolerable Standard has required every home in Scotland to have interlinked smoke alarms and a CO alarm where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance.
This requirement already applied to new build and private rented properties since 2013. The Tolerable Standard ensures the same level of protection now applies to all tenures, regardless of whether someone owns their home or rents from a private or social landlord.
The Tolerable Standard sets out the following requirements for coverage in every home:
• One smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes (normally the living room/lounge);
• One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings;
• One heat alarm installed in every kitchen;
• All smoke and heat alarms to be ceiling mounted; and
• All smoke and heat alarms to be interlinked.
Having an interlinked system means the occupier will be alerted immediately, regardless of the room in which the alarm is triggered, increasing the chance to escape.
Sealed battery alarms or mains-wired alarms are compliant with the standard. Both types of alarm are interlinked by radio frequency and do not need WiFi.
If battery alarms are used, they must be sealed tamper-proof units and have long-life lithium batteries. Batteries last for the duration of its operational lifespan, which may be up to 10 years or more
- although sensors degrade over time.
The Tolerable Standard is a minimum standard, and does not preclude more effective or extensive systems provided that they meet the basic requirement of (a) a secure power source for the lifetime of the unit, and (b) effective means to provide an immediate alert in the event of any part of the system being actuated.
New build homes and homes undergoing refurbishment work that requires a building warrant are required to comply with the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended. Guidance on this is set out in the Building Standards Domestic Technical Handbook. This requires that smoke alarms be mains operated with battery back-up and all alarms interlinked.
However, long-life and tamper-proof battery powered alarms have been allowed as part of the Tolerable Standard in recognition that it may not be possible or may be prohibitively costly to install mains powered alarms in existing properties where there is no refurbishment work planned.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-20282 by reference.