Since the introduction of mandatory smoke detectors in NSW homes, the deaths from fires have dropped significantly; but smoke detectors fail, and owners are often not aware. Owners change the batteries, or press the buttons – they seem to work, but do they?
This week I have formally tested six smoke detectors in two separate properties where owners thought they were protected from fire; they thought their smoke detectors were working – but they were not.
Their smoke detectors were more than 10 years old and had actually failed – but they didn’t know. Their properties, and their families were now at risk from fire; they now failed to fulfil the mandatory requirements of NSW legislation – that all properties in NSW have working smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors have a limited 10 year life span; as time goes by, they stop working. Do you know if you smoke detectors are working or not?
If you are a business operator, PCBU, or own a rental property, did you know that you have “legal” obligations to check your smoke detectors?

Due to the hazards of fire, and the risks to families, with all electrical work undertaken during the final weeks of may, we are offering free formal smoke detector tests to residents of Westleigh, Thornleigh and Normanhurst.
If you would like more information on how we may be able to help, please give us a call.
Greg Rowell