smoke alarm in council property

Smodlet

I am not sure if this applies to council properties, but know they have to comply with safety regulations as far as wiring/gas safety, etc. is concerned. If a private dwelling is re-wired, as ours was three years ago, it is a requirement that mains-powered smoke alarms are fitted. The electrician cannot issue the certificate if this is not done. They have batteries as well, in case of power cuts but they have to be main-powered. I find it difficult to believe this would not apply to social housing.

Certainly, a large percentage of council housing stock was re-wired some twenty-odd years ago in my home town, and the windows replaced and central heating installed before that. Admittedly, back then councils seemed to have the money to maintain their stock properly. HTH.

thesaint

Mojisola wrote: »

That's deliberate - people take the battery out of smoke alarms to use in other things and then forget to buy a new one.

I have never known a tenant to remove a battery from a smoke alarm to use elsewhere.

In my experience they are removed for:

a. Stop it functioning.
b. Stop it beeping when it needs replacing with a new one.

G_M

Yup: toaster sets off alarm every morning so occupant removes the battery.

I think the reason social landlords are excluded from the leglislation is that it is assumed social tenents cannot afford toasters, gas or candles so the risk of fire is minimal.

Pollycat

G_M wrote: »

Yup: toaster sets off alarm every morning so occupant removes the battery.

I think the reason social landlords are excluded from the leglislation is that it is assumed social tenents cannot afford toasters, gas or candles so the risk of fire is minimal.

Had to :rotfl:at this.

Thanks for all the replies, i'm going to cheeck the unit on the celing tomorrow and if it isn't a smoke alarm, I'll see what my sister (Mum's carer) wants to do based on the options.

societys_child

thesaint wrote: »

b. Stop it beeping when it needs replacing with a new one.

I think that's probably the No.1 reason.

Why, oh why do they always decide to start the low battery warning at 02:30 am, silly time? :mad:

DaftyDuck

societys_child wrote: »

I think that's probably the No.1 reason.

Why, oh why do they always decide to start the low battery warning at 02:30 am, silly time? :mad:

'cos it's the coolest the battery gets....

Or/

'cos that little red eye watches you until you are deep, deep asleep, then YELLS..

Thirded or fourthed for fire brigade. They know an awful lot of sense, and have a vested interest. They'll also advise on escape routes, hazards, and leave you safer.

Pollycat

I'm sure when my (single) sister hears the option of having this:

The visit may be carried out by firefighters who are operational, so don’t be surprised if a fire engine arrives at your home, or a dedicated team from the local Fire and Rescue Service.

she'll opt for it.

Mojisola

Pollycat wrote: »

I'm sure when my (single) sister hears the option of having this:

she'll opt for it.

It may be a female firefighter who comes in to fit the alarm.

27col

I can't believe that you are actually quibbling about the cost of a smoke alarm.
Why would you or your mother not take some responsibility for your own safety.
Although, this thread did remind me to go and refit the battery in my own smoke alarm.

G_M

Mojisola wrote: »

It may be a female firefighter who comes in to fit the alarm.

I'm on the phone ringing them right now.....