Ian Yuill

Liberal Democrat councillor for Mannofield, Airyhall, Braeside, Broomhill, Garthdee, Kaimhill and Ruthrieston Learn more

Introduction of new smoke detector regulations to be delayed for 12 months

by Ian Yuill on 22 October, 2020

The Scottish Government has announced that it is going to ask Parliament to delay the introduction of new requirements for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors in homes in Scotland until February 2022.

The new regulations were due to come into force from February 2021.

It is the responsibility of each homeowner and landlord to ensure homes they own comply with the new regulations. 

Key points of the new regulations include:

  • one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes
  • one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
  • one heat alarm installed in every kitchen
  • All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked.

In addition, where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance – such as a boiler, fire (including an open fire) or heater – or a flue in a room, a carbon monoxide detector is also required. Carbon monoxide detectors do not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

You can find more information about the new regulations on the Scottish Government website.

Sign up here to receive e-mail newsletters containing local news and information from Ian Yuill.

   2 Comments

2 Responses

  1. IAIN says:

    If an open plan kitchen/family room is the place most frequently used for daytime living, any other living area does not merit an additional smoke alarm.

    However, clarification is needed as to whether both heat and smoke alarms are then required in that single area. It seems illogical, as the prime purpose of heat alarms is to be the substitute for smoke alarms in steamy rooms.

    In fact, advice from the London Fire Brigade states that smoke alarms should not be used in kitchens as steam can damage the alarm and will also set it off by mistake. Heat detectors are to be used.

    There does seem to be a need for more detailed guidance on the introduction of the legislation.

Leave a Reply

You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>