Thank you to Chris Woodness for passing along this information from Station Commander Ian Anderson from the Fire & Rescue Service in Dumfries.

The Fire Alarm Standards campaign that was launched in August 2021 aims to raise awareness of the new fire alarm standard, and encourages homeowners to install interlinked smoke, heat and CO alarms by Feb 2022 to comply with the new legislation.

Since the launch of the campaign, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have received enquiries about the new legislation from councillors at Area Committee, Community Council and via email. I have been asked on behalf of the LSO, Craig McGoldrick, to write to you with information that may answer many of your questions.

Following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, a Ministerial Working Group on Building and Fire Safety was formed in Scotland. This ministerial working group has met since June 2017 to oversee reviews of building and fire safety frameworks, regulations and guidance, and any other relevant matters, to help ensure that people are safe in Scotland’s buildings.

The initial focus of the group was on high rise domestic buildings. It has also considered other buildings including housing, the NHS estate, schools and prisons.

One of the recommendations from the group was to bring forward planned consultation on fire and smoke alarms. The results of the consultation have led to a change in legislation which extends to all domestic properties in Scotland.

Information and a list of frequently asked questions on the change to legislation can be found by visiting the Scottish Government website https://www.gov.scot/publications/fire-and-smoke-alarms-in-scottish-homes/  

 

Fire and smoke alarms: changes to the law – gov.scot

The law on fire alarms is changing from February 2022 which means all Scottish homes will need to have interlinked alarms. Guidance for homeowners on what you need to know.

www.gov.scot

                                                                                                                                          

Please be advised that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are unable to recommend or endorse any specific detection manufacturer or installer. An approved trader can be found using the Trading Standards Approved Trader Directory  

Members of the public concerned about a cold caller or about what a tradesperson is telling them should report this to Trading Standards Scotland on 0808 164 6000.

SFRS Fitment Criteria

It is the householder’s responsibility to fit the detection to the required standard. However, to protect the most vulnerable SFRS will fit interlinked alarms into ‘High Risk’, owner-occupied homes.

A person will be deemed ‘high risk’ if they are over 50, live alone and meet two or more of the following criteria:

  • Smoker
  • Long term health / mobility issues
  • Uses medical oxygen
  • Evidence of heavy alcohol use

In addition, an owner-occupier that has been identified as a victim of fire related crime will qualify for SFRS to fit the interlinked alarms.

Interlinked alarms may be fitted at the discretion of SFRS if other risk factors within the household are identified.

Further Support

Those that are elderly or disabled and do not fall into the criteria set by SFRS for the new linked detection should contact their local Care and Repair service.

Funding is available for those that are eligible for support and who meet the following criteria:

  • Must own your own home which must be your main residence and be in council tax band A-C
  • Be of state pension age and in receipt of guaranteed Pension Credit or have a disability and be in a support group for Employment and Support Allowance.

Though the information provided within this email along with the information on the Scottish Government website, we hope this has answered many of your questions. 

Where you still have questions on fire safety within the home, the home fire safety process or require advice when fitting alarms and detectors in the home, please don’t hesitate to contact our local Community Action Team in Dumfries and Galloway at sfrs.dgcat@firescotland.gov.uk

For questions or concerns specifically pertaining to the new fire and smoke alarm legislation, please use the contact details provided on the Scottish Government website.