Smoke Alarms
(Click
on image to enlarge)
How
does a Smoke Alarm work?
A
smoke alarm monitors the air from smoke, and the invisible particles produced
by combustion. It sounds an alarm when it detects them.
Two types are available:
Ionisation
Smoke Alarms
An
ionisation smoke alarm measures the reduction of an electric current
when smoke particles enter the ionisation chamber. The reduction
in current triggers the alarm. This type of smoke alarm contains
a minute radioactive source.
Optical
Smoke Alarms
An
optical smoke alarm contains a small photo electric cell which triggers
the alarm when a beam of light is either interrupted or obscured by
smoke particles.
Which
type is better?
Both
are effective and it is a matter of personal choice.
The
Fire Service recommends only those smoke alarms which have certification
under the following manufacturing specifications:
ANSI/UL217
BS5446
ULC S531
Check
the packaging to make sure you are buying an alarm with a recommended
specification.
How
are Smoke Alarms powered?
Usually
smoke alarms are fitted with a 9 volt battery. Smoke models are hard wired
into the electrical circuit of the house.
How
should Smoke Alarms be mounted?
Smoke
rises, filling the highest areas of a house first. Therefore smoke
alarms work best when mounted on the ceiling or high on a wall.
Refer
to the manufacturer's instructions or NZS 4514:1989 The Installation of
Smoke Alarms.
How
many Smoke Alarms do I need?
Install
smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on every level.
What
room's should the smoke alarms go in?
A
single alarm should be placed in the hallway by the sleeping areas.
Additional alarms should be placed in the living areas and in the bedroom/s.
Multi
storey homes should have at least one alarm on each level.
The
manufacturer's instructions provide information on how to get the best
coverage.
Note:
Do not put smoke alarms in the kitchen, bathroom or garage unless the
alarm is specifically designed for such use. The smoke, steam and
fumes which occur in these rooms will constantly set a 'regular' model
off.
Maintenance
As
with all safety appliances, smoke alarms need to be maintained in good
working order.
Smoke
alarms are fitted with a test button to check the unit is operating.
When the button is pressed the alarm should sound.
Lack
of alarm can mean that the batteries are flat, missing, or not properly
fitted. Check these things before assuming a malfunction in the
unit.
If
the alarm is hard wired and the alarm does not 'test' properly, check
fuses and wiring.
Test
the alarm regularly, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Batteries
need to be replaced at least once a year. A helpful hint can be
to mark the date on the calendar - or set aside one day each year - such
as the start of daylight savings, to replace batteries.
Most
smoke alarms have an in-built feature to alert you should the battery
start to go flat. The unit will sound periodically for short bursts.
If you are buying a new smoke alarm be sure the model has this feature.
Smoke
alarms need cleaning regularly to remove dust and cobwebs. (Refer
to manufacturer's instructions.)
What
should I do if the alarm sounds?
The
value of a smoke alarm in early warning of a fire. Those few minutes
are vital to get out of the house safely.
By
having an Exit Drill In The Home (E.D.I.T.H) planned before an emergency
you are your family will know what to do in a stressful and frightening
situation.
E.D.I.T.H
- Draw
a sketch of your home and show two exit ways from each room.
-
Appoint
someone to be responsible for the young, elderly or those with disabilities
in your family.
-
Have
somewhere to meet safely outside (such as the letterbox).
- Know
how to call the Fire Service on 111 from a safe telephone.
- Practice
your E.D.I.T.H. regularly.
In
a fire remember to:
- crawl
low in smoke
- close
doors behind you if possible
- use
the stairs - not the lifts
- care
for others less able or mobile
- get
out and STAY OUT
|
