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New smoke alarm legislation - (FESA)

New subsidiary legislation (regulations) relating to the installation of mains-powered smoke alarms is currently being developed. 

In simple terms, the regulations will require that homes and rental properties have mains-powered smoke alarms professionally installed before they can be sold or re-tenanted.  It is expected that these regulations will be passed as law later in the year. 

These regulations relate to the Local Government Act (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment (Smoke Alarms) Act 2007, which commenced on 8 January 2008.

It is expected that these regulations will be passed as law in the last quarter of this year or early 2009.

RCDs will save lives (Western Power)

Since 1990 all new residences have been required to have at least one RCD to protect the power circuits. Since 2000 this was expanded in WA to require at least two RCDs for each domestic installation, to protect against electric shock from faulty appliances and lighting fittings, as well as from damaged wiring associated with power point and lighting circuits.

This WA requirement was adopted nationally in late 2007 as the most appropriate level of protection. Unfortunately, much older housing remains without such protection, even though it would be of greatest benefit for pre-1980 housing that typically has ageing wiring installations.

The present cost of two single phase RCDs is approximately $200. The total cost of installing the two units depends on the individual circumstances of a particular property but would not be expected to exceed $600. A typical 4 + 2 residence is likely to cost about $400 - $500.

EnergySafety has proposed that the regulations under the Electricity Act be amended to require the installation of at least two RCDs in homes, where not already fitted, before they are sold or leased.

In the case of owner occupied dwellings the RCDs will have to be installed before the transfer of the property title – that is, before settlement on the sale of the property. For rented dwellings the RCDs will have to be installed before a new tenant occupies the property, before the property title is transferred if being sold, or otherwise within two years of gazettal of the amendment regulations.

Mr Koenig said it was expected that through this program more than 90 per cent of the housing stock in the State would be equipped with at least two RCDs within 15 years. Some other States/Territories have adopted a similar program or are proposing to do so.

“Both the real estate industry and the electrical industry were consulted during late 2008 and no objections to the proposal were raised.

“It is expected that the proposal will be ready for the Minister for Commerce’s formal approval as soon as possible, after which it can be implemented before the end of 2009. Implementation involves gazettal of the new regulations dealing with the RCD retro-fitting requirements.

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