Fire Safety Requirements - Update

We recently posted information about the changes that the Scottish Government intended to introduce in February 2020. The new law, which requires all homes in Scotland to have interlinked smoke alarms, will be delayed until 2022 following criticism over the lack of public awareness.

The Scottish government have said that MSPs will be asked to approve a 12-month delay to the smoke alarm rules that are to apply to all homes in Scotland

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: "Given the impact of Covid-19, and the difficulties this is likely to create for people seeking to install new smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, we have listened to concerns and decided to ask the Scottish Parliament to delay implementation.

"If this delay is approved, we will continue to work with partners to spread awareness of the changes before the new deadline.  Our focus will be on supporting householders to ensure satisfactory fire alarms are installed so we can improve the safety of their homes."

Under the new legislation all home owners and landlords must ensure they have a ceiling-mounted smoke alarms in their living room, hallways and landings and all kitchens must have a heat alarm and, crucially, the system must be interlinked, either through fixed wiring or a wireless system.

Interlinking ensures that if one alarm is activated it will trigger all the others.  A stand alone carbon monoxide alarm must also be fitted where there is a fuel burning appliance or a flue.