12 February 2015

Press Release

Senator Lazarus vows to fix smoke alarm laws in Australia

Palmer United Senator for Queensland and Leader of Palmer United in the Senate, Glenn Lazarus, today slammed the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) for its failure to update the Australian Building Code in relation to smoke alarms. “Australians are dying in house fires every year or sustaining serious fire related injuries,” Senator Glenn Lazarus said. “These deaths and injuries are preventable. “Standards Australia has amended Australian Standards in relation to smoke alarms for

residential use and the ABCB has failed to adopt the recommendations and update Australia’s Building Code to mandate that photoelectric smoke alarms be installed in new homes. “There are two main types of smoke alarms: photoelectric and ionisation alarms. “Photoelectric smoke alarms detect smoke and smouldering activity. Ionisation alarms detect particles given off in a fast flaming fire. “Commercial buildings in Australia are required to have photoelectric alarms installed. All homes should be as well. “European countries have banned ionisation alarms and cities and states across the USA have mandated the installation of photoelectric smoke alarms in homes. “Most house fires occur at night while occupants are sleeping. “Photoelectric smoke alarms detect smoke before a fire takes hold which enables occupants to wake and escape the home unharmed. “Photoelectric smoke alarms are thought to give up to 30 minutes more notice of fire than ionisation alarms. “Ionisation alarms detect fire. By the time the alarm goes off, occupants have normally inhaled deadly toxic fumes while sleeping. If occupants are lucky enough to wake when an ionisation alarm goes off, the house is already engulfed in flames which makes escape virtually impossible.

“Ionisation alarms are the most common and usually the cheapest. “Companies selling ionisation products in Australia wield too much influence over our country and our decision making. This needs to stop. “I want to ensure:

• Australia’s Building Code is updated to reflect the highest safety standards possible in relation to smoke alarms for households;

• a national campaign is undertaken by the Government to inform Australians of the

need to install photoelectric smoke alarms;

• state and territory governments legislate to require photoelectric alarms to be installed complemented by rigorous compliance programs; and

• ionisation alarms are taken off the shelves in Australia where necessary and

appropriate. “Queensland suffered one of the most horrific housefire tragedies in the country. 11 lives were lost including eight children. The coroner involved in the case recommended that every area of a house where people sleep must have photoelectric smoke alarms installed. “The Australian Government has failed to act in relation to smoke alarm laws for households

and I want this changed.” ENDS