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Safety & Compliance

Fire Safety Requirements for Homes

Smoke Alarm Requirements

Current requirements (varies by state):

  • Photoelectric type required
  • On every level of the home
  • In every bedroom
  • In hallways connecting bedrooms
  • Interconnected (in some states)

Rental Properties

  • Compliance mandatory before lease
  • Hardwired or 10-year battery required
  • Annual testing recommended
  • Records must be kept

Bushfire Areas (BAL Rating)

Properties in bushfire zones must meet AS 3959:

  • BAL-LOW: Minimal requirements
  • BAL-12.5 to 29: Increasing protection levels
  • BAL-40: Significant protection required
  • BAL-FZ (Flame Zone): Maximum protection

Bushfire Protection Measures

  • Ember guards on vents and gaps
  • Fire-rated windows and doors
  • Non-combustible materials
  • Defendable space around home
  • Fire-rated water supply

When Selling

  • Smoke alarm compliance required
  • BAL rating disclosure
  • Pool safety certification

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