Is this smoke alarm within the regs?

[luke82]

I live in a council flat and the contractors have recently boxed in an extractor fan vent that they have installed. The boxing in is shown at the bottom of the picture. Is this safe? Surely this will hinder the alarm's ability to detect smoke, not to mention getting at it to clean it. Any thoughts or advice welcome.

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• luke82
• 13 May 2013
• 1

 

[mdf290]

This might help..

http://www.haringey.gov.uk/note16_-_smoke_detectors_in_dwellings.pdf

Looks like they need min 300mm clearance from walls and light fittings . .

 

[toooluk]

There is no legal requirement for a landlord to fit smoke alarms if the house is older than 1992. He is only required to have an electrical safety test if a mains s/alarm is fitted.

 

[cybergibbons]

Thing is, regardless of any law, it's partially blocked on both sides and won't be working as well as it could.

 

[toooluk]

Thing is, regardless of any law, it's partially blocked on both sides and won't be working as well as it could.

Yes it will be working below standards but considering the house should have had an inspection before handing it on you would have expected them to have noticed it and moved it's location.

I'm sure they will relocate it but this is the council. If I was in this position I purchase a battery powered smoke alarm and report the other to the council. That way the room is covered until they decide to sort it out.

 

[JohnD]

It is badly fitted, and may well have been put there by a previous tenant. Have you tested it recently?

A new one will only cost a few pounds and you can fit it in minutes if you have a step ladder and a drill.

If you are, for example, elderly or disabled and not capable to fit it yourself, you local fire station or council may know someone who will fit it for you, often free.

 

[toooluk]

Council fit them as part of the upgrade scheme.