Smoke alarm legislation set to be delayed by 12 months in Scotland; Ross-based MSP welcomes coronavirus-related rethink on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm fire safety measures driven by Grenfell Tower tragedy
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LEGISLATION requiring households to instal smoke and carbon monoxide alarms looks set to be delayed by 12 months following concerns about the impact of Covid-19 on meeting the February 2021 deadline.
Many householders have also said they were unaware of Scottish Government legislation which was prompted by recommendations following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London three years ago in which 72 people died.
The Scottish Government will ask parliament to delay new regulations on the alarms until next February, it emerged today.
Ross-shire based SNP MSP Maree Todd welcomed the move which was confirmed in a letter from housing minister Kevin Stewart.
She said: "The tragic events at Grenfell Tower highlighted how important building and fire safety is. Following consultation in 2018, the Scottish Government announced its intention to bring standards across all homes in Scotland into line with the private rented sector, allowing everyone to benefit from the same level of protection, whether you own your own home or rent.
“However, given the impact of Covid-19, and the difficulties the legislation was likely to cause for people seeking to install new alarm systems, the Scottish Government will now seek approval from the Scottish Parliament for a 12-month delay in the deadline, a decision I very much welcome.
“I will continue to look closely at ensuring people across the Highlands & Islands have the support, information and advice they need to make changes in advance of the new standards coming into force in February 2022.”
Legislation due to come into effect in February 2021 meant the standard which currently applies to private rented property and new-builds would have been extended to all homes in Scotland.
Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government and Housing, said:“Fire safety is an absolute priority for the Scottish Government, and we remain committed to implementing these improved regulations, which will mean everyone will benefit from the same level of protection, whether they own their home or rent from a social or private landlord.
“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.”
The legal duty on complying with the legislation will rest with local authorities and not with individual householders.
The improved standards will mean every home in Scotland must have a smoke alarm fitted in the living room or lounge, and in circulation spaces such as hallways and landings. The changes also mean every kitchen must have a heat alarm, and the alarms will have to be interlinked so they can be heard throughout the property. There must also be a carbon monoxide alarm where there are fixed combustion appliances.
Homeowners can install tamper proof long-life lithium battery alarms themselves. Mains-wired alarms are also available and are generally cheaper than the tamper proof long-life battery alarms but should be installed by a qualified electrician. Both types of alarm are widely available in general hardware outlets and online.
Related: Party leader flags concerns over smoke alarm legislation
