NFCC revises home detection position statement

The revised position statement replaces that published in May 2015 and provides advice as recommendations and best practise based on risk of the home occupier and suggests:

• One alarm per floor is a minimum standard
• Based on the fire risk of the occupant, alarms should be fitted in rooms which are regularly inhabited
• A heat alarm in the kitchen is recommended
• Where possible alarms should be interlinked
• Alarms should be replaced after ten years or by replace by date

Part of the preperation of the position followed a data collection and consultation exercise across the UK Fire and Rescue Service*. This exercise included gathering information and views on fire service installation of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors.

• 41% of fire and rescue services install heat detectors
• 56% of fire and rescue services provide carbon monoxide detectors
• 41% of fire and rescue services provide interlinked alarms (not including specialised alarms for heard of hearing) 

The position also looks to reflect the advancements in technology which provide benefits to home detection systems.

Changes to the Housing (Scotland) Act have been made following of the Grenfell Tower fire and are welcomed by the NFCC and apply to all homes in Scotland.  

*80% of fire services responded to the data collection and consultation request