Smoke Alarm Inspections
Mandated as a legal requirement smoke detector safety inspections must be carried out yearly.
You only know what you know, RIC Safety Audits exist to make your life safer. Smoke alarms can only save lives if they are well maintained and work properly.
If you own a property whether a residential or commercial building it is both the responsibility of the tenant and the owner to get their smoke detectors checked regularly including a yearly battery replacement (unless it uses a 10 year life Li-ion battery).
Smoke Detector Audit
- Visual safety check & cleaning of all smoke detector units
- Replacement of every battery in every unit every year. Unless it’s a 10 year Li-ion unit.
- Relocation of the smoke detector to correct location as required (doesn’t include ceiling repairs).
- All works will be carried out by A-Grade electricians only
- Replacement of faulty or expired (10 year lifespan) smoke detectors.
- Decibel testing of smoke alarms to make sure they are working correctly.
- Upon completion, a comprehensive report that will be uploaded onto the Property Managers Portal.
FULL SMOKE DETECTOR SAFETY AUDIT
$99 p.a
(mandated yearly)
Price includes GST
Use these tips to stay safe.
Smoke Detectors Maintenance
How do I keep my smoke alarms working? Smoke alarms can only save lives if they are well maintained and work properly.
Steps to remember:
- Read the manufacturer instructions.
- Once a month check the operation of the smoke alarm by pressing the test button. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.
- Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
- Smoke alarms must never be painted. In most models when batteries are low the detector will sound a short ‘BEEP’ every minute or so. This is your reminder to replace the battery.
- Replace removable batteries, if applicable, annually.
- Failure to maintain your smoke alarm may lead to continued unwanted activations.
- If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Turn on the range fan, open a window or wave a towel near the alarm until the alarm stops beeping. Or use the hush button (if fitted).
- If unwanted alarm activations persist when cooking, consider relocating the smoke alarm or change the range fan to exhaust externally.
Smoke Detectors Replacement
Why do I need to replace my smoke alarm?
- After 10 years smoke alarms may malfunction and their efficiency compromised with accumulated dust, insects, airborne contaminants and corrosion of the electrical circuitry.
- They must be replaced if they are more than 10 years old or if they fail to operate when tested.
- A smoke alarm constantly monitors the air 24 hours a day. At the end of 10 years, it has gone through millions of monitoring cycles. After so much use, components may become less reliable. This means as the smoke alarm gets older, the potential of failure increases.
- Most smoke alarms have an expiry or replace by date stamped or printed on them.
- Contact the smoke alarm supplier or manufacturer for more detailed advice.
How do I dispose of a smoke alarm I’ve replaced?
- If the smoke alarms are the photoelectric type, individual or small numbers can be disposed of with the household waste.
- If the smoke alarms are the ionisation type, indicated by the radiation warning symbol on the body of the alarm, individual or small numbers can be disposed of with the household waste.
Visual Inspection
Test Monthly
Clean Monthly
Replace Annually
Our Focus
You can count on responsive, courteous service from highly skilled tradesmen who are knowledgeable in all aspects of the business. The RIC Safety Audits has been founded on a base level of compliance and safety, with all directors focusing on keeping property owners and renters safe and saving rental providers money with preventative maintenance and recommendations.
Our technicians’ expertise and professionalism are next to none. You will appreciate their efficiency, timeliness and unparalleled customer care. All directors have rental properties and know the effort that goes into looking after your properties, we are trying to make the process as smooth as possible and keep compliance.
Integrity
Safety Focused
Pride
Solutions Driven
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in your smoke alarm inspection service?
Our comprehensive smoke alarm service includes:
- Visual safety check and cleaning of all smoke detector units
- Smoke Simulation Test
- Battery replacement in every unit annually (unless 10-year Li-ion)
- Decibel testing to verify correct operation
- Verification of correct placement and installation
- Relocation of detectors if required
- Comprehensive digital reportin
How often should smoke alarms be checked?
Under Victorian regulations:
- Professional inspections are required annually
- Monthly testing is recommended for renters
- Batteries should be replaced yearly (if applicable)
- Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years
Why do smoke alarms need to be replaced after 10 years?
Smoke alarms need replacement after 10 years because:
- Components become less reliable after millions of monitoring cycles
- Dust, insects, and airborne contaminants accumulate
- Electrical circuitry can corrode
- Failure potential increases with age
- Manufacturing date is stamped on each alarm (they have a 10 year expiry)
What maintenance is required between professional inspections?
As a recommendation, monthly maintenance should include:
- Testing operation using the test button
- Vacuum cleaning around and over the alarm
- Visual inspection for damage
- Checking for any beeping sounds indicating low battery
- Never paint over smoke alarms
- Keep them free from dust and debris
What happens if you find a faulty smoke alarm?
When we identify issues, we organise:
- Immediate replacement of faulty units
- Documentation of the replacement
- Verification testing of new installation
- Proper disposal of old units
- Updated compliance certification
- All work completed during the same visit
How do you handle unwanted alarm activations?
Beeping alarms are treated as an urgent repair. We address this through:
- Assessing alarm placement
- Recommending relocations if needed
- Checking ventilation systems
- Advising on prevention methods
- Suggesting appropriate alarm types for different areas
- Installing hush buttons where applicable
What types of smoke alarms do you install?
We install:
- Photoelectric smoke alarms (recommended)
- Hard-wired alarms with battery backup
- 10-year lithium battery models (if required)
- Interconnected systems where required
- All alarms meet Australian Standards
How long does a smoke alarm inspection take?
A typical smoke alarm inspection takes:
- 20-30 minutes for standard properties
- Additional time if replacements are needed
- All work completed in one visit where possible
What documentation do you provide?
Through our Service & Property Managers Portal, you receive:
- Detailed inspection reports via email
- Installation dates and locations
- Photographic evidence if required
How do you ensure compliance with rental regulations?
We ensure compliance by:
- Following all current Victorian rental regulations and staying in the loop with new legislation changes
- Maintaining detailed service records
- Tracking inspection due dates
- Sending automated reminders
- Documenting all maintenance activities