15Testing of smoke alarms by owner

15 Testing of smoke alarms by owner

(1)  For the purposes of section 36D(1) of the Act, the owner of tenanted premises must ensure that any smoke alarm on, or associated with, the premises has been tested, on the first day of each relevant period in respect of the tenanted premises –

(a) as specified in subregulation (2) ; and

(b) to ensure that the alarm is working to the same standard as when it was first installed and in the manner specified by the manufacturer of the smoke alarm.

(2)  The following matters are to be checked or tested:

(a) power is supplied to the smoke alarm and it is ready to operate;

(b) any alternative power supply is ready to operate and will supply power to the smoke alarm during any interruption to the main power supply;

(c) back-up batteries are installed in respect of the smoke alarm (if required by the manufacturer of the smoke alarm) and are fit for the smoke alarm’s operation;

(d) the smoke alarm is clean and free from dust or debris that may prevent air from entering it;

(e) the smoke alarm tests effectively in accordance with the manufacturer's testing regime;

(f) the smoke alarm has not reached its expiry date.

(3)  An owner of tenanted premises may use the services of a contractor or other person to test a smoke alarm, as required under this regulation, on those premises.