Smoke alarm maintenance and testing
A clean, working smoke alarm is the difference between life and death in a house fire. Testing, cleaning and maintaining smoke alarms is very easy.
The only tools needed are a broom handle for monthly testing, a vacuum cleaner for cleaning and a ladder to change batteries. The use of aerosol "smoke" testing is not necessary and is not required as a test procedure for domestic smoke alarms under the Australian Standard 3786 – the standard with which domestic smoke alarms must comply. Its use will deposit pollutants on the smoke alarm sensor which, over time, will reduce the service life of the smoke alarm.
For more detailed information please see:
- our Home Fire and Life Safety Information sheet 'Smoke alarm servicing schedule' which can be used to keep a formal record of smoke alarm maintenance
- our pamphlet "Smoke Alarms - What you need to know" (PDF 678 KB)
- our Home Fire Safety Information Sheets "Domestic Smoke Alarm Legislation" and "Domestic Smoke Alarms - What you need to know"
For further advice ring the Community Safety & Resilience Department on 8204 3611, Country callers 1300 737 637
