The Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA) has introduced crucial changes to the fire safety regulations of residential buildings. From 23 December 2024 all recently built properties must be equipped with autonomous smoke detectors and autonomous carbon monoxide detectors. The owners of existing buildings have time to adapt to these requirements by the end of 2029. Failure to comply may consequence in financial penalties even PLN 5000.
New rules for security
The amendment of the regulations, which entered into force on 23 December 2024, requires owners of recently created residential buildings to install smoke and carbon monoxide sensors. The intent of these regulations is to increase the safety of residents and to reduce the number of tragic accidents associated with fires and smoking poisoning. statistic indicate that the usage of specified devices may reduce the death toll of fires from 15 to 30%.
Time limits for existing buildings
The owners of older buildings are not exempt from this obligation. For them, there is simply a transitional period ending on 31 December 2029. This means that by the beginning of 2030 each flat and area with a coal stove or gas stove must be equipped with appropriate sensors.
Penalties for deficiency of sensors
Failure to install sensors may consequence in severe financial consequences. In the case of fire brigade control and detection of the absence of the required equipment, the owner may be fined a mandate of up to PLN 500. If the deficiency of sensors leads to a threat, the punishment may increase even to PLN 5000.
Costs of purchasing and installing sensors
Different models of smoke and carbon monoxide sensors are available on the market, and their prices start from around 20 zł. The average cost of specified a device is about PLN 108. There are besides sensors combining both smoke detection and cool detection functions, which can be a more cost-effective solution for housing owners.
Where do I put the sensors?
The correct location of sensors is crucial to their effectiveness. Smoke detectors should be installed on the ceiling, in the central part of the room, distant from fans or air conditioners that may interfere with their operation. In turn, carbon monoxide sensors are best mounted at the tallness of the adult man's head, close heating devices specified as furnaces or fireplaces. It is crucial to regularly test the operation of sensors and replace batteries in them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Why is it so important?
Carbon monoxide, commonly referred to as cool, is simply a colourless and odourless gas that arises during incomplete combustion of fuels. His presence in the area is hard to detect without specialized equipment, and poisoning with it can lead to serious wellness and even death consequences. In turn, fires in residential buildings frequently make quickly, and early smoke detection can save lives of residents and minimise material losses.
The fresh government introduces crucial changes to increase safety in residential buildings. The work to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide concerns both fresh and existing properties. Housing owners should adapt to these requirements as shortly as possible in order to avoid financial penalties and guarantee the safety of themselves and their loved ones.
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Housing owners gotta buy it or 5000 gold fines. All through fresh regulations
