A Dumfries electrical business has installed a free alarm system for vulnerable local residents as part of a national goodwill initiative to ensure householders comply with new regulations.
Keith Johnstone of J H Johnstone & Sons fitted heat, smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in a home after volunteering for the Alarm Ambassadors campaign, which is being run by electrical trade association SELECT.
Sponsored by Aico, the European market leader in home life safety, the initiative will see SELECT members install free alarms in selected homes to ensure householders comply with new Scottish Government rules, which came into effect on 1 February.
To make the house compliant, electrician Keith fitted an extensive suite of alarms in a home in Borgue, Dumfries-shire, on 19 February, and also showed the householders how to operate the new system safely.
He said: “We are only too happy to assist with the Alarms Ambassadors campaign, which will help to highlight the importance of domestic alarms in keeping people safe and reducing fire deaths across Scotland.
“Having compliant alarms installed by professional qualified electricians will contribute towards peace of mind for residents and J H Johnstone & Sons is delighted to be able to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are grateful to Keith and J H Johnstone & Sons for volunteering to take part in the Alarm Ambassadors initiative.
“The campaign is designed to help those in genuine need – and remind the public of the importance of using compliant products, installed by qualified electricians where possible, to meet the new legislation which came into effect on February 1.
“Householders can quickly find their nearest electrical contractor on the SELECT website at www.select.org.uk and members will be able to advise on design, installation and commissioning, as well as providing required certification.”
The new government standard requires that all homes in Scotland must have a smoke alarm on every storey including hallways and landings, a smoke alarm in the most frequented part of the house, such as the lounge, a heat alarm in the kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm wherever there is a fuel burning appliance.
Mr Wilson added: “The Scottish Government has said that any necessary work should be done within ‘a reasonable period’ after February 1, taking into account individual circumstances.
“However, while homeowners do still have this time to become compliant, now is the moment to consult with a properly qualified electrician and plan any additions or alterations which may be needed.”
The campaign will see electricians install tamper-proof long-life lithium battery Aico alarms that are sealed, wireless and interlinked in line with the regulations. A completion certificate will also be issued once the work has been completed.
Tony Boyle, Relationships Manager from Aico, said: “We were only too happy to sponsor this deserving campaign and help people protect their homes and families with high-quality alarm systems, installed by qualified electrical professionals.
“It is vital that we get the message across in Scotland that homeowners must act now to become compliant, and this campaign will help raise awareness of the type of products that should be fitted.”
SELECT has produced a range of guidance about the new standard on a dedicated section of its website, including downloadable guides, technical manuals and an easy-to-follow animation.
