Ministry of the Interior issues new decree on smoke alarms

The Ministry of the Interior has issued a new decree on smoke alarms. The decree lays down provisions on the minimum number of smoke alarms, as is the case at present. In addition, the decree specifies how smoke alarms must be placed. The aim is to clarify the regulation on smoke alarms and to make it easier to comply with the regulation. The decree was drafted to correspond to the amendments made to the Rescue Act. It will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

The decree specifies the requirement laid down in the Rescue Act concerning the sufficient number of smoke alarms. In future, too, there must be at least one smoke alarm for every 60 square metres on each floor or level of a dwelling. This is a simple and clear way of determining the minimum number. The requirement corresponds to the current requirement.

The new decree specifies where an individual smoke alarm must be placed. In future, a smoke alarm must be installed on the ceiling of the room and at least half a metre from the walls. When selecting the location, the shape of the room, ventilation and audibility of the alarm must be taken into account.

Rescue Act lays down provisions on maintenance of smoke alarms

In future, provisions on the maintenance of smoke alarms will only be laid down in the Rescue Act. According to the Rescue Act, the owner of the building must ensure that smoke alarms are kept in working order. Basically, it means replacing the battery and replacing the smoke alarm at the end of its service life or in case of failure.

The maintenance obligation does not require that the owner or occupant of the building press the test button of the smoke alarm to test it on a regular basis. Nor does the law require that the smoke alarm be remotely readable.

Inquiries:
Jaana Rajakko, Senior Engineer, tel. +358 295 488 435, [email protected] 
Kirsi Rajaniemi, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 432, [email protected] (from 19 to 30 June)