Tolerable Standard Scotland

Tolerable Standard Scotland Fire detection

Satisfactory equipment for detecting fire and giving warning in the event of fire, or suspected fire, includes:

• one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes (normally the living room/lounge);
• one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings;
• one heat alarm installed in every kitchen;
• all smoke and heat alarms to be ceiling mounted and interlinked

There is no requirement for these alarms to be connected to mains electricity. You may install 10-year battery operated, interlinked alarms yourself if you feel capable of doing so.

Cavius CV2106 Smoke Alarm 78mm 10y Battery - Cavius CV3106 Heat Alarm 78mm 10y Battery  - Cavius CV3202 78mm Heat Alarm RF Mains Powered - Cavius CV2208 97mm Smoke Alarm RF Mains Powered

Carbon monoxide detection Cavius CO detector

Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance such as boilers, fires (including open fires) and heaters or a flue, a carbon monoxide (CO) detector is also required which does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

CO detectors to be fitted in all rooms where there is a fixed combustion appliance (excluding an appliance used solely for cooking) or a flue.

Failure to meet requirements

Where a property fails to meet the Tolerable Standard, it may be inspected by the Environmental Health Team and a recommendation made for a Closing Order to be served on the property.

This would prohibit the occupation of the property until such times as the defects have been satisfactorily addressed.

Two types of alarms

You can use either sealed battery alarms or mains-wired alarms.

Both types of alarm are interlinked by radio frequency and do not need WiFi.

What the alarms must have

If you use battery alarms, they must be sealed tamper-proof units and have long-life lithium batteries, which can be up to 10 years. You may be able to fit these types of alarms yourself and they do not need an electrician.

Mains-wired alarms are cheaper but if you use them, they must be fitted by a qualified electrician and must be replaced every 10 years. You may also need to redecorate after fitting them.

If you also need a carbon monoxide alarm and it is battery-operated, it must have a sealed battery for the duration of its lifespan.