Smoke Alarms in Scout Facilities

Smoke Alarms in Scout Facilities

Purpose

This guide provides practical advice for Scout Formations on smoke alarm and fire detection requirements, with a particular focus on Scout dens and campsites. It explains the different requirements that may apply to Scout dens, bunkhouses, caretaker residences and other Scout facilities, and outlines good practice from both legislative and risk management perspectives.
Alert
Important: This guide provides general information only and should not be relied upon as legal or technical advice. Fire safety requirements vary depending on a building's classification, approval history, construction and intended use. If you are planning building works, changing the use of a facility, or are unsure about the requirements that apply to your site, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified building certifier or fire safety professional before undertaking works or modifying any fire detection systems.

Scout Dens (Class 9b – Assembly Buildings)

Most Scout dens are classified under the National Construction Code (NCC) as Class 9b – Assembly Buildings, as they are primarily used for meetings, youth activities and community gatherings. Unlike houses (Class 1 buildings), there is no general legislative requirement for domestic smoke alarms or interconnected smoke alarms in a typical Scout den.
For a Scout den that is:
  1. Single storey; 
  2. Under approximately 500 m²; 
  3. Used for normal Scout meetings and community activities; and 
  4. Not regularly used for overnight accommodation, 
there will often be no requirement to install smoke alarms or a fire detection system unless one was required under the original building approval or through later building works.
Larger buildings, multi-storey facilities or buildings approved for overnight accommodation may have additional fire detection requirements.

Scout Campsites

Scout campsites often contain a variety of buildings, each of which may have different fire safety requirements depending on their classification and approved use.
Examples include:
  1. Activity centres 
  2. Dining halls 
  3. Amenities blocks 
  4. Kitchens 
  5. Equipment sheds 
  6. Bunkhouses 
  7. Caretaker residences 
Each building should be assessed individually rather than assuming the entire campsite has the same requirements.

Bunkhouses and Sleeping Accommodation

Buildings used for overnight accommodation require particular consideration.
Depending on their design and approval, bunkhouses may be classified under different NCC building classes and may require:
  1. Smoke detection; 
  2. Emergency lighting; 
  3. Exit signage; 
  4. Fire extinguishers; 
  5. Fire hose reels or hydrants (for larger facilities); and 
  6. Other fire safety measures required by the NCC or the building approval. 
Because requirements vary significantly depending on:
  1. building size; 
  2. construction type; 
  3. occupant numbers; 
  4. age of the building; and 
  5. approval history, 
Groups should always refer to the building approval documentation or seek advice before undertaking alterations.

Caretaker Accommodation (Residential Buildings)

Many Scout camps include caretaker accommodation.
Where the accommodation is a residence under the National Construction Code (typically a Class 1 dwelling), it is subject to the same smoke alarm legislation as any other Queensland home.
This means the dwelling must comply with Queensland's residential smoke alarm requirements, including:
  1. Photoelectric smoke alarms; 
  2. Alarms complying with AS 3786; 
  3. Interconnected alarms where required; 
  4. Installation in prescribed locations (including bedrooms, hallways and each storey); and 
  5. Ongoing maintenance in accordance with Queensland legislation. 
Any renovations or replacement of alarms should ensure the dwelling continues to comply with current residential requirements.

When are Smoke Alarms Required?

Smoke alarms or fire detection systems may be required where:
  1. the building approval requires them; 
  2. the NCC requires them because of the building classification or size; 
  3. the building contains sleeping accommodation; 
  4. significant building alterations trigger compliance upgrades; or 
  5. conditions have been imposed by the building certifier or local authority. 
If unsure, Groups should review:
  1. the original building approval; if available
  2. occupancy permit; 
  3. fire safety schedule; or 
  4. consult a suitably qualified building certifier. 

Scouts Queensland Risk Management Position

Even where smoke alarms are not legally required, formations can still consider installing smoke alarms as part of risk management.
Smoke alarms can provide valuable early warning of fire and may significantly improve occupant safety, particularly where buildings are used by youth members, volunteers or members of the public.
Where Groups choose to install smoke alarms, they should ensure they are:
  1. Photoelectric smoke alarms rather than ionisation alarms; 
  2. Appropriate for the environment in which they are installed; 
  3. Installed in suitable locations; 
  4. Tested regularly; 
  5. Maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; 
  6. Replaced when they reach the manufacturer's recommended service life (typically 10 years); and 
  7. Recorded as part of routine facility maintenance inspections. 
Installing alarms creates an expectation that they will continue to operate correctly. Poorly maintained or expired alarms may provide a false sense of security and should be avoided.

Buildings Used for Sleepovers

Where Scout dens or other buildings are used for occasional overnight activities, Groups should review whether additional fire safety measures are appropriate.
This includes considering:
  1. smoke detection; 
  2. clear exit paths; 
  3. emergency lighting where required; 
  4. evacuation procedures; 
  5. assembly areas; and 
  6. ensuring supervising adults understand emergency arrangements. 
Occasional overnight use does not necessarily change the building classification, but it does increase the importance of appropriate fire safety planning.

References

  1. National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 – Volume One (Class 2–9 Buildings) and Volume Two (Class 1 and 10 Buildings), which set the fire safety and smoke alarm requirements based on building classification. 
  2. Queensland Fire Services Act 1990 and Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008, as applicable to non-residential buildings. 
  3. Queensland residential smoke alarm legislation, which applies to Class 1 dwellings, including caretaker residences at Scout camps. 
  4. Australian Standard AS 3786 – Smoke alarms.