On 23 December 2024 a fresh regulation of the Ministry of Interior and Administration entered into force, which requires the installation of smoke and smoke detectors in residential buildings. These changes aim at expanding the safety of residents and preventing the tragic effects of carbon monoxide and fires.
The regulation applies to all fresh and existing properties, but its implementation takes place in stages.
New obligations for property owners
From December 23, 2024 smoke and smoke detectors are mandatory in any recently built residential building. This besides applies to fresh accommodation units, specified as apartments or short word rentals.
The second phase of the introduction of the work will begin on 30 June 2026. From this date all residential units offered for short-term rental will should be equipped with autonomous smoke detectors and carbon monoxide. In practice, this means that property owners will gotta adapt their facilities to fresh regulations, regardless of their method condition or the age of the building.
The deadline for installing smoke and smoke detectors in each flat and home was set for January 1, 2030. From that date, the work will apply to all owners of the property, including spaces containing appliances burning solid, liquid or gaseous fuels specified as furnaces, boilers, fireplaces or water heaters.
Why are sensors so important?
As the Ministry of abroad Affairs emphasizes, the main threat to residents are malfunctioning heating equipment and faulty chimney, ventilation and exhaust pipes. Carbon monoxide, commonly called cool, is simply a colourless and odourless gas that can be deadly dangerous.
According to the National Fire Department office data, in 2024, carbon monoxide poisoning caused 43 deaths and 1.2 000 people were injured. Children are peculiarly at risk, which account for as much as 27% of all victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fires are equally serious. In 2024, more than 27.4,000 fires occurred in residential buildings where 269 people died and 1.9 1000 were injured. In addition, 12.3 1000 soot fires were recorded in chimneys, which shows how crucial it is to regularly clean chimney and ventilation ducts.
Sensor installation costs
Smoke and stone sensors are a tiny expense compared to the benefits they bring. The average price of an autonomous smoke detector is about PLN 60, while carbon monoxide detectors are about PLN 100. These devices can be easy installed on their own, and their operation involves detecting threats and alerting residents immediately about the danger.
In countries where smoke and smoke detectors are mandatory, the number of fire victims has decreased by up to 30%. This proves that specified solutions can actually save lives.
What's the threat of no sensors?
Property owners who neglect to comply with the fresh rules may face administrative penalties, including mandates imposed by the applicable authorities. These checks will be carried out by fire departments and inspection services, especially in the case of short-term premises.
The fresh regulations are a step towards improving safety in Polish homes. However, it is worth remembering that having a sensor is not everything – it is equally crucial to test it regularly and to guarantee the efficiency of heating systems and chimney cables.
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