If you have not yet purchased your Automatic Smoke Alarm Detector (DAAF), it is not too late to become compliant. Since January 1, 2016, in accordance with the application of the Macron law, the installation in the housing of the smoke detector box is mandatory. Until now, only the purchase, and not the installation, was compulsory.
If the installation must be carried out, no check is provided to verify that this device is properly in place. This lack of follow-up is castigated by the association of burns of France which is concerned that seven million housing units have not yet adopted the DAAF. The president of the collective was alarmed at the microphone of RTL. “We could have put a penalty for any unequipped housing so as to encourage everyone as it can be done for the chimneys which are not swept”, affirms Paul Villain, president of the Association of burns of France “.
Once installed, it is expected that the smoke detector is maintained by the occupant of the accommodation who must also ensure its proper functioning.
A useful tool
The smoke detector is a tool that can save lives. Some homes equipped with combustion heaters present a real risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for their occupants. Nearly 30% of boilers are not properly maintained in France. Carbon monoxide would cause on average a hundred deaths per year according to the Ministry of Health.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of poisoning in order to better guard against this risk. Headaches, fatigue, nausea appear more or less quickly and can affect several people. Heavy poisoning can lead to coma and death, sometimes within minutes.
Act quickly in case of carbon monoxide poisoning
It is therefore vital to act very quickly and to have the right reflex: “in case of suspected intoxication, ventilate the premises immediately, if possible stop combustion appliances, evacuate the premises and call for help by dialing 15 , 18 or 112 (and 114 for hearing impaired people) “, recalls the Ministry of Health.
>> To read also: The Inpes warns on carbon monoxide poisoning
