deadly diﬀerences: ioniza’on vs photoelectric smoke alarms

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DeadlyDifferences:Ioniza'onvsPhotoelectricSmokeAlarms

SkipWalker

ASHIInspec'onWorld,January24,2017 1Course:9649

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Disclaimer:TheOpinionsExpressedAreThoseofthePresenter.

Thispresentationisintendedforinformationalpurposes

onlyandisnotintendedtoexpandtoscope

ofageneralpropertyinspectionortheASHIStandardofPractice.

ASHIInspec'onWorld,January24,2017SkipWalker,ACIMCI 2

DeadlyDifferencesIoniza'onvsPhotoelectricSmokeAlarms

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An In-Depth Look at US Fire Death Rate Statistics and the

Performance of Photoelectric and Ionization Smoke Alarms in Residential Fatal Fires



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ASHIInspec'onWorld,January24,2017SkipWalker,ACIMCI

Skip Walker:

ACI, ASHI Certified Inspector MCI, CREIA Master Inspector ICC Certified Residential Combination Inspector ICC Certified California Residential Building & Plumbing Inspector F.I.R.E. Service Certified Inspector Published Numerous Articles on Smoke Alarms, CO Issues and General Inspection Topics CodeCheck, Co-Author

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What if…….

Your Car Airbags Deployed Every Time You Hit A Pot-Hole?

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But Failed to Deploy in Real Accidents.....

55% of the Time?

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“A smoke detector that sounds approximately nineteen minutes after smoke reached its sensing

chamber is like an airbag that does not deploy until nineteen minutes after a car accident.”

-Judge David E. Schoenthaler, Mercer v. Pitway/BRK Brands (First Alert)

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There Are Very REAL Differences in How Different Smoke Alarms Types Perform in Real World Fatal Fires

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This is a Very REAL Problem.

This Issue Directly Contributes to at Least 1,000 Fire Deaths Per Year –

Probably Many More

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This is an Old Problem.

We Have Known That Ionization Alarms Were Not Providing Adequate

Warning Since the Late 1970's.

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As Professional Property Inspectors, We Are Uniquely Positioned to Have a

Very Significant Impact on Public Awareness and Safety.

We Can Make a Difference!

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“This issue has more impact on the life safety of your clients than just about anything.

Actually, make that just plain anything.”

Douglas Hansen, September 2010

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What We Will Talk About Today: •  US Residential Fire Death and Injury Statistics 1960-2015 •  Statistical Data, Trends and How to Interpret the Data •  A Brief History of Smoke Alarms •  The Types of Smoke Alarms Found In Residential Use •  Contrast the Performance of the Different Alarm

Technologies in Residential Fatal Fires

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Important: All the Data Used Comes From Reputable Sources All Data Is Published & Verifiable NIST National Institute for Standards and Testing NFPA National Fire Protection Association CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency UL Underwriters Laboratory Texas A&M University NFA National Fire Administration NCHS National Center for Health Statistics NIFRS National Fire Incident Reporting System

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Now Let's Look At Death/Injury Statistics and Sources: •  NFPA, Fire Loss Surveys and Various Studies

l  Survey of 27,763 Fire Departments Nationally – Many Larger

•  NFIRS, National Fire Incident Reporting System l  Web Input System with Coding For Data Input l  Voluntary Participation – Currently About 23,000 Fire

Departments l  Participation Varies By State

•  NCHS, US Death Statistics Report l  National Records of Death Certificates l  Cause of Death Classifications Limited

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None of the Data is Perfect

Estimates Only

• There Are No Absolutes • The Numbers Vary Between Each Source Year to Year • Sometimes Significantly

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NFIRS Versus NFPA Reported US Fire Deaths Source: Fire in the US, 17th Edition, US Fire Administration

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Studies and Reports: •  Fire Report Data: Most NFPA 2015 Fire Loss Report

•  Most Current Available •  Some Older Reports Used

•  Some Info Not Available in Newer Reports •  Studies: Mix of Older and Newer •  The Technology Hasn’t Changed, So Results Are Still Valid

•  In General – Some Conditions Changed •  Some Older Reports Used to Demonstrate that There Was Knowledge

•  I’m Not Cherry-Picking Reports!

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l  From a Fire Perspective, the US is a Third World Country l  The NYC Fire Department responds to more calls per year

than all fire departments in Japan l  US Fire Death Rate per Million Population = 12.3* l  Swiss Fire Death Rate per Million Population = 2.0*

l  Singapore Fire Death Rate per Million Population = 2.3* * Source: FEMA International Death Rate Trends 1979-2007 (This is the most current version of this data)



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Source: FEMA International Fire Trends 1979-2007

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Source: International Fire Trends , 2016: SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden

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Source: International Fire Trends , 2016: SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden

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Number of Households in The Us:

1960: 52 Million 1975: 72 Million 2015: 135 Million

Source: US Census Bureau, 2015

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Number of Households in The Us with Smoke Alarms:

1960: Almost Zero 1977: 18 Million/22% 2010: 112 Million/96% Source: NFPA, Smoke Alarms in US Fires 2015

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Number of Households in The Us with Ionization Smoke Alarms:

Approximately 90%-95% 101-106 Million Homes

Source: Industry Sales Figures/Research Report Estimates

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….. the home smoke alarm is credited as the greatest success story in fire safety in the last part of the 20th

century, because it alone represented a highly effective fire safety technology with leverage on most of the fire death

problem that went from only token usage to nearly universal usage in a remarkably short time.

Performance of Home Smoke Alarms

NIST Technical Note 1455-1 February 2008 Revision

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TheOriginalSmokeAlarmTes=ngStandardsWereDesignedAroundProvidingAdequateEgressTimein

50%ofFires

ThatMeansALife-SafetyDeviceDesignedtoGiveOccupantsa5/50ChanceofSurvival

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“Nationally, the percentage of people dying when the smoke detector works, but

works too late, is approximately 40 percent,”

-Jay Fleming, Boston Deputy Fire Chief, CBS Boston Interview, 2007

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Let's Look Closer at Residential Fires,

Where They Start When They Start How They Start

And The Consequences

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Source: Fire Trends , 2016: NFPA

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l  Most US Fire Deaths Occur at Home = 76.5%* l  Most US Fire Injuries Occur at Home = 78%* l  Most of Fire Prevention Budget Is Spent on

Commercial

  Commercial = 99% (Estimate)   Residential = 1% (Estimate)

* Source: NFIRS Fire in US 17th edition, 2004-2013



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Source: Where Fires Occur, US Fire Administration/FEMA, 2016

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Source: NFPA Fire Loss 2011

US Home Fire Deaths and Rate Per 1,000 33


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•  1977-2015 Fire deaths decreased from 5,865 to 2,560 a decrease of 56%

•  1977-2015 The number of home fire incidents decreased of 49% There is a decline death rate per 1,000 home fire of

16% for same period from 8.1 to 7.0 “…even though the number of home fires and home fire deaths declined similarly during the period, the

death rate did not”



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Source: NFPA Fire Loss, 2015

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Between 1977 and 2011 Hundreds of Millions of

Residential Smoke Alarms Were Installed in the US.

In 1977, Around 22% of Homes Had At Least One Alarm

By 2011 Around 96% of Homes Have At Least One

Alarm


Source: NFPA Fire Loss 2011/US Home Fires 2011

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l  1977: Fires: 5,865 / Deaths / 1,000: 8.1 l  2015: Fires: 2,5600 / Deaths / 1,000: 7.0 l  Variance in Deaths, Per 1,000 Over 1977-2015

High Approx. 9.7 Low Approx. 6.5



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•  For Every One Residential Fire Death Approximately Five People Are Injured

l  Many Injured Are Maimed/Scarred, Have Permanent Respiratory Damage, Etc.

l  Injuries In Apartment Fires Are Higher – Roughly Nine to Ten Injuries Per Death



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Source: NFPA Fire Loss Study

Cooking Fires Estimated At 8.9% Smoking Estimated at 12.8% Electrical 11.0% Other 31.2% Unknown/Under Investigation 12.0%

Fatal Fires By Source from US Fire Administration 2014

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Source: NFPA Fire Loss Study

Cooking/Open Flame Fires Estimated At 37.2% Open Flame Estimated at 8.4% Heating & Other Heat includes Space Heaters At 7.0 % All Other 32.0%

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Injury Fires By Source from US Fire Administration 2014


Note: Pie Charts Divided Differently in Same Report

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Source: NFPA Home Structure Fires 2009

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Source: Home Structure Fires, NFPA 2016

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l  Cooking Fires Generally Open Flame/Fast Flame Fires l  Account For Largest Portion of Injuries but a Smaller

Portion of Deaths l  Injured Person Is Generally “Intimate” With Fire

-  Intimate = Present l  Injuries Often Related to Suppressing Fire or Grease Etc. l  Some Argue That Smoke Alarms Offer No Protection Since

You Don't Need It To Tell You That Your Stove Is On Fire When You Are Cooking



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l  Smoking/Heater/Electrical Related Fires = Smoldering Fires

l  Accounts For Largest Portion of Deaths and Smaller Portion of Injuries

l  Injured Person Is Generally Unaware of Fire l  Injuries Related to Slow Exit, Smoke Inhalation, Return/

Heroics, Etc.



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l  Kitchen Fires Account For:

-  43% of Fires -  16% of Deaths -  39% of Injuries



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l  Living Room/Family Room/Den/Bedroom Fires Account For:

-  11% of Fires -  48% of Deaths -  30% of Injuries



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Roughly 1 Out of Every 5 Deadly Fires Started in Upholstered

Furniture

These Are Almost ALL Smoldering Fires



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•  Other Deadly Fire Criteria •  Smoking is Still a Leading Cause in Fatal Fire •  Time of Day Matters •  Age Plays a Strong Role •  Location – Death Rates Vary Significantly By

State



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Time of Day Matters! l  37% of Fires Occur Between 8 PM & 8 AM l  65% of Fire Deaths Occur Between 8 PM & 8 AM



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Source: NCHS/US Census Bureau

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Those 85 and Older 3.3 times More Likely To Be Injured or Die in a Fire Source: Home Structure Fires, NFPA 2016

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Relative Fire Death & Injury Risk By Age Source: Home Structure Fires, NFPA 2015

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Age Impacts Survival Rate

•  National Average Death Rate = 8.0/Million •  “Older” Folks = 65+ Highest Risk

•  2.3 Times National Average •  85+ Highest Risk = 3.3 Times Higher Than

National Average



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Fire Death Rate is Generally Higher in Rural Areas Than Urban Source: Fire Loss, NFPA 2015

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Utah = .4 Relative Risk California = .5 Relative Risk Massachusetts = .6 Relative Risk New Mexico, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Nebraska = 1.0 Relative Risk National Average = 1.0 Relative Risk Beware: West Virginia = 2.2 Relative Risk District of Columbia = 2.8 Relative Risk Source: Fire in the US 17th Edition, 2003-2014, US Fire Administration

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ASHIInspec'onWorld,January24,2017SkipWalker,ACIMCISource: NFPA Fire Loss 2015

Residential Fires and Fire Deaths 1977-2015

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ASHIInspec'onWorld,January24,2017SkipWalker,ACIMCISource: NFPA Fire Loss 2015

Residential Fires and Fire Deaths 1977-2015

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ASHIInspec'onWorld,January24,2017SkipWalker,ACIMCISource: National Safety Council

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FiresInvolvingPeopleThatSmoke:

•  SmokingRelatedFireVic=msAre3xMoreLikelytoBeIn=matewithFire

•  ProximitytoFireMeansLessLikelytoBeSavedBySmokeAlarms,Etc.

•  MostSmokingFiresand2/3'sofDeathsInvolveTrash,MaWresses,Bedding,UpholsteredFurniture

Sources:USFireAdmin.“BehavioralMiPgaPonofSmokingRelatedFires”FA-302Feb2006

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FiresInvolvingPeopleThatSmoke:

•  InSmokingFires–25%ofVic=msWereNotTheSmoker

•  34%ofOtherVic=msWereChildren

•  25%WereNeighbors(FromAdjacentUnits)orFriends

•  14%WereSpousesSources:USFireAdmin.“BehavioralMiPgaPonofSmokingRelatedFires”FA-302Feb2006

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Sources:USFireAdmin.“ResidenPalBuildingFireTrends,2005-2014

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Overall,SmokingistheSecondLeadingCauseofFatalFires

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FireRetardantsAddedtoMaOresses,Furniture.Etc.:

•  RetardantUseControversial•  BerkeleyProfessor

•  Long-TermImpactFireRetardantsSeeninRisingNumberofFiresBeginningwithIgni=onOtherthanUpholsteredFurniture,MaWresses,orBedding

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FireRetardantsAddedtoMaOresses,Furniture.Etc.:

FatalSmokingFiresNOTStar=nginUpholsteredFurniture,MaWresses,orBedding:

•  15%ofTotalin1980•  20%ofTotalin1990•  29%ofTotalin2000

Sources:USFireAdmin.“BehavioralMiPgaPonofSmokingRelatedFires”FA-302Feb2006

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Source:HomeStructureFires,NFPA2015

Note:DataOmiZedfor1999-2002DuetoTransiPontoNFIRS5.0

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Improved Building Codes and Inspections:

l  Additional Requirements for Fire-Blocking, Draft-Stopping l  Separation Requirements Between Heavy Fire Load Areas and Living Spaces l  Generally More Sophisticated Inspectors

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Improvements in Electrical Wiring & Fire Related Construction:

l  90% of Electrical Fires Occur in Homes That Are 10 Years Old or Older (NFPA 73)

l  Better Understanding of Fire Progression

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Home-heating deaths have decreased by over 60%:

l Safer Gas and Electric Heat Appliances l Safety Devices on Portable Electric Heaters, etc. l Still a Leading Cause of Residential Fires and Fatalities

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Source:HomeFiresInvolvingHeaPngEquipment,NFPA2016

Note:DataOmiZedfor1999-2002DuetoTransiPontoNFIRS5.0

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Dramatic Increase in Full Spectrum Burn Centers:

1975: 12 Full Spectrum Burn Care Units in US

1999: 100 Burn Care Units with 25 Full Spectrum Burn Care Units “On a yearly basis, deaths, once the victim has been placed into the burn care system, have decreased from around 4,000 to 1,000” Source:FEMA:AmericaBurning:Recommissioned,May2000

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Firefighters Use of SCBA: “It has been my personal experience that Fire

Fighters SCBA has made a significant contribution to victims survival rate.”

*SCBA = Self Contained Breathing ApparatusSource:Photoelectric&Ioniza=onSmokeAlarmsRe-Visited

JayFleming,DeputyFireChief,BostonMA,Dec2010

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So, What Is The Point? • There Are Many Reasons For The Drop In The Fire Death Rate

• The Drop In The Number Of Smokers Tracks Closest To The Drop In Fires and Fatalities

• The Installation Of Smoke Alarms Seems To Have Had Relatively Little Influence

• All Fires Do Not Carry The Same Risk!



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Let's Look At Smoke Alarms

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BriefHistoryofSmokeAlarms:*1929:WalterKiddeObtainsFirstULLis=ngforShipboardSmokeDetector

1955:FirstFireAlarms–UsesHeatCue

1960's-1970's:StudiesDetermineThatSmokeSensorsMoreEffec=veThanHeat

1965:FirstSingle-Sta=onSmokeAlarm–120VACPhotoelectric

1967:NFPAFounded

1970:First9VoltPoweredSingleSta=onAlarmInvented–Ioniza=onType

Mid-1970's:SmokeAlarmSalesAccelerate

1976:NFPA101–LifeSafetyCodeRequiresSmokeAlarmsinSingleFamilyHomes

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BriefHistoryofSmokeAlarms:*1973-1979:ModelCodesRequireSmokeAlarmsin1&2UnitDwellings

Mid-1970's:FHA/VARequireSmokeAlarmstoQualifyforFunding

1976:UL217SmokeAlarmTestDeveloped

1977:IndianaDunesSmokeAlarmTestsConducted

1978:NFPA74RequiresEveryLevelCoverage

1980:HalfofUSHomesHaveatLeastOneSmokeAlarm

1982:Two-ThirdsofUSHomesHaveatLeastOneSmokeAlarm

1984:Three-QuartersofUSHomesHaveatLeastOneSmokeAlarm

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BriefHistoryofSmokeAlarms:*1984:ModelCodesRequireOneAlarmPerLevel

1985:UL217SensiEvityLevelLoweredtoReduceNuisanceTripping

1988:ModelCodesCallForSmokeAlarmsinBedroomsandInterconnectedinNewConstruc=on

1989:NFPA74RequiresSmokeAlarmstoBeInterconnectedinNewConstruc=on

1993:NFPA72RequiresSmokeAlarmsinBedroomsinNewConstruc=on

1995:10YearLithiumBaWerySmokeAlarmIntroduced

1999:NFPA72RequiresReplacementofSmokeAlarmsAker10Years

2009:HomeswithatLeastOneSmokeAlarm-Approximately95%*PrimarySource:WhitePaper,Private/PublicFireSafetyCouncil,April2006

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SmokeAlarms/DetectorsinResiden'alConstruc'on

SmokeDetector:

SensorOnly,ConnectedtoaCentralSystemwithSeparateAnnunciator/Horn

SmokeAlarm:

SingleStaPon,SensorandAnnunciator/HorninSinglePackage

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SmokeAlarms/DetectorsinResiden'alConstruc'on

InResidenPalConstrucPon,TheTwoSmokeAlarmSensorTechnologyTypesMostCommonlyFoundAre:

IonizaEonPhotoelectric

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Residen'alSmokeAlarms/Detectors

•  Alarms:Smoke/FireResponseTest:UL217

•  Detectors:Smoke/FireResponseTest:UL268

•  CanadianStandardsDifferent•  GenerallyMoreStrict

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IonizaEonAlarms:•  MostPrevalentAlarmSensorTypeinUSMarket

•  Approximately95%ofSingleSta=onAlarmInstalla=ons

•  UsesaSmallAmountofRadioac=veMaterialtoChargeAir,Par=clesinAirDisruptCurrentFlowandSetOffAlarm

•  DetectsSmallPar=cleSizesWell,.3MicronandLess

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DifferencesBetweenAlarmSensorTypes:

Ioniza'on:•  DetectsSmall,FastMovingPar=clesBest

•  PooratDetec=ngLarge,SlowMovingPar=cles

•  ColorandDensity–Rela=velyInsensi=ve•  NuisanceTripping:High

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PhotoelectricSmokeAlarms:

•  InUSMarket,LowButGrowingMarketShare

•  Historically,5%(Es=mate)ofSingleSta=onAlarms

•  IncreasinglyManufacturesMovingResiden=alAlarmstoPhotoelectricOnlyProducts

•  BostonHasPhotoTechnologyOrdinance–70%ofSales

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PhotoelectricSmokeAlarms:

•  UsesanLEDLightSourceandSensor•  SmokePar=clesinAirScaWerLightontoSensorandSetOffAlarm

•  DetectsLargerPar=clesBest,.5MicronandUp

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DifferencesBetweenAlarmSensorTypes:

Photoelectric:•  DetectsMedium/LargePar=clesBest

•  LessSensi=vetoSmallFastMovingPar=cles

•  ColorandDensity–Insensi=vetoColorless,LowSensi=vitytoBlackPar=cles,DetectsSmokeDensityWell

NuisanceTripping:Low83


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FireTypes:

FastFlameFires:

•  FlamesVisible,ShortDura=on

•  FoundinCookingFires,AccelerantBasedFires,LastStageSmolderingFires

•  GeneratesSmallFastMovingPar=cles84


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FireTypes:

SmolderingFires:•  NoFlamesVisible,LongDura=on•  FoundinSmokingFires,ElectricalFires,Hea=ngFires,

UpholsteredFurniture•  GeneratesMedium/LargeSlowMovingPar=cles•  Smoke“Aging”/Aglomera=on

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UL 217 Standard for Single Station Smoke Alarms: •  TheTheoryIsGreat•  PerformanceBasedStandard•  TechnologyIndependent•  TheProblemIsTheWorldIsn’tPerfect•  ManufacturersDon’tWanttoVoteforaStandardThat

TheirProductCan’tMeet•  SotheStandardGetsSoWateredDownThatAnything

CanMeetIt……

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UL STP 217: ULStandardsTechnicalPanel:

•  43Members,Including3Non-Vo'ng•  ResponsibleforDevelopingtheSmokeAlarmTes'ng

Standard•  Composedof13Producers/Manufacturers,7AHJ’s,6

Tes'ng/Standard’sincludingUL,3Consumer,11General-Academic/Fire/Etc.•  SomeGeneralMayBeManufacturersorIndustryConsultants

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UL STP 217: ULStandardsTechnicalPanel:

•  Requires2/3’sVotetoChangeStandard•  ManufacturesHaveMoreThan1/3ofVotes

•  AllowsProducersToEffec'velyBlockAnyChangeTheyDon’tWant

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InaNutshell…….

TheFoxIsWatchingTheHenHouseAndtheGuessWhoAretheHens.

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HowDoWeTestSmokeAlarmResponseToday?CurrentUL217Test:

•  FlamingTest

•  UsesHepthane(ThinkKerosene)•  SmolderingTest

•  DouglasFironaHotPlate

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HowDoWeTestSmokeAlarmResponseToday?CurrentUL217Test:

•  TestIncludesaSensi=vityTestBox

•  LiterallyaWoodBoxwithaHotPlateandaFan•  InducedAirFlowAcrossAlarmat32/fpm–Why?•  MaterialsandCondiPonsNotRepresentaPveofReal

WorldCondiPons•  AndReallyNeverWere

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HowDoWeTestSmokeAlarmResponseToday?UL217TestBox:

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HowDoWeTestSmokeAlarmResponseToday?UL217Test:

IsItReallySurprisingThatWeHaveAlarmPerformanceIssues?

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HowDoWeTestSmokeAlarmResponseToday?CurrentUL217FlamingTest:

•  AlarmMustTriggerat.5%-10.0%/kO.D.

•  AlarmMustTriggerWithin240sec

•  OpenFlameTestUsingHepthane(thinkKerosene,etc.)Note:O.D.=OpPcalDensity

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HowDoWeTestAlarmResponseToday?CurrentUL217Non-FlamingTest:

•  AlarmMustTriggerat.5%-10.0%*/kO.D.

•  UsesDouglasFironaHotPlate•  WithAFanBlowingSmokeatSmokeAlarm

•  “Direc=onalityTest”–Why?*EsPmatedMax.O.D.forUL217Non-FlamingTest

Note:O.D.=OpPcalDensity95


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Smoke Optical Density/OD To Trigger

0% 20%


High Nuisance Tripping Low

High Tenability Low

More Sensitive = More Nuisance Trips/Earlier Warning

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UL 217 .5-10 (Est)

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Smoke Optical Density/OD To Trigger

0% 20%



High Tenability Low

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Less Sensitive = Less Nuisance Trips/Delayed Warning

UL 217 .5-10 (Est)

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Factory Alarm 4%-7%/M OD (NIST Dual Alarm 2009

0% 20%



High Tenability Low

UL 217 .5-10 (Est)

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CPSCReasonsforDisablingAlarms:1992Studyof1000Households

HalfofIntenEonalDisconnectsDuetoNuisanceTrips

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PendingUL217Modifica'on:•  ItTook19YearstoGetThisThroughthe217CommiUee

•  EliminatesOldFlamingandSmolderTests

•  AddsPolyurethaneFoamFlamingandSmolderingTest

•  RemovesLowerTripLimitof.5%O.D.

•  AddsNuisanceAlarmTest

•  Finally!!!100


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PendingUL217Modifica'on:•  ApprovedinOct.2015•  TwoYearsBeforeItBecomesEffecEve–Oct.2107

•  AssumingItIsn’tModfiedInMeanPme

•  ManufacturersAllowedtoSellInventoryinSupplyChain

•  ItCouldTakeSeveralMoreYearsBeforeOldAlarmsAre“Flushed”FromSystem

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PendingUL217Modifica'on:•  ProposedFlamingPUTest:

•  PUIgnitedtoCreateOpenFlame•  Maximum5%O.D.•  MaximumMICPerTable•  PUFoam–NoColorants/FireRetardants(NotRealWorld)•  ValidTestFallsInsideULTestProfile–SeeNextSlide•  ControlledAmbientTemperature,MaterialMoistureContentand

Composi=on102


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PendingUL217Modifica'on:•  ProposedNon-FlamingPUTest:

•  PUInducedtoSmolderWithoutTransi=oningtoanOpenFlame–SeveralMethodsAllowed

•  O.D.CannotExceed12%-HigherThanCurrent•  MaximumMICPerTable•  PUFoam–NoColorants/FireRetardants(NotRealWorld)•  ValidTestFallsInsideULTestProfile–SeeNextSlide•  ControlledAmbientTemperature,MaterialMoistureContentand

Composi=on 104


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PendingUL217Modifica'on:•  ProposedNuisanceTest:

•  UsesBroiledHamburgers•  AlarmCannotTripatLessThan1.5%O.D.•  MaximumMICPerTable•  MaximumCOBasedonTime•  AlarmsPlaced10k.fromCookingSource•  ValidTestFallsInsideULTestProfile–SeeNextSlide•  ControlledAmbientTemperature,HamburgerComposi=on

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PendingUL217Modifica'on:•  OnOct7,2016ProposedChangeMadetoPendingTest:

•  AddsPlacementofCOMonitor•  Implica=onsAsToImplementa=onDateUncertain•  OneProducerIsLobbyingForCertainAlarmstoBe

ExemptedfromNuisanceTest

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PendingUL217Modifica'on:•  SomeInsidersThinkIoniza'onAlarmsWillNotBeAbleto

PassNuisanceTest•  IfThisHappens–ItShouldBeTheEndForStand-AloneIon

Alarms•  ThatMeansYouCanRecommendUpgradingOldAlarms

JustLikeRecommendingUpgradestoGFCI•  ThisWillNotHappenOvernight

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WhatAboutCombina=onAlarms?

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Defini=onofCombina=onAlarmNFPA72/2013

A.3.3.66.4Combina'onDetector.ThesedetectorsdonotuPlizeamathemaPcalevaluaPonprincipleofsignalprocessingmorethanasimple“OR”func=on.Normally,thesedetectorsprovideasingleresponseresulPngfromeithersensingmethod,eachofwhichoperatesindependentoftheother.Thesedevicescanprovideaseparateanddis=nctresponseresul=ngfromeithersensingmethod,eachofwhichisprocessedindependentoftheother.

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Combina'onAlarms•  TwoorMoreSensingDevices,Ion,Photo,CO,etc.

•  SharedPowerSource/HornInOneCase

•  “OR”Logic:FirstSensortoTriggerMakesNoise•  SmokeAlarmPerformanceShouldBeIdenPcalToSeparate

IonandPhotoAlarms–AllOtherThingsBeingEqual112


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NIST: Performance of Dual Photoelectric/Ionization Smoke Alarms in Full-Scale Fire Tests / 2009 ...Examines data from two full-scale smoke alarm fire tests to provide someinsightintotheperformanceofdualphotoelectric/ioniza=onalarmsascomparedto individualphotoelectricor ioniza=onalarms.ThetwotestseriesaretheNISThomesmokealarmtestsandtheNa=onalResearchCouncil(NRC)

Theanalysispresentedbelow focusesonasingleaspect of alarmperformance:the'metoalarmduringexposuretovariousfiresmokes

Noconsidera=onwasmadetoaccountfortenabilitycondi=onsanywhereinthehomes, nor any egress scenarios. Furthermore, nuisance alarm suscep=bili=esthat may factor into the overall alarm performance were not considered.

NISTSupDet/Cleary2009113


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CombinaEonIon/PhotoAlarms:

NIST:Thealarmlogicisan{OR}-typesuchthatthealarmisac=vatedifeitherthephotoelectricsensororioniza=onsensoralarmthresholdismet.Theindividualsensorsensi'vi'esarenottestedseparately.Therefore,manufacturershavethefreedomtoseteachsensor’ssensi=vityseparately.Sinceanindividualsensorcanbesettomeetallcurrentsensi'vitystandards,itisnotobviouswhatoverallbenefitisachievedfromadualalarmwithanaddi=onalsensortechnologythatcouldbemoreorlesssensi=vethanwhatwouldbefoundinastandaloneunitemployingsuchasensor.


NISTSupDet/Cleary2009114

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NISTDualAlarmStudy:

PhotoelectricSensi=vityEs=matedat6.6%l  SensorCalibra=onandVariabilityNotMeasured

Ioniza=onSensi=vitySetManuallyto2.6%,4.3%,5.9%l  AllIon'SensorsModified–2.6IsLowerThanManf.Sesngsl  SensorVariabilityMeasured–SensorAccuracyAppears

toVaryBetween+-1.5%to5%NISTSupDet/Cleary2009

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NISTDualAlarmStudy:

These sta=s=cs (Canadian) lead to the conclusion that the dual photoelectric sensorand thephotoelectric alarmhadnominally the samealarm sensi=vity sesngs, andconversely, the ioniza'on sensor in the dual alarm was more sensi've than theioniza'onalarmsensor.Also,onecanconcludethatsomeofthebenefitofthedualalarm used in this study can be aOributed to amore sensi've ioniza'on sensor,comparedtothestand-aloneioniza=onalarm.

Results of Three Flaming Tests

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NISTDualAlarmStudy:

Photoelectric/Flaming – 6.6% Dual/Flaming – Low Sen/5.9%

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NISTDualAlarmStudy:Table 4 gives the mean, median and standard devia=on of the alarm=mes for ini=ally smoldering fires with the bedroom door opened.Figures 10-13 show histograms of the alarm =mes of the middlesensi=vity ioniza=on alarm, photoelectric alarm, dual 1 alarmconfigura=on,anddual3alarmconfigura=onforthissetoftests.Thedual alarm configura'ons yieldedmuch faster average alarm'mesthantheioniza'onalarmsandaveragealarm'mesnearlyequivalenttothephotoelectricalarm.

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NISTDualAlarmStudy:

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NISTDualAlarmStudy:

Photoelectric/Smoldering – 6.6% Ion/Smoldering Dual/Smoldering - Low Sen/5.9%

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NISTDualAlarmStudy:ReportConclusions:3) Over the sensi=vity range examined in theNIST study,dual alarms exhibitedalmost no average decrease in alarm 'me compared to photoelectric alarmsduring ini'ally smoldering fire scenarios, irrespec=ve of the ioniza=on sensorsensi=vity(4sto3sfromhightolowsensi=vitysesngs).Dualalarmsexhibitedapronouncedaveragedecreaseinalarm'mescomparedtophotoelectricalarmsfor ini'ally flaming fire scenarios (38 s to 29 s from high to low sensi=vitysesngs).For thekitchenfires, theaveragedecrease inalarm=mewasastrongfunc=onofioniza=onsensorsensi=vity(197sto18sfromhightolowsensi=vitysesngs).For the fireswith the bedroomdoor closed, dual alarms exhibited asustained average decrease in alarm 'me compared to photoelectric alarms(103sto94sfromhightolowsensi=vitysesngs).

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DualAlarmStudyPointstoConsider:The report illustrates that when a dual alarm responds faster in asmolderingfire– it isbecausethephotoelectricpor=onissettoamoresensi=vesesngthatastandalonephotoelectricalarm

When a dual alarm responds faster in a flaming fire – it is because theioniza=on por=on is set to a more sensi=ve sesng that a standaloneioniza=onalarm

Thetestssetioniza=onalarmstosesngsthataremoresensi=vethanthoseavailableincommerciallyavailablealarms

Thetestsdidnotconsidertheimpactofsensi=vityonnuisancetrippingandconsequently–inten=onaldisconnects

Thereportdidnotcorrelateresponse=mestorequiresafeegress=mes

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MoreSimplyPut:IfYouTakeSomethingThatWorksand

CombineItWithSomethingThatDoesn't,

HowCanTheCombinedDeviceBeBeZer?

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TenabilityCriteria:Tenability,AnEs=mateofWhentheEnvironmentBecomesTooHazardoustoSafelyAllowEgress

NISTSmokeAlarmTestsUsedtheFollowingCriteriaforTenability:

Temperature: GreaterThan88oC/190oF

COGasConcentra=on: Range:.02%-.03%

SmokeObscura=on: O.D.*LessThan/Equalto.25%/M*O.D.=OpPcalDensity

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SomeTerms/AcronymsUsedinTestResults:

ASET=AvailableSafeEgressTime

RSET=RequiredSafeEgressTime

Untenable=Condi=onWillNotSupportLifeWithoutSpecialEquipment

Flashover=SimultaneousIgni=onofCombus=bleMaterialsInanEnclosedArea

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ImportantFactstoKeepinMind:Cooking/FastFlameFiresAccountfor:

43%ofFires,39%ofInjuriesand16%ofDeathsSmolderingFiresAccountfor:

23%ofFires,30%ofInjuriesand61%ofDeaths

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ImportantFactstoKeepinMind:NearlyTwo-ThirdsofAllResidenPalFataliPesOccurInHomesWithEitherNoAlarmorNon-FuncPonalAlarms

USHomeswithNoSmokeAlarmInstalled–About4%

Roughly96%of“NoFuncPonalAlarm”FireDeathsOccurinHomeswithSmokeAlarmsThatAreNotFuncPonal

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NowLet'sTakeLookatANumberofNIST/NFPA/UL/University/Canadian/UK/

NorwegianTestsandResultsComparingthePerformanceofIonizaPonandPhotoelectric

AlarmsUnderVariousFireCondiPons

ThisisWheretheRubberHitstheRoad.....

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Studies/Tests/Ar=clesovera30yearperiod

AllPublishedandAvailableforReview

AllReputableSources

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Test/Study:

Agency: FactoryMutualStudy(Heskestad)

Year: 1974

UsedSynthePcMaterial: Yes

DuraPonofSmolderingTest: >30Mins

Comments: IonGoodforFlaming/BadforSmoldering PhotoGoodforSmoldering/BadforFlaming

IonFlawsInherent/NotFixablePhotoFlawFixablebyCorrecPngSmokeEntryIssues–WasFixedinEarly80's

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Test/Study:

Agency: IndianaDunesTest

Year: 1976

UsedSynthePcMaterial: No


Comments: SmokeDetectorsBeZerThanHeatDetectors,OnePerLevelDesirable

Note:DunesTestWasActuallyThreeSeparateTests131


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Test/Study:

Agency: MassachuseZsAnalysisofDunesTest

Year: 1976

UsedSynthePcMaterial: N/A

DuraPonofSmolderingTest: N/A

Comments:AnalysisofDunesDataOnly-ADetectorPerLevelWillProvide3MinEscapeTime89%ofTime

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Test/Study:

Agency: EdmontonFireDeptTest

Year: 1976

UsedSynthePcMaterial: Unknown


Comments:BothIonandPhotoimprovelifesafety/survivalratesInsmolderingfires,Ion'smaygoofftoolate

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Test/Study:

Agency: MinneapolisFireDeptTest

Year: 1978


DuraPonofSmolderingTest: <10Mins

Comments: BothIonandPhoto'sgavegoodearlywarningifsmokecouldreachdetector

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Test/Study:

Agency: CalChiefs/LAFireDeptTest

Year: 1978

UsedSynthePcMaterial: Yes–ModernFurnitureUsed


Comments: SmokeDetectorsMoreReliablethanHeatDetectors.NISTConcludedBothAdequate.LAFD&IAFCFavoredPhoto'sBasedonResults

Note:IAFC=InternaPonalAssociaPonofFireChiefs135


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Test/Study:

Agency: UKFireResStaEonTest

Year: 1978



Comments: BothIon&PhotoSmokeDetectorsRespondRapidlytoFlamingFires.Ion'sWereNotAdequateinSmolderingFires

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Test/Study:

Agency: AustralianSmolderingTest–PubinFireTechMag

Year: 1986



Comments: Photo'sProvideAdequateEscapeTimesinMostFires.Ion'sGenerallyInadequateEscapeTimes

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Test/Study:

Agency: NorwegianFireResearchLabStudy

Year: 1993



Comments: Ion'sAreInadequateforSmolderingFires.Ion'sOnly15-20SecBeZerThanPhoto'sinFlamingFires.AdvantageOnlyBeneficialinExtraordinaryCircumstances

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Test/Study:

Agency: TexasA&MRiskAnalysisofResFire DetectorPerformance

Year: 1995

UsedSynthePcMaterial: N/A–AnalysisofPriorData

Comments: TookPreviousMajorStudiesplusTexasA&M21/2YearFireSimulaPonStudy.BuiltaRiskModeltoEsPmateFailuretoAlarmRatesBasedonFireIncidentReports/TypesandSmokeAlarmTypes

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TexasA&MRiskAnalysisofResidenEalFireDetectorPerformance

FinalTexasA&MReportConclusions:IonizaEonAlarmSmolderingFailureRates: 55.80%

PhotoelectricAlarmSmolderingFailureRates: 4.06%

MeaningIonizaEonAlarmsWorkAbout45%ofTime

WhilePhotoelectricAlarmsWork96%ofTime140


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TexasA&MRiskAnalysisofResidenEalFireDetectorPerformance

FinalTexasA&MReportConclusions:IonizaEonAlarmFlamingFailureRates: 19.80%

PhotoelectricAlarmFlamingFailureRates: 3.99%

MeaningIonizaEonAlarmsWorkAbout80.2%ofTime

WhilePhotoelectricAlarmsWorkAbout96%ofTime141


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TexasA&MReport•  ResultsLargelyIgnoredByNIST,NFPA,CPSC,Etc.•  NotReferencedinMaryland,CaliforniaorOhioSFMTaskforces

•  Yet,ResultsCompareWelltoNewerStudies

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Test/Study:

Agency: UKSmokeAlarmsinTypDwelling–Partl

Year: 1997



Comments:Ion'sCannotBeGuaranteedtoDetectSmolderingFires.Ion'sBeZerThanPhoto'sinFlamingFires.AdvantageCouldbeCriPcal

Note:FiresSmoldered>30Mins143


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Test/Study:

Agency: UKPracEcalComparisonofSmokeAlarms–Partll

Year: 1997



Comments:BothIon'sandPhoto'Adequate.

Note:FiresSmoldered<15Mins.ThereWasanUnexplainedChangeinWayResearchersIgnitedFires

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Test/Study:

Agency: SimplexStudy

Year: 2001

UsedSynthePcMaterial: UL217Test

DuraPonofSmolderingTest: UL217Test

Comments:Ion'sSlightlyBeZerinFlamingFires.Photo'sProvideClearAdvantageinSmolderingFires.

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Test/Study:Agency: KermanoFireStudyYear: 2003UsedSynthePcMaterial: YesDuraPonofSmolderingTest: <15MinsComments:CombinaPonAlarmsWorkedBest.Ion'sBestforFlamingFires.Photo'sBestforSmolderingFires.AllGaveAdequateEvacuaPonTimes.

Note:AlarmsUsedWereUL-Canada–ULCStandardIsDifferentthanUSStandardi.e.MoreSensiPve

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Test/Study:Agency: NISTFireStudyYear: 2003UsedSynthePcMaterial: YesDuraPonofSmolderingTest: N/A–VarietyofScenariosComments:“BothcommonresidenPalsmokealarmtechnologies(ionizaPonandphotoelectric)providedposiPveescapePmesinmostfirescenarios”.

Note:IonAlarmsProvideda-43sec,-54secanda+16EscapeTimeinTwooftheDeadliestFireScenarios.PosiPveEscapeTimeDoesNotEqualEnoughTimetoEscape

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NIST2003:

Fig1:Test34SmolderingFireInLivingRoom

Note:Thisisoneofthedeadliestfirescenarios

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NIST2003:DataforPreviousSlide–NoteIonResponseFarExceedsULRequiredUpperResponseThresholdof10%O.D

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NIST2003:

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NIST2003:

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PublicTes'mony:Agency: NISTPublicStatementtoBostonCityCouncilYear: 2004However,ionizaEondetectorshavebeenshowntosomeEmesfailtoalarminasmolderingfireevenwhenvisibilityintheroomissignificantlydegradedbysmoke.Mostphotoelectricdetectorsalarmsubstan=allysoonerinthesesitua=ons.IntheNISTexperimentsthephotoelectricdetectorssensedsmolderingfiresonaverage30minutesearlierthantheioniza=ondetectors.Thesamestudydemonstratedthationiza=ondetectorsresponded,onaverage,50secondsearlierthanphotoelectricdetectorsduringflamingfireexperiments.TherelaEvemarginsofsafetyassociatedwitha30minuteearlierwarninginaslowgrowingsmolderingfirecomparedtoa50secondearlierwarningforafastgrowingflamingfireisdifficulttodetermine.

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Test/Study:Agency: NISTFireStudyYear: 2008UsedSynthePcMaterial:VarietyofMaterialsFlame/SmolderingComments:AllAlarmsRespondedinFlameTestswithinStds.WoodSmolderTest:PhotoelectricalarmsreachedthresholdsearlierandatmorelocaPonsthanionizaPonalarms

PolyurethaneFoamSmolderTest:Thepropensitywasforphotoelectricalarmstoreachthresholdvaluesduringsmoldering,andallalarmstoreachthresholdsaiertransiEontoflaming.

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Test/Study:Agency: FEMASmokeAlarmWhitePaperYear: 2006UsedSynthePcMaterial: N/A–LimitedFieldTestOnlyl  Comments:24%ofUSHouseholdsSurveyedHadEitherNoAlarmorNon-FuncPonalAlarm–Accountsfor2/3'sofFireDeaths

l  50%ofHouseholdswithNon-Func=onalAlarmsCitedNuisanceTripsasReasonforDisablingAlsoLookedatAge,Race,IncomeLevelsvsRisk

l  97%ofNuisanceAlarmsWereIonizaPonAlarms(**NFPA/NIST/CPSC)154


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ULSmokeCharacteriza'onProject:

TheStudyCollectedDataonSmokeCharacteris=cssuchas:

Par=cleSize,Par=cleColor,HeatGenera=on,GasGenera=onUnderUL217TestCondi=ons

Table25SummarizestheResultsofResiden=alIoniza=onandPhotoelectricAlarmResponseTimestotheMaterialsTestedinNon-Flaming/SmolderingCondi=ons(UL217)

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ULSmokeCharacteriza'onProject:OtherSmolderingFireResults:SmolderingPonderosaPine,aUL217TestMaterial:In217Test-PhotoelectricAlarms-2.3%Faster(BasicallytheSameIoniza=onAlarmsDidNotRespondin1of5ULTestMaterialsA25%NoAlarmRateBread/Toaster:IonizaPonAlarms22%FasterResponse

InOther8SmolderingTestSynthe'cMaterialScenarios:Ioniza'onAlarmsDidNotRespondProperlyDuringtheTests

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Smoke Alarm Response to Non-Flaming Fires The photoelectric alarm activated first in the non-flaming tests with the exception of the higher energy bread/toaster test in which the ion alarm activated first. The UL 217 smoldering Ponderosa pine test triggered both the ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms. For many of the other materials, the ionization smoke alarm did not trigger. In each of these cases, the obscuration value was less than the 10 %/ft limit specified in UL 217. It was also found that there was settling of the smoke particles in the test room over time. Measurements from several non-flaming tests showed that the obscuration values at the ceiling dropped over time, and the maximum obscuration values were observed at the 2 feet measurement location below the ceiling.



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Ion Did Not Respond In 1 Out Of 5 UL 217 Tests – 20% Failure Rate

This Is The Test and Material Alarms Are Required to Pass to Be Sold in the US!

Ion Responded Average of 22% Faster to Burnt Toast

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Neither Alarm Responded

Per Table Notes Sample Size Too Small to Generate Enough Smoke

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DNT = Did NOT Trigger Ion's Did Not Trigger in 7 of 8 Tests Test 12261: Time = 5610 at 10.57% Obs / Tripped 43 Mins After Photo 162


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Test/Study:Agency: CPSCNuisanceTripStudyYear: 2010UsedSynthePcMaterial: N/A-CookinginRealHomesDuraPonofSmolderingTest: N/AComments:LimitedTest–9HomeTest8Homesfor30Days1Homefor60DaysCombinaPonIon/PhotoTwiceasLikelytoNuisanceTripat5FeetThanEitherIon/PhotoOnly

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Test/Study:Agency: NIST-TN1837Year: 2014UsedSynthePcMaterial: YesDuraPonofSmolderingTest: N/AComments:TestedmulPpleegressscenariosusingflamingandsmolderingfirestocalculaterequiredsateegressPmes.

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Source:NIST–1837,Table10

165


NISTTN1837:

Remember,didnotfactorinalarmfuncPonalityduetonuisancealarms

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Letter From CPSC to UL STP 217 Regarding NIST TN1837, Nov. 18, 2014:

CPSC staff is concerned that the Standards Technical Panel failed to reach consensus on the first proposal (July 2014) through the voluntary standard process for the flaming and smoldering polyurethane foam tests. Consequently, CPSC staff is hopeful that the STP will reach consensus on the second attempt to adopt the flaming and smoldering polyurethane foam tests for smoke alarms and neither is rejected.

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Letter From CPSC to UL STP 217 Regarding NIST 1837, Nov. 18, 2014:

CPSC staff is aware of incidents where functional residential smoke alarms did not activate in sufficient amount of time for both flaming and smoldering fires to allow occupants to escape the home.

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The present UL proposal is for an alarm threshold of 7%/ft obscuration for the flaming polyurethane test and a 12 %/ft obscuration limit for the smoldering polyurethane test. According to Table 10, this corresponds to between 60 to 72 percent average occupant successful escape rate and 93 percent average occupant successful escape rate, respectively.

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This proposed test criterion would foster a marked performance improvement over today’s typical single sensor smoke alarms, which have a 45 to 49 percent average occupant successful escape rate for selected fires, more so for the smoldering fires than flaming fires.

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The proposals should incorporate obscuration thresholds that improve the performance of smoke alarms for both flaming polyurethane and smoldering polyurethane fires, thus allowing occupants a successful escape rate of at least 80 percent.

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OtherIssuesImpacPngSafeEgress

Times

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TheUseofModernEngineeredWoodandSynthePcMaterialsHaveReducedEscapeTimes:

EngineeredWoodFramingBurnstoStructuralFailureSignificantlyFasterThanDimensional

Lumber

Source:FireEngineeringMagazine,Toomey,May2008

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Floor Collapse In as Little as 6 Minutes.

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TheUseofModernEngineeredWoodandSynthePcMaterialsHaveReducedEscapeTimes:

TheTimeFromIgniPontoFlashoverHasFallenSignificantlyDuePrimarilytoModernSynthePc

andCompositeWoodMaterials

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“BothroomswereignitedbyplacingalitsPckcandleontherightsideofthesofa.ThefireswereallowedtogrowunPlflashover.ThelegacyroomtransiPonedtoflashoverin29minutesand30secondswhereasthemodernroomtransiPoned

injust3minutesand30seconds.”Source:SmokeAlarmsandtheModernResidenceFire–UPMay2011

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“TheNaPonalInsPtuteofStandardsandTechnology(NIST)comparedescapePmesfromhousefiresbeforeandauertheincreaseof

synthePcmaterialsinhomefurnishings.ThestudyfoundthatescapePmein1975averaged17

minutes.By2003,thataveragehaddroppedtojustthreeminutes.”

Source:ICCResidenPalFireSprinklerSystemsbook176


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ExamplesofRealWordFires:

HiltonHotelFire,Houston1982

RoomFire,RoomHadIonAlarm

FirstAlarmtoOperatewasaPhotoelectricAlarm4FloorsAboveinaCorridor

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ExamplesofRealWordFires:PrudenPalBuildingFire,Boston1986

FireonFloor14of52

AlarmsWereIon'satEachElevatorLobby

MostAlarmsonUpperFloorsNeverAcPvatedDuring21/2HourEvent–EvenThoughSmokeReachedThemWithin4Minutes

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ExamplesofRealWordFires:AndreaDennis,KyleRaulin,AlSchlessman,ErinDeMarco,andChrisPneWilsonThesefivestudentsdiedatOhioStateUniversityonApril13,2003

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ExamplesofRealWordFires:JulieTurnbull,KateWelling&SteveSmithdiedinthishouseonApril10th,2005atMiamiUniversity

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ExamplesofRealWordFires:

BetweentheDennis,OhioStateandTurnbullMiamiUniversitytherewereanesEmated22smokealarmsinstalled.

AllWereIonizaPonAlarms.MostWereBelievedFuncPonal.SomeHadBeenDisabled.

OnlyAFewSounded,ButWentOffTooLate181


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DeanDennis:

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Boston…

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• Mid-1990’s, Maryland/Massachusetts Had Similar Fire Death Rates

• Both Slightly Above the National Average

• Fire Death Rate Twenty Years Later: • Maryland: At National Average • Massachusetts: 40% Below National Average

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Most Current Fire Death Rate Data: Maryland Fire Death Rate: 9.8 Massachusetts Fire Death Rate: 5.4

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• Boston Enacted Photoelectric Technology Ordinance In 1997

• Homes Built/Renovated After 1997 – Require Photo Alarms • Most FD Alarm Giveaway’s – Photo Only •  It Is Estimated 70% of SA Sales Are Photo in Boston Area • Boston: One of the Lowest Fire Death Rate of a Major

Metro Area • When Residential Fire Fatalities Occur, About 90% Are In

ION ONLY Homes

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BostonFD2011-2015Study: IonFataliPes PhotoFataliPes IonPercent

2011  14 3 82%2012  17 1 94%2013 -2015 53 6 89%Source:BostonFireDepartment

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•  MajorityofResidenPalAlarmsPhotoelectric•  MostPhotoDeathsRelatedtoOtherFactors

•  InPmate,Impaired,Etc.•  ManyHardwiredIonAlarmsDisabled•  NOPhotoelectricAlarmsDisabled

•  RegardlessofBaZeryOnlyorHardwiredSource:BostonFireDepartment

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Maybe you still don't believe me, here is the NIST Statement for the Record at a Boston Public Safety Hearings in August 2007:

“However, ionization detectors have been shown to sometimes fail to alarm in a smoldering fire even when visibility in the room is significantly degraded by smoke. Most photoelectric detectors alarm substantially sooner in these situations.

In the NIST experiments the photoelectric detectors sensed smoldering fires on average 30 minutes earlier than the ionization detectors.”

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AdrianButlerisaFormerFireFighterHeStartedaSmokeAlarmManufacturing

CompanyAdrianNoPcedThatHeWasReceivinga

NumberofComplaintsAboutHisAlarmsNotGoingOffinFires...

SoHeStartedDigging192


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WhatHeFoundMadeHimGetOutofthe

SmokeAlarmBusinessand

Co-FoundtheWorldFireSafetyFoundaPon

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CanadianTelevision–Channel5ReportExcerptsIncluding

TexasA&MVideo

Note:CanadianUL(ULC)StandardsAreMoreStrictThanUSStandards

Canada=MaxOBLevel6%/US=MaxOBLevel10%194


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ABCInterview:BRK/FirstAlertExecuPve

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BRK/FirstAlertLeZertoVermontFireDept's

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BRK/FirstAlertLeZertoVermontFireDept's

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WhatIsBeingDone?

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IntheUS,PhotoelectricTechnologyLawsInPlaceIn:MassachuseZs

VermontOhioMaine

RhodeIslandIowa

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•  NYCityOrdinanceINT-56A•  RequiresAtLeastOnePhotoPerResidenPalUnit•  Has40SponsoringCouncilmembers–AlmostVeto

Proof•  SupportedByFDNY•  VoteIsBelievedImminent•  ITesPfiedOnBehalfofASHI&CREIA

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Averyana'sLaw,NewYork

Aunt Valerie Rivett, Averyana Dale, Natalie her Godmother and sister Gia 202


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Averyana'sLawCurrently there are two types of smoke detectors available in the market place, Ionization and Photoelectric. Ionization detectors are present in about 95% of homes. Unfortunately these types of detectors have a high rate of failure when detecting smoldering fires. Photoelectric detectors on the other hand, are extremely successful at detecting smoldering fires.

Averyana Dale most likely lost her life because the ionization smoke detector that was present in the home she was in did not alert her to the fire until it was too late. If a photoelectric detector had been in the home, it is considerably more likely she would have been alerted to the smoke sooner and would have made it out safely.

This legislation is meant to provide an incentive for homeowners to purchase photoelectric detectors. These detectors will save lives by adding an extra layer of protection for anyone who may experience a fire.

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Averyana'sLaw,NewYork My niece, Averyana Dale was only two when she and her godmother died in a smoldering fire. At the time, I was confused because the apartment had smoke alarms. I wanted and needed answers. Like most, I thought a smoke alarm was a smoke alarm. I now know that is not the case. I am convinced that if Averyana and her godmother had been protected by photoelectric alarms, they would both be alive today. Unfortunately, every day 3 more people suffer the same fate .

I have been working with NY State Senator Nozzolio and Assemblyman Finch, Averyana's Law is currently pending in New York. There is nothing I can do to bring Averyana or her godmother back. But I can help make sure that these senseless deaths stop.

Tonight, 2-3 more people will die needlessly. The difference is that now you will know why. You and all the other ASHI Inspectors can make a difference. Help me make sure Averyana did not die in vain.

-Valerie Rivett 204


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IntheOhio,PhotoelectricTechnologyOrdinancesAreInPlaceIn:

CincinnaEShakerHeightsChagrinFalls

SeveralOtherCiPes 205


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Pro-Photo:NorthEasternOhioFireChief's

OrganizaPon“PhotoelectricSmokeAlarmsSaveLives”

Campaign

Seewww.PhotoeletricSaves.com

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www.PhotoeletricSaves.com

MeetEarlLeeWarning!207


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InternaEonalAssociaEonofFireFighters:

IAFFOfficialPosiPonCallingforPhotoelectricOnlyTechnology

SpecificallyStates,NoCombinaPonDetectors

UnionRepresentsAround300,000US&CanadianFireFighters208


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IntheCA,PhotoelectricTechnologyOrdinancesAreInPlaceIn:

PaloAltoCityofAlbanySebastopol

CityofOrange

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CaliforniaRealEstateInspecEonAssociaEon

OfficialPosiPonCallingforPhotoelectricOnlyTechnology

SpecificallyStates,NoCombinaPonDetectors

MirrorsIAFFPosiPon,FirstHIOrganizaPoninTheWorldtoTakeaStand

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AmericanSocietyofHomeInspectors

BoardAdoptedPosiPonPromoPngPhotoelectricTechnologyin2013

ASHIisFirstNaPonalHIOrganizaPoninTheWorldtoTakeaStand

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ASHIStandardsofPracPceStates:InspectorisNotRequiredtoDetermineTypeofAlarm

CREIAStandardsofPracPceStates:InspectorisNotRequiredtoDetermineTypeofAlarmCREIALegalCounselFeltNoAddiPonalLiabilitywithPosiPon

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Queensland,Australia•  Sept.2016:PassesPhotoOnlyLaw•  SmokeAlarmsinBedroomandHalls,OnePerLevel•  PhotoelectricOnly,NoCombinaPon,NoIonSensors

Allowed•  Jan1,2017:NewConstrucPon,SomeSF&Rentals,

AllReplacementAlarms•  Jan1,2022:AllSold,LeasedandGovOwned•  BeforeJan1,2027:AllExisPngRegardlessofAge

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WhatCanWeDoasInspectors?TellYourAgents...YourClients...

YourFamily...Neighbors...Friends,Etc!

WhatCanASHIDo?Asagroup,makepublicawarenessaPriority

SupportStateLocalIniPaPves

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WhatDoISayonInspecPons?

•  AnyAlarmsInstalledMeetLegalRequirement•  95%ofHomesHaveIon's•  TypeNOTVerified•  ChangeAllAlarmstoPhoto/DoublesSurvivalRate•  NotACostIssue

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RECOMMENDEDSAFETYUPGRADE:IrecommendedthatALLionizaPonalarms-regardlessofage-bereplacedwithphotoelectricsmokealarms.Extensiveresearchclearlyshowsthatphotoelectricsmokealarmsarefarmorereliableinmostreal-worldfirescenarios.Nearly95%ofthesmokealarmsinstalledinUSresidencesareIONIZATIONalarms.IonizaPonalarmsareapprovedsmokealarmsandDOcomplywiththelegalrequirementsfortransferinMOSTjurisdicPons.However,significantresearchshowsthationizaPonalarmsRESPONDTOOSLOWLYtothesmoldering/smokefiresresponsibleformostresidenPalfiredeaths.IonizaPonalarmsarealsonotoriousfornuisancetrippingfromcooking,showersteam,etc.IonizaPonalarmswillfailtoadequatelywarnoccupantsabout55%ofthePme.Withphotoelectricalarmstheoccupantswillreceivesufficientwarningabout96%ofthePme.IonizaPontechnologyalarmsposeasignificantlife-safetyrisk.CombinaPonalarmsarenotrecommended.ThetypeofalarminstalledwasnotverifiedaspartofthisinspecPon.InterestedparPesshouldconsultwithaqualifiedtradespecialistforservice.

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InClosing......•  All Fires Do Not Carry The Same Risk Of Death •  Two-Thirds of Fire Deaths Occur in Homes With No Functional Alarms •  Half of Non-Functional Alarms Are Attributed to Nuisance Trips •  Almost All Nuisance Trips are From Ionization Alarms •  Of the Remaining One-Third – Only 15% Are Attributed to Flames •  There Has Never Been A Wrongful Death Suit Involving Photoelectric

Alarms but Many with Ionization Alarms •  Changing to Photoelectric Alarms Would Drop US Fire Death Rate 40%

Overnight

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QuesPons

AndComments!

[email protected]

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deadly diﬀerences: ioniza’on vs photoelectric smoke alarms

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