Abstract: A method of facilitating access by an operator for the purpose of carrying out one or more operator functions of a hazardous condition alarm device mounted on or near the ceiling, the method including: lowering the height above the floor at which the operator functions can be carried out.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of the battery of a smoke or heat alarm so as to provide a warning of an impending low battery condition, said method including: means of providing a low battery alarm to warn of a low battery condition, the said condition being that of a battery which has depleted to an energy level at and below which it is recommended that the battery be replaced to maintain the full functionality of the alarm device; means of providing an additional low battery pre-alarm to warn of an impending low battery condition, the said low battery pre-alarm being provided when the smoke or heat alarm battery has depleted to an energy level which is slightly higher than, but close to, the energy level that would generate the low battery alarm, and means of bypassing or silencing the low battery pre-alarm, in the event of an impending low battery condition, should a new battery not be available to immediately replace the depleted smoke or heat alarm battery, with the result that the occupants of th