Working to protect you
Posted: Saturday, May, 7th, 2011
When it comes to purchasing or maintaining fire protection it is about as exciting as watching paint dry, we know we sell the product everyday.
Many people purchase fire protections products and services for different reason. Some people are quite conscious to ensure they have the capacity to effectively extinguisher a fire or facilitate evacuation to ensure they protect there physical and human assets. Whilst other simply purchase the product because of government compliance and see it as another expense burden, just like insurance and the like.
Whatever the motivation fire protection products and services are an insurance policy just in case we get it wrong, just like business and property insurance.
In many cases just like insurance consumers can engage sub standard services and products, leaving them under protected.
Because fire protection, just like insurance is viewed by many as a cost that does not contribute to revenue production, corners are often cut to reduce expense.
The fire protection industry requires no qualification or licensing in NSW, although other states are more regulated and this opens the door for anyone who has a base level of knowledge to establish a business and present their services to you as an expert, when in most cases they no little of the industry, compliance and even less about running a commercially successful business that meets all of the legal obligation and your expectations.
It is quite difficult for consumers to understand the fire protection industry due to the complex nature of the Building Code of Australia and relevant standards, therefore the perception is that the fire company should.
This brings me to the point of understanding the reason for higher service cost than that of other trades related services.
The fire protection industry is made up of many different aspects, which requires a broad range of skills and business delivery capabilities.
The primary aspect of the industry and the delivery of your service can be delivered by non trade, but educated fire service technicians with a varying level of skills based on their responsibility. These technicians inspect and assess all fire equipment within a business and report on any failures or upgrades.
This information than needs to be assessed, costed, processed, issued, followed up and manged by a range of other in house administration and operational support resources.
The majority of works that are reported are now trade based repairs on lighting, detection & sprinkler system, fire doors and fire hose reels.
The labour cost to engage quality contractors is generally close to the market rate that you could hire the same trades person direct for.
The management, co-ordination and administration cost of this service can only be recovered from this revenue and therefore the delivery cost must be higher than a tradesman engaged of the street to carry the same works.
When engaging or reviewing your fire service company consider these few things.
Do they have workers compensation and have you a current subcontractor statement?
Does your provider have both professional indemnity and public liability insurance, which is for your protection?
All fire companies give professional advise and if they get it wrong you need protection.
If you have any further questions or require assistance please feel free to contact Survival Solutions, as we would be delighted to assist you.
Kind regards
Jeff
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