If you regularly read our news section, you will know that at Fire and Safety Solutions Ltd we take our responsibilities, and that of our staff and Fire Technicians, towards our clients seriously and never more so than when it comes to ensuring that any work we carry out on your behalf is done by a qualified and competent person, to the correct standards. This is not only because we believe in delivering a quality service, but more importantly any mistakes or shortcuts could be costly or at worse, fatal should a fire break out.
It therefor always amazes and in truth, shocks us, that other companies or individuals would even consider not conforming to regulations and carrying out work safely and correctly, however a recent article in IFSEC Global highlighted one such case. In what is believed to be a landmark case, a fire system contractor has been convicted under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and fined £5,000 plus ordered to pay £6,000 costs. The conviction relates to two charges of failing to maintain a fire detection and alarm system at a care home in Trafford, Greater Manchester, and failing to inform the owners of the deficiencies in the system.
The incident came to light following a fire at the care home in May 2009. Enforcement officers commissioned a specialist examination of the fire alarm panel following the fire and amongst other things reported:
- A blown fuse overridden with a piece of wire
- An electronic component suspended between two terminal bocks instead of being attached to the circuit board
- An alarm silence/fault warning buzzer missing from the circuit board
- The fault warning light on the front face of the panel had been almost covered by paint
Speaking on the article, Paul Wilkinson, MD of FASS said; “It’s always sad to hear of a fire, especially when there is the possibility that it may have been prevented, however I am pleased to hear of the successful prosecution under the Fire Safety Order. Over the years we have seen all to often where shortcuts or falsified documents have been used, sub-standard work or inappropriate fire safety equipment installed, all of which is unacceptable and a disaster waiting to happen. Saving a few pounds can in no way compensate for the danger and damage caused by fire so I would urge anyone who has any doubt about a previous contractor or work carried out, or who has not had a recent fire safety inspection to contact us. All of our staff are fully qualified, experienced and competent giving you complete peace of mind that any work we do is carried out to the highest standard”.
To find out more or to book your fire safety survey, please contact us.
