Back to 1st page - Fire extinguisher chart

Section 1 - Classes of fire and fire extinguisher types

Section 2 - How many extinguishers do you need?

Section 3 - Where to position your fire fighting equipment

Section 4 - Different ways to wall hang or stand your extinguishers

Section 5 - Annual maintenance and monthly inspections

As with any industry, there are companies that will take advantage of your lack of knowledge of the finer details. And the fire extinguisher trade has their fair share. But, there are plenty of reputable firms to pick from.

There are, in essence, three levels of maintenance companies:

The cowboys - their main service tools are a duster and a pen. You may be amazed at how many service engineers have never been trained or been on a refresher course. More often than not, their price would be the lowest for the basic service cost but this prevents them doing the job properly as they cannot earn any money by being thorough

The commission earners - the biggest source of complaints - many service companies pay commission for all parts and tests along with commission for selling new or replacement equipment. They then add daily or monthly monetary targets and daily units serviced to be reached. This will add up to high invoices year after year. They may use extra pressure to get the order done and dusted on the spot, such as "what if a Fire Officer visited you tomorrow? He could close you down" Does this sound familiar to you?

The genuine service company - there are plenty around who just do exactly what is required and they do it well. A good sign is that they have traded locally for many years or that the company occasionally visits to audit the technician's work. This is the one you want

But, this is your money so you are responsible for buying carefully. Here is our advice to keep those bills down.

Steps To Be Taken Before Arrival

1. Don't assume that large well known companies are the best as the technicians often have targets to meet
   
   
2. Use a local company that has been operating for at least three years - they will often belong to trade networks that can cover national maintenance contracts
   
   
3. Only use a BAFE approved company and check that their technicians are BAFE Registered - ask to see his ID badge on arrival
   
   
4. Only use companies that are fire extinguisher specialists - avoid general maintenance companies unless they can show their specific extinguisher approvals
   
   
5. Insist that the technician gives advance notice of the service visit and that he gets an official signature from your management at the end
   
   
6. Never, ever enter into any agreement that is longer than 12 months and that needs anything more than a months notice

Following this guidance will mostly separate the great service companies from the cowboys.

Steps To Be Taken On The Day

1. Make it clear that no work is to be started without an accurate estimate of cost - a good technician will be able to tell you the cost of the service, tests and parts by just looking at them
   
   
2. Make it clear that no replacements will be allowed without first being shown the item and reason for the replacement - and that he must have a purchase order
   
   
3. Tell him that all discharge tests must be done at their due time, not in advance to "spread the costs"
   
   
4. Ask if staff can do the actual discharge as part of fire training
   
   
5. Thoroughly question the reason for any additional recommendations
   
   
6. If an item needs a discharge test (extended service), hydraulic test (overhaul), or service exchange, ask for the price per unit including all parts and extras relating to that tested unit then compare the price of a brand new one on the internet from reputable supplier like FireProtectionOnline.co.uk and ask him to match this price - if he cannot, order a new one online
   
   
7. Compare his prices for new equipment on the internet from reputable supplier like FireProtectionOnline.co.uk and ask him to match this price - if he cannot, order a new one online
   
   
8. Make sure that other members of your staff do not sign or agree to anything

Following this advice will stop all the nasty surprises and will probably ensure a higher quality of service from your supplier.

What To Do If The Charges Seem Too High

If your maintenance company is not playing ball and your invoices seem to be consistently high, change to another company.

If you have been sold equipment without approving it, refuse to pay and get them to come and take it back. Insist on having your "condemned" extinguisher returned for a second opinion and, when they say they have been scrapped, remind them that it was your property and tell them that your very next call will be to Trading Standards. You'll be amazed at how they can suddenly find your old ones.

Do not accept any huge discount "goodwill gestures" as this leaves them to do the same to their next customer. Just take your hard-earned money elsewhere and find one of the good guys - there are plenty of them to choose from in all areas of the country.

Back to 1st page - Fire extinguisher chart

Section 1 - Classes of fire and fire extinguisher types

Section 2 - How many extinguishers do you need?

Section 3 - Where to position your fire fighting equipment

Section 4 - Different ways to wall hang or stand your extinguishers

Section 5 - Annual maintenance and monthly inspections