Sometimes, a penny saved isn't a penny earned. And for fire safety in schools, it can be a hard lesson learned! Let's look at:
We all love a bargain. A pair of shoes in the sale or a BOGOF in the supermarket is always welcome! But there are some areas where quality REALLY matters. And getting it wrong can mean bigger bills (or worse) later on.
We've seen cases of schools or businesses taking the cheapest deal they could find. That solved their immediate problem. They had a fire alarm system and money left in the pot.
The problem came later when the equipment failed. Because the system installed was outdated, there were no spare parts available! It was like they'd installed Windows 95 on their computers! Instead of a small part replacement they needed a complete refit. Not such a bargain after all...
As well as the actual equipment, you need to be sure of the contractor you use. Often, the guy that comes in with the cheapest quote is a "jack of all trades". He can use cheap, untrained labour and poor quality kit. This will make his price look very attractive!
Just don't ask him for the paperwork you need for compliance, he won't have a clue. He may not still be around when you need maintenance. And if you start with shoddy installation, maintenance becomes a costly process!
Small print can mean big bills. Cheap installers may have you tied into a maintenance contract that's overpriced. They can rake in your cash for years to come!
Some companies will present a bargain initial price for installation. BUT their maintenance deals are mandatory - and expensive! We know of schools that are locked into paying up to 4 times the amount they should, year after year.
If the wrong decisions are made and the worst should happen... all blame falls on the Responsible Person.
It is your duty of care to ensure a competent company has been chosen AND all systems installed meet regulations.
If you fail your duty of care, you could be subject to unlimited fines or, in extreme cases, a prison sentence!
Blake's believe in quality equipment, professionally installed. This means you may pay a bit more in the beginning BUT you get so much more for your money! You get:
Blake's have years of knowledge and experience in fire safety. We are NSI Gold and BAFE accredited for your peace of mind.
Our experts have compiled clear, no-nonsense advice on how to balance budget and fire safety for business owners and Responsible Persons.
