Doesn't it just go to show that both risk assessors and Inspecting Officers know very little about business or the way business is conducted. The arbitary strategy of timescales is just that there is very little background sense to the way time scales are implemented and if the assessor has not bothered to explain the rational and logic then they are being paid for very little. There is very little chance of getting a fire alarm system installed in London within 1 - 3 months and that is the contractor. Then you have the business case to put to directors and then the contracts and tenders process to go through. Please don't forget that other legislation applies to business and that Companies must meet that legislation as well.
I agree with most post here that there is very little chance on getting a fire alarm installed in the 3 months that I now give people to install one; it normally takes around 4-6months in my neck of the woods. So why do I do it?
The simple answer is if I give 6 month people don’t even start getting quotes until 5 months it then takes 4-6 months to get the work done - total time 9-12 months. If I chase at 3 months then generally the work will be done in by the 6/7 month mark.
Where anybody needs longer due to finances then of course I can be flexible but I still need to see progress being made.
Good point Dave
Sometimes organisations need to get fire precautions implemented as a matter of urgency because the level of risk posed by not having the correct fire precautions in place is high.
Some organisations just aren't quick enough to jump and they simply drag their feet. Sometimes Im afraid if necessary it will mean that an organisation may have to bypass its own company policies or procedures (policy of getting in three quotes for example which can take alot of time).
Then again if a new contractor is brought on board then the organisation may need to go through health safety checks on that contractor to ensure they are competent / safe and this is a legitimate and necessary process to be undertaken.
It all depends on the risk at the end of the day and priorities.
I think we all get a gut feeling about those whom will comply and may genuinely hit problems by tight deadlines and those who will probably drag it out and will thus need to be chased every step of the way.
But a word of warning; in my opinion you will probably find that a Magistrate will not be impressed if someone were injured or killed whilst proper fire precautions were procured and waiting to be installed.
Furthermore I seriously doubt that a Magistrate would be in the slightest bit intrested about "oh we need to get three quotes in before we can get works done your honour" excuse unless you can give very good reason of any legitimate delays mentioned above.
Lets not forget that you should implement temporary measures wherever possible whilst waiting for permanent measures to be implemented. This can in a lot of cases buy you some time to get the permanent measures in place.
Im afraid I get a little tired of people thinking that placing on order for new fire precautions automatically shields them from complying with the RRO. In the meantime whilst waiting for their new systems to be installed or implemented they still have to think about the level of risk.
If you feel time constraints put on your organisation are un-achievable then say so there and then or as soon as possible after the fire officer / assessor's visit,
Don't leave it until the last day before the time on an enforcement notice runs out.
That is totally unacceptable, and something else Magistrates take a very dim view of in my experience.
I accept there are still Jack Booted inspectors out there, but they are getting fewer in number thankfully. If theres a problem communication is the key, get on the phone and talk it through with the Inspector or assessor, agree more realistic schedules, try and implement temporary measures to buy you time if required.
They won't bite. Ask them why they've arrived at that time scale, or are asking for certain provisions. If they are good inspectors / assessors they would have already explained why they have sone so.
If youre not satisfied speak to their superior officer if you feel you arent being dealt with fairly.
But please please please please don't sit there worrying you won't have enough time. Comuunicate with youre fire officer or assessor.
