If a doctor says you need an operation you like to think that it’s a necessity rather than an excuse for some practice.
No one can be expected to have knowledge of everything. However, you should never feel awkward for questioning an expert’s view – especially if it’s an expensive one!
Most fire consultants are passionate about their work and enjoy debating the subject. They are always prepared to be challenged, regardless of the competence on the subject of those posing the challenge.
I’m sure you could give the same problem to five different experts and they might return with five different solutions. This is not to confuse you; simply to give you the opportunity to select the correct option for your situation, financial and personal.
Experienced assessors know how to tailor a solution to the organisation’s needs and balance the requests of the client. Difficulties arise when your choices can seriously impact a work procedure, which is where the skill of an assessor is vital.
Beware
Always beware the contractor who only gives you the solution that suits them.
Does that solution cost money? Will it mean buying products or further services from said expert?
This should make you question the authenticity of their ‘unbiased’ advice. If you are engaging a consultant’s services you are paying for a qualified, experienced point of view. You’re not paying to give them the chance to sell you more services.
Should you commission a company who already maintain parts of your fire precautions, do you really expect them to criticise their own work?
I’ve reviewed many risk assessments from many different companies and have seen lots that ended up resembling a shopping list: “Buy five new extinguishers, two emergency lights and six new detectors and you will become compliant”.
However, this is not how legislation works and your expert should be able to back up his claims.
By improving staff awareness, reviewing policies and changing management procedures there is often no need to purchase any more equipment than is necessary. If equipment is advised, the assessor should be able to give you detailed reasons for their recommendations, but ultimately this is the voice of experience and the decision is yours.
You should never accept someone’s answer to your questions if the answer is “because it’s law”. Make your expert earn their money. Often you’ll find it’s hard to stop them talking about their favourite subject once you get them started!
There does need to be a certain amount of trust between the building owner and their service provider. That trust starts to build with third party assurance and continues with references PI insurance and good engagement from the assessor with the client. Sometimes you will be faced with a big bill and a good risk assessor will not shy from delivering the news that you do need to do something to reduce high risk to life. Credibility is the first thing a con man needs to establish, if you don’t do your due diligence then you have made it easy… Read more »
Tom makes several good points, but underpinning the process of appointing a fire risk assessor is the guide to selecting a competent fire risk assessor. http://firesectorfederation.co.uk/news/post.php?s=2013-02-04-new-guidance-on-fra-competency Following the guidance in this industry backed document should prevent the rogues from getting a foot in your door in the first instance. Do still ask for justification if it seems excessive. If you are still not convinced seek the opinion of the third party certification body who has issued certification. Over specification is something we asses during our FRACS certification process and we would take appropriate action if an assessor was over specifying.… Read more »
Tom, well constructed article with really valid points, So by definition if I come across a FRA from a FireCo consultant it’s unlikely I will find corrective action points relating to dorguards or freedors etc?? …or am I just being too cynical?