More than 90% of the fire industry is under greater pressure from customers to help them cut the operating costs of premises compared to two years ago, a survey by panel manufacturer Morley IAS has revealed.
The survey of around 60 systems integrators, installers designers and maintenance providers reveals that for 74% of them, this has included the postponement of planned systems upgrades or replacements, while in 36% of the cases there has been pressure to reduce the maintenance levels of fire alarms and other fire safety equipment.
In considering fire safety provision, the most important criteria for customers is to choose the most cost effective solution (cited by 31%), followed by the solution which complies with all current and anticipated legislative requirements (27%) and the safest solution (19%).
The survey also suggests that many building managers and other users of life safety systems do not receve the level of information and support they need to make informed buying decisions. Almost half the respondents said that most of their customers did not understand the importance of issues such as protocols in choosing the most appropriate system, and over 60% reported a similar lack of awareness among end users when it came to understanding what constitutes a ‘life safety system’ under the current code of practice.
“It is clear from this survey that today, building operators are especially keen to balance the need for effective safety provision with strict cost control,” said Morley-IAS sales manager Keith Minster. “At the same time, there is growing regulatory pressure for independent testing and accreditation of fire safety equipment and its installation. This is a tough balancing act. It demands that suppliers work with expert manufacturers and channel partners to get best practice advice on how to protect life and property and stay the right side of the law – yet without breaking the bank.”
He continued: “Product and service providers do not have all the answers and recognise the need for expert advice from channel partners if they are to advise their customers effectively. “Unfortunately, 54% of those questioned confirmed that their supply chain did not provide the regular legislative and industry updates necessary to make this happen.”
