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For Immediate Service
800-864-7717Dec
03
2018
How can facility managers provide the best safety, while also helping make cost-effective purchases?
The short answer is that it’s not easy, but it’s a lot easier to accomplish when you have a reliable Fire and Life Safety (FLS) system in place. You depend on your FLS inspector to ensure your system is functioning properly, but have you ever wondered why there's a dramatic price difference when comparing FLS service providers?
The attractive price often comes at the cost of an inadequate inspection that may not help save lives. Not every licensed contractor has the knowledge, experience, and skills to effectively perform the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of your FLS systems.
Cutting costs becomes a convenient excuse to use cheaper solutions, but in the event of an emergency, an FLS system that's been properly inspected, tested, and maintained can help prevent property damage and save lives.
Regardless of your industry or the size of your budget, you’re simply not going to eliminate unnecessary expenses and risks as effectively without an up-to-code FLS system. You might already have a service warranty or ITM contract, but it's through reliable FLS systems that your investment truly delivers.
Devoting resources to compliance and resiliency is critical to making cost-effective purchases. A qualified FLS contractor can give you a better understanding of what risks you can accept, avoid, limit, and transfer, and can develop a customized inspection plan.
Some companies prefer to keep their head in the sand over knowing the truth. However, having a clear picture of where you stand enables effective leaders to harness the company's weaknesses and strengths. By refusing to settle for insufficient FLS service, you'll be well on your way to reducing adverse effects.
When it comes to Fire and Life Safety (FLS) systems, the old adage "you get what your pay for," applies. You could be investing in a potential tragedy if your contractor is lacking the familiarity and discipline of a seasoned professional. For example, contractors must physically disconnect the wiring in order to properly test systems in many buildings. In today's busy world it's easy to forget or get distracted, leaving critical functions like elevator recall and smoke control disabled.
Keep in mind that passing a training course, completing employer testing, and obtaining required licenses doesn't guarantee a technician's ability for the high levels of responsibility associated with FLS systems. If you want to make a cost-effective purchase, hiring a contractor with an objective third-party certification is strongly encouraged.
For example, NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is a nationally recognized certification designed by industry experts to provide engineering technology fields with a qualified workforce. In fact, the NICET certification has become such a pivotal credential that jurisdictions are increasingly using it as a qualifier for various types of regulated projects.
By looking for contractors that go above and beyond the bare minimum for licensing and training, you can avoid the dangers that often come with complacency and incompetency.
Nobody wants an unexpected facility shutdown, but being frugal with your FLS systems can leave you with too many red tags to count. Corner-cutting contractors aren't always up-to-date with their understanding of national, state and local codes. With industry demands constantly changing, and technology evolving faster than ever, partnering with a contractor who monitors and implements NFPA’s 275+ codes and standards is essential.
A good example of proactive code compliance is the installation of Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS). Many cities around the nation are updating codes to require FARS because it's the fastest, safest, most reliable, and most efficient way to replenish air for engaged firefighters. With a FARS, firefighters can refill their air tanks within feet of their frontline position. All they need is to connect to the fill station, and within minutes, they can continue their work. Only certified contractors are allowed to install FARS.
Why fall behind on codes when you can get ahead? Gaining access to proactive code compliance opportunities like FARS is always wise business decision, especially if you're in the industry of healthcare or data centers.
Building and maintaining trust is non-negotiable when it comes to any meaningful relationship, but especially when it comes to your FLS technician. Sometimes it can be difficult to justify a purchase without receiving visual confirmation and reasoning. Thankfully, modern facility maintenance reporting eliminates any room for doubt.
For example, investing in the inspection, testing, and maintenance of your FLS systems can help you gain access to a contractor that provides cloud-based visual maintenance reports. A quality contractor should have the functionality to back up repair and recommendations with visuals in the format of your preference. Neglecting your FLS systems can get you stuck not only with an unreliable contractor and inefficient processes, but also obsolete tools and deceptive reports.
For example, you can receive visual confirmation that budgeting for new equipment is necessary with TD Visual Intelligence. Leveraging modern facility maintenance reporting platforms like TD Visual Intelligence will help keep your FLS equipment running smoothly.
When a facility’s FLS systems fail, the consequences can be catastrophic. From jeopardizing the safety of occupants to losing critical information – the result from selecting the cheapest solution can quickly turn into a nightmare.
There's nothing more important than protecting human lives. TD Visual Intelligence is the next big step in facility maintenance services, especially because it allows TD to effectively communicate the results from inspecting, testing, and maintenance your Fire and Life Safety Systems!
Don’t just take TD's word for it — learn how TD Visual Intelligence can help you provide the best safety possible for you, your customers, and your budget.
Categories: Blog
TDIndustries is a premier facilities services and mechanical construction company. Founded in 1946, we are well-positioned to exceed customers’ expectations on any project regardless of size, complexity, within budget and on time.