Businesses - be wary of cold callers

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading and the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service are warning businesses to be wary of allowing unknown persons to service their vital fire safety equipment.

It has come to the attention of the two agencies that a number of local businesses have been visited by fire safety equipment servicing companies who inform their staff that they are there to test their fire safety equipment.

No pre arranged appointment has been made by these companies, and staff at the businesses, believing that the testing is essential, allow the company access to the fire safety equipment. The company then requests payment for the service.

John Murtagh, Assistant Divisional Officer of the Fire Service advises “It is essential that fire safety equipment is tested by competent persons at the correct intervals. The Fire Safety Department has been contacted by businesses that have had companies call without an appointment at their premises and carry out servicing of their fire safety equipment without being requested. The businesses have been concerned about the validity and standard of the work carried out.

The Fire Service recommends that persons responsible for fire safety equipment should ensure it is serviced correctly, by a competent person, at the correct intervals, and the results are recorded in a fire precautions log book. Businesses should always make sure that their fire safety equipment is tested by a servicing company in accordance with the appropriate British Standard and that a certificate of service is obtained.”

Chairman of the Office of Fair Trading Quintin Gill MHK commented “Businesses should make sure that they have confirmed the legitimacy of the company that they use to service their safety equipment. Badly serviced equipment may let you down at the very moment your life depends upon it.”

If you are concerned companies are testing your fire safety equipment without authorisation then you should contact the Office of Fair Trading.