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SMOKE DETECTORS ON TAKE OVERS
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Ken
I have worked in the alarm industry for 5 years for other companies but have just now started my own company. While working at various companies each would have different policies when taking over heat and smoke detectors from a previous provider.
My question is, if a heat and smoke detector is in good working condition from the previous monitoring company is it legal to reuse it.
If so, then are there instances where reusing a heat and smoke detector from a previous provider should be avoided.
Thanks
P.s. please keep me anonymous if you use this in a news letter.
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ANSWER
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I'd like to address two issues.
Can you use existing smoke detectors on a take over? Answer would be yes. When you take over a subscriber with an existing system, whether it's for monitoring, service or inspection, you become responsible for that system, at least to the extent you have agreed to become responsible. Whether you decide to retain existing equipment is something you have to be comfortable with. On a take over you will be faced with much more than just the smoke detectors. Every point of protection and the panel itself could have deficiencies, apparent or hidden. I have provided for this in the Disclaimer Notice, where it will be noted that the system was inspection on take over, deficiencies found, repairs made, or not. Or not? yes, but it will be noted and signed off by the subscriber. Be careful on take overs. If there is a loss you're going to be hard pressed to point the blame on the prior alarm company.
Can you install used smoke detectors? I don't see why not unless your contract calls for new equipment. But some of the fire alarm experts may have additional information.
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ALLOWING SUBSCRIBER TO TURN OFF SMOKE DETECTORS
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Ken
We have a client who has signed one of your lease central station agreements for monitoring the client's fire alarm system. The client's electrician installed the wiring and we provided the devices, fire panel and programming. The system has been working for almost a year now. The electrical contractor signed our sales fire alarm agreement.
We do service on the fire alarm system for our client.
This place is a night club and they use fake smoke inside the space when they have shows or dancing events. The client wants us to give them the capability of turning off the smoke detectors in the premises to prevent false alarms caused by the fake smoke by pushing certain codes on the fire panel. Of course by doing this if there is a real fire then the smoke detectors will not operate at all. We are nervous about the liability here.
Should I have the client sign another contract that they are responsible if they bypass the smoke detectors or have the client sign a waiver on this matter or I do not need the client sign anything because of the existing central station agreement now in place
Let me know what you recommend
Thanks
Warren
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ANSWER
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The Standard Fire All in One, which includes monitoring, provides that all programming, codes and passwords are proprietary and confidential, and the property of the alarm company. So to borrow a phrase from Tom Cruise in Top Gun, you can reveal the passwords and programming but then you'd have to kill yourself. If you don't, the Fire Marshal surely will.
This fire alarm system is in a commercial building in New York City. It was installed pursuant to approved plans and specifications. It was inspected by the Fire Department. It's required to be on unless it's in test mode. I'm sure you can imagine what can go wrong with a night club fire. What you may not realize is that not only can those injured sue you, your subscriber for property damage, but adjoining property owners. Enough personal injury or death and you may get to meet the District Attorney as they read you your rights.
Here is another right you have. The right to use a proper Fire Alarm Contract and the right to comply with NYC laws, and UL and NFPA guidelines and NYC FD rules, none of which include shutting down required smoke detectors on a regular basis controlled by the subscriber.
So, I recommend you let the subscriber know you can't provide the passwords and know how to disarm the smokes, that you don't recommend it, and that if the subscriber insists on the fake smoke that the NYC Fire Dept and Fire Marshal be advised so they can approve, disapprove and offer alternative fire protective measures in the premises
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