Warning to Owners / Occupiers About Unethical Providers
Posted on : Thursday, 6 November 2014
FPA Australia is
currently advising all building owners/occupiers about unethical
fire protection providers fraudulently posing as representatives of
local authorities and conducting fake fire protection compliance
audits on site.
There are currently widespread reports of such activity
particularly in NSW and Victoria, with one known company
using the sham technique widely across Sydney and
recently in the Melbourne CBD.
This company may arrive on site unexpectedly, dressed in
fake fire service / council uniforms. They will conduct an
inspection of the building and highlight what they deem to
be non-conformant fire protection systems and
equipment, before recommending their preferred provider (a
co-owned maintenance company) to remedy the
situation.
Building owners/occupiers are advised to exercise
caution regarding unannounced audits of their fire
protection systems unless the identity of those on site can be
clearly verified as a local council inspector, relevant fire
authority, other government agency or your contracted fire
protection provider.
The Association
is currently compiling information and evidence on this
business which will be submitted to the ACCC and other
authorities. FPA Australia is asking anyone who has
experienced this unscrupulous behaviour to please contact
fpaa@fpaa.com.au and supply us with all relevant information
regarding this so that we are able to lodge a comprehensive
submission to the relevant authorities.
Fairfax media has reported on this type of activity and
you can learn more by reading their article from 2013 here.