No Access < Know Access

As a property manager, you’re no stranger to the frustrating term “No Access” in your fire alarm inspection reports. But what does “No Access” really mean?

It means that your fire protection provider didn’t test all your devices, leaving the property you manage vulnerable and exposed to significant liabilities. An inspection report with “No Access” undermines your fire protection system's integrity and sets you up for additional unnecessary expenses. Essentially, you will pay twice for services that should have been completed the first time. ?

Understanding the reasons behind “No Access” on reports equips you with the knowledge to prevent it, reinforcing that No Access < Know Access.

Why Does “No Access” Occur? ?

Here are the top three avoidable reasons:

1. Didn’t Pack the Right Tools: Sometimes, technicians show up without the necessary tools, testing equipment and/or manufacturer issued device activating keys making it impossible to complete the inspection.
2. Misquoted Inspections: Inaccurate quotes that fail to account for the time needed to access difficult areas lead to rushed inspections, resulting in missed sections and not all devices being tested.
3. Communication Breakdowns: Poor communication can mean missed opportunities for access. For example, if a superintendent holds a key and isn’t asked for it, a whole section can be left uninspected. ?

When “No Access” is found throughout your inspection reports, it results in multiple visits, tenant disruptions, wasted staff time, and increased costs for you. This inefficiency is a common frustration among property managers, but it doesn’t have to be.

EPI’s Proactive Approach to Inspections

At EPI, we eliminate “No Access” issues. Here’s how: ?

1. Building a Game Plan: We collaborate with property management teams in pre-inspection meetings to arrange seamless access to all areas, minimizing disruptions.
2. Access Coordination: To streamline the inspection process, we offer to take care of all necessary arrangements with third parties, such as elevator companies or hydro vault access providers.
3. Truck Checklist: Our technicians arrive fully equipped with all the necessary tools to conduct a comprehensive inspection in a single visit.
4. Minimized Visits: We aim to complete minor repairs on the spot, reducing the need for return visits and minimizing tenant disruption.
5. Practical Repairs: With the right replacement parts on hand, our technicians can replace defective devices in hard-to-reach areas immediately, avoiding additional costly visits.
6. Comprehensive Review: Our account representatives meticulously review all deficiencies with you, ensuring clarity on the required actions to achieve full compliance.

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Partnering for Success

EPI inspects and maintains thousands of buildings throughout the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area, serving premier clients like the Toronto Catholic District School Board, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the City of Mississauga. Our proactive approach ensures that your fire protection systems are thoroughly inspected and maintained, saving you time, money, and headaches. ?

Let us handle the complexities of fire alarm inspections so you can focus on managing your property effectively and efficiently.

Before your next annual inspection, discover how you can streamline your fire alarm inspections, ensuring thoroughness and efficiency. Partner with us to protect your property and provide your tenants and stakeholders peace of mind.

No Access < Know Access is Chapter 1 of the article series, Elevating Standards: A Property Manager’s Guide to Effective Fire Protection System Maintenance. Stay tuned for more essential insights on maintaining your fire protection systems effectively.