Consumer Tips

Fire safety inspection

Better Business Bureau is warning local businesses to be aware of a scam involving alleged inspections of fire safety equipment.

A person walks into various businesses claiming to be a fire extinguisher inspector and, for a cash payment, offers to inspect the extinguishers. Once "inspected" he places a tag on the extinguishers claiming that their certification is up to date and leaves.

Often the work completed is either inferior or potentially harmful to safety equipment if completed by a person who is not qualified to do inspections.

BBB would like to advise businesses to be careful when dealing with fire safety individuals:

If a company come unannounced to your business location and asks to do an inspection ask for a business card and explain to the individual you will need to verify who they are prior to inspection.

In some municipalities in British Columbia it is a requirement for fire safety people to members of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia. Ask for the companies qualifications and ask if they have any certification to inspect fire safety equipment.

Individuals operating a legitimate business will always carry their credentials. It is prudent to always request that identification be presented before agreeing to any service. The Better Business Bureau also has a function on their website which allows for interested parties to verify a business.

If your business is victimized by this person, please call your local RCMP non-emergency line and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at www.mbc.bbb.org.