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SERVICE TICKET LANGUAGE
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Ken
    Can you please make a text content (maybe 7 to 8 lines) for us to purchase so we can add on the footer of each service report that the technicians use daily. Basically to protects us when working on the systems as fire/burglary while system is in repair and services is  interrupted and  components are disconnected. Something to show that is their responsibility to have fire watch or notify the authorities when advised to do so by our tech or office. 
    Also we are required in multiple occasions to do a silenced test of the system once repairs or maintenance is made so we should not be held responsible if those fail in the near future in case of an emergency.
    We are using your contract as a service agreement but would like something like this as well at the end of the signed service report since we are dealing sometimes with careless building managers or engineer’s.  
Thank you
AK
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RESPONSE
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    I can't.  I see your report and it's unacceptable.  It creates a contract and it doesn't have most if any of the essential provisions a proper alarm contract must have.  Your "service report" isn't a service report but reads more like a poorly drafted contract.  Here is what you need to be doing service:

  • All in One Agreement which includes repair service and protects you
  • Completion certificate to be used at end of service call to show system operating
  • Service Slip [available only by calling our Contract Administrator Eileen Wagda at 516 747 6700 ext 312 - she can will tell you that you need an All in One with the repair service provision.  If you're hard headed we do have a Service Slip for you]

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LIABILITY QUESTION
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Ken 
    I'm helping an alarm dealer with his new webpage and the question came up where he wants to have a FAQ where he provides instructions on replacing batteries in control panels and in wireless sensors.
    I said I didn't think this was a good idea. He uses your contracts
    Is there wording in the installation contract that says anything the customer does to the system releases the installer from any liability for failure of the system to operate properly?  I do not know what he is using for monitoring agreements, but they are all month to month deals. He says he puts his monitored accounts on a monthly test which I think is useless.
Your feedback would be appreciated.
Best Regards,
Tim O'Leary
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RESPONSE
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    Interesting issue because on the one hand we are seeing DIY accounts who obviously have to fend for themselves, and professionally installed systems, hopefully pursuant to a Standard All in One Agreement, that prohibits tampering with the system when the system is being monitored and serviced by the alarm company pursuant to RMR deal.  But batteries are excluded from the service contract.  
    If the dealer's web site has battery replacement instructions then the first thing to consider is that those instructions better be clear and correct, and should instruct the subscriber to test the system after working on it.  Getting a test signal and retaining that signal could be important later.     A dealer who is providing RMR on a month to month basis has changed the All in One because those forms have RMR services for 5 years for residential and 10 years for commercial.  Only renewal terms are month to month.
    Test signals are a good idea, but be careful because if you're getting test signals and you don't then you have to do something to warn the subscriber.  Too often nothing is done with the failed test signal and that becomes an issue when there is a loss accompanied by alarm failure shortly after the failed test signal or somethngs long after.  
    You are wise to consider these issues, and thanks for presenting the question.  In this situation, like so many others in life, you need to ask yourself "what can go wrong" and "how can I better protect myself".  
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