Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my fire equipment need to be serviced?

Alberta Fire Code states if you are operating a commercial establishment (manufacturing facility, retail store, office building, etc.) you shall have your fire equipment inspected and serviced on an annual basis. The best way to do this is close to the same day each year with the same fire equipment service and inspection company. We can complete your annual inspections and call or mail your firm a reminder that works best with your schedule.

Our fire extinguishers are serviced by the local fire department, is that enough?

Your fire department is a great resource and you should have a good working relationship with them, but they only ensure that you have the equipment and check to make sure it’s inspected annually. They do not inspect, certify, recharge or hydro-test your fire extinguishers. These are all essential services that contribute directly to the safety of your business and we offer those services to make sure you are ready for business every day.

Do you have a customer loyalty program?

Yes. We believe in ensuring the services we provide on an annual basis. We also include various clauses that ensure that we have an enviable contract that grants us access to your facilities, ensuring that your equipment is properly inspected as per current fire code.

I have a contract with another fire equipment service vendor; can I still work with you?

“Check your agreement”! Since our inception we rarely run across contractors that actually utilize contracts or agreements that ensure the proper maintenance of your equipment. That’s why we use contracts that ensure we will provide you with the services required by the Alberta Fire Code and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) so you have the peace of mind you need - guaranteed!

Do we have to call you to make an appointment for our annual inspection?

No. We use an electronic reporting system that not only identifies your fire equipment, but also keeps track of when it needs to be inspected. We’ll call you in time for the next inspection so you can rest assured that your equipment will be properly maintained.

How do I know your services meet or exceed Alberta’s fire code?

We pride ourselves on the level of training we provide our service technicians with. We ensure they know how to properly inspect your equipment and that it’s inspected as to the hazard at hand. Our high standard of ethics ensure you receive the highest quality of service every time.

What should I look for if my equipment was serviced by one of your competitors?

We use a rigorous forty point inspection process we developed to thoroughly test your equipment. The outcome of this inspection will be clearly outlined in the hang tag and our electronic bar-coded report. This information should include the inspection that was performed, the date of the inspection and the initials or signature of the inspector. The pull pin should be pulled to ensure proper use and resealed with a new tamper seal. The hose should not be plugged or have any impairments. If the fire extinguisher was recharged, the inspector should have internally inspected, or hydro-tested it and there should be an identification collar indicating this. Also, look for the inspection sticker that should have been placed on the back of the fire extinguisher with information about the services performed during that inspection.

How often should my fire hoses be inspected?

Fire hoses should be inspected annually. To complete this inspection they should be removed from their hangers and thoroughly inspected for abrasions or impairments. Once this is complete they need to be re-hung and fanned out for the insertion of a new pin placement. Rubber o-rings need to be lubricated to ensure optimal operation which should also include a nozzle inspection.

What are backflows? How do they work? And, what do they protect?

Backflows are an important component to any public water supply &/or fire equipment arsenal and for great information on how they work and what they protect; we offer a video online for you to view for free. During our fire equipment audit and service visit, we include backflows to ensure your facility is compliant with local water and fire code.

Emergency lighting systems; Previous inspectors have disconnected the power supply timing down the usage over a defined time period. They only seem to replace the battery if it fails, is this correct?

No. We prefer to maintain your emergency lighting system by obtaining a post voltage and recording it. We then disconnect the power supply and identify load amperage and the number of remote heads and equipment that is operated by this electrical circuit. Over an elapsed time of 30 minutes we will record the voltage remaining on the battery, connect the power supply and identify the charge amperage. If the battery is still operational but the voltage readings identify the battery is near failure – we will replace the battery.

One of our extinguishers has failed or has been discharged. How can we get it serviced?

Extinguishers tend to fail through either improper maintenance, falling or through accidental discharge. Ensure the safety of your facility by having additional fire extinguishers onsite and call us immediately to arrange servicing of your fire equipment. If your location is further than one hours traveling distance from our service facility, shipping or transportation charges will apply. Upon receipt of your failed fire extinguisher we will service it free of charge if it’s an extinguisher we’ve serviced before. It should be noted that on every extinguisher hang tag, including our competition, there is a disclaimer stating:

“This certifies that the fire equipment was left in serviceable condition on the date noted, as per current NFPA 10. We assume no further liability.”

We must rely on the ethics our customers as well as our service technicians that they are providing the ultimate service.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, cheque, visa or MasterCard. Our terms are net 30 days.

Do you have a customer loyalty program?

Yes. We believe in ensuring the services we provide on an annual basis. We also include various clauses that ensure that we have an enviable contract that grants us access to your facilities, ensuring that your equipment is properly inspected as per current fire code.

I represent a large firm and we are interested in your training programs for our organization. What is the protocol for us to follow?

A: We supply online training to all organizations big or small. We ask that you follow our protocol by identifying the following:
a.) Number of employees (names of employees to follow at a later date)
b.) Course interests
c.) Contact representative (name, position, phone, fax, email address)
d.) Contact us at info@always-ready.ca

Upon receipt of your information, we will correspond with your Contact Representative identifying the different packages available and our contract requirements.

Does Always Ready only market online training platforms.

No. In addition to producing “off-the-shelf” products, we have a Custom Services Division that works with clients to produce training products that are uniquely suited to their needs. In some cases this means customizing an existing product. In other cases it means starting “from scratch” and producing an entirely new product.

Our custom work is not limited to safety and regulatory compliance. We have produced a number of custom products for customers on various human resource topics, and have even created product “infomercials”, “messages from the president” and other media-based materials.

Specifically, we have the capability to produce the following types of materials:

- Videotape Programs
- DVD Programs
- Interactive CD-Rom courses
- Online training courses
- Manuals
- Booklets
- Posters

To produce these products, we have a full complement of equipment and facilities that includes a full-function TV studio, digital edit suites, DVD and CD-ROM authoring systems, and online course authoring equipment.

Our staff includes:

- Writers / researchers
- Producers
- Directors
- Videotape field crew
- Videotape editors
- Graphics and animation specialists
- DVD authors
- Interactive CD-Rom authors
- Online course authors

If interested, contact us at info@always-ready.ca

I don’t have a PayPal Account. How do I get one?

When you click on the “Buy Now” button, you will be walked through a systematic process for making your purchase.

How will I receive the course?

Once you have successfully made your payment, you will be redirected to our Learning Management System where you can immediately access your course.

Do I have to download specialty software to view the courses?

Our courseware is conveniently located on the internet operating off a Macromedia Flash program. Most computers have Macromedia Flash, which is a free downloaded by visiting the link below.
www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?)1 Prod Version=Shockwave

If I want to take a select number of courses, can I get a break on pricing?

Yes, the more courses you sign-up for, the less expensive the courses. Contact us for more info at info@always-ready.ca prior to proceeding with your order.

What do I need to do to get started?

Review and identify courses of interest utilizing our checkout, pay for the course, and receive the interactive training through your high-speed internet connection within a few minutes.

Are special computer skills required to complete online training?

Yes, the ability to follow instructions along with an interactive keyboard and mouse controls.

How are Always Ready courses structured?

Our courses are designed with you in mind. All courses are interactive with animation, audio, colorful graphics, full-motion video, and quizzes that enhances and strengthens the training experience. The courses utilize a broad set of questions that are matching, multiple choice, true / false, as well as other comprehension testing. Each 45+ minute course consists of several topic modules that deliver content in a series with no proprietary plug-ins required.

Do I need any special kind of program to run your training program(s)?

Yes. Our courses are available over the internet through the course-delivery system that has been developed and operated by our associated service provider (asp). As our customer, you recognize that because our online courses are “video-rich”, some type of high-speed connection to the internet (such as T-1 line, cable modem, or higher speed DSL or ISDN line) is necessary to operate our courses satisfactorily over the learning system. It is your responsibility to maintain adequate internet connections to utilize Always Ready courses satisfactorily.

I am located in the United Kingdom, can I receive your courses and will they be compliant to my profession and related statutes?

Yes, you can receive our courses. All of our courses utilize an English dialect, thus all correspondence shall be the same. Our courses will be compliant for most professions and local statutes. We ask that you consult your local jurisdiction prior to proceeding.

What are the advantages of online training?

Our Learning Management System (LMS) is a fully-integrated package of on-demand courses coupled with comprehensive tracking. Our LMS is

• Convenient. You meet everyone’s scheduling needs, and you don’t have to come in on multiple shifts to oversee training.

• Comprehensive. Your safety training program covers applicable WHMIS, OSHA, DOT requirements – and more.

• Asynchronous. You train everyone at their own pace. Slow learners are not left behind, and fast learners are not bored.

• Consistent. You ensure that everyone gets exactly the same message, and you know that every critical topic is covered.

• Interactive. You keep trainees engaged, because they are involved in the process… instead of just sitting and listening.

• Effective. You know your employees are building safety skills and knowledge. Comprehension rates are high.

• Current. You do not have to worry about updates. Program changes reflect the latest regulations and technology – at no cost to you.

• Available. Train on your terms. Training is on-demand, 24/7 – even from home!

• Easy to Administer. You have ready access to comprehensive training records, and updates are automatic.

• Inexpensive. Your ideal training program costs you less than traditional training.

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Always Ready Inc.
Calgary, Alberta CANADA
P. 866.257.2579 | F. 403.262.3108
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