Fire Systems Confidence Testing

What is Confidence Testing?

The International Fire Code (IFC) requires building owners to maintain their building’s fire protection systems (fire alarms, fire sprinklers, hood systems, etc.) in good working condition at all times and ensure that these systems are tested regularly. This periodic testing of fire protection is called confidence testing. Semi-annual, annual and five-year confidence tests are to be conducted by certified technicians and the confidence test reports they generate, including problems found and any corrections made, are required to be submitted to our office through The Compliance Engine. 

What is The Compliance Engine?

In March of 2018 the FMO contracted with The Compliance Engine (TCE) to streamline our process of collecting confidence tests. TCE provides a secure cloud-based environment where reports are submitted via a web portal, eliminating paper copies and facilitating a more efficient review, tracking, and follow-up process. TCE notifies all businesses in our database before a system is due for testing and when systems are past-due. 

All inspections must be submitted via The Compliance Engine for the following systems:

• Automatic Closing Fire Assemblies
• Clean Agent
• Emergency Power Generator
• Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System
• Fire Alarm
• Fire Escape
• Fire Pump
• Hood Suppression System
• Paint/Spray Booth Suppression
• Private Fire Hydrants
• Smoke Control System
• Sprinkler System
• Standpipe

Can service providers submit confidence tests on their own report forms?  Yes, service providers may use their own report forms with the exception of private hydrant tests which we require to be submitted on the Camas-Washougal Fire Department's Hydrant Test Report Form.

Are annual privacy gate tests required to be submitted through The Compliance Engine?  No. Privacy gate testing should be submitted directly to our office, and must be submitted using the Camas-Washougal Fire Department's Security Gate Confidence Test Report Form.