The Seattle Fire Code requires building owners to maintain their building's fire protection systems in good working condition at all times, and to ensure that these systems are tested on a regular basis. The periodic testing of fire protection systems is called confidence testing.

Building owners are expected to schedule semi-annual, annual and 5-year confidence tests without notification from the Seattle Fire Department. In addition, building owners are expected to schedule an obstruction investigation and check valve maintenance every 5 years for sprinkler systems, standpipes and fire department connections.  Fire suppression systems that have extinguishing agent stored in cylinders require periodic hydrostatic tests on the cylinders as well.

All confidence tests for the fire protection and life safety systems listed in Administrative Rule 9.02.12 shall be conducted by a certified service technician.  A certified service technician possesses a certificate issued by the Seattle Fire Department.  Certification is obtained by passing a written test administered by the Department.

A list of companies with Seattle Fire Department Certified Technicians is available.  Contact information for these companies can be found in the phone book or online.

After the system is tested, a status tag or label shall be attached to the system by the technician.

The company chosen to perform the testing and any subsequent repairs is required by Administrative Rule 9.02.09 to submit a copy of the confidence test report to the Seattle Fire Department Confidence Testing Unit located in the Fire Marshal's Office.  The testing company is also required to provide a copy of the report to the building owner.  It is to be kept on the premises so that it is readily available to the fire department members upon request.  A filing fee of $10 is required for each report submitted.

To contact the Seattle Fire Department Confidence Testing Unit, please call (206) 386-1352 or (206) 386-1448.