Understanding Compliance Engines and Why They Are Beneficial

Compliance engines are starting to become a major part of how the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in local municipalities are operating by helping keep track of the code compliance of the growing number of buildings within their jurisdiction. Not only are they able to track code compliance, they are able to be proactive in increasing the testing and maintenance activity in their given jurisdiction.

The basic premise of a compliance engine is to connect the Authority Having Jurisdiction with their communities by utilizing a web-based service for code officials to track and encourage the inspection, testing, and maintenance code compliance of Fire Protection Systems, Backflows, and Elevators. The ultimate goals of driving the usage of a compliance engine is to reduce false alarm activity, increase inspection and testing code compliance, and provide safer communities.

Changing the Landscape of Code Compliance & Fire Protection

While it may seem that this is just a way to generate revenue for both contractors (it does through deficiency repairs) and the local AHJ (it does through submission fees), the single biggest reason we are starting to see the shift to a compliance engine is to make it safer for the people who occupy these buildings. Utilizing the code compliance engine can play a significant role in reducing the likelihood of a fire event and the damage it could cause if the fire protection systems are not being maintained properly. 

Deficiencies

Over the last several years where there has been more of an emphasis put on the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems, deficiencies are frequently found that could impact the performance of their fire sprinkler systems, yet the deficiencies go un-repaired. Many times, property owners may not want to pay for the correction of the deficiencies immediately because there is a lack of urgency or the significance of the deficiency is not fully understood.

Now, with the utilization of compliance engines and having to submit the inspection reports along with the list of deficiencies, there is a priority to have these deficiencies corrected immediately in order to properly maintain their fire protection systems and prevent major property loss. While the upfront cost may seem significant, the long-term savings is priceless.

Results We Are Seeing From Compliance Engines

The result of having a compliance engine to keep track of code compliance, the Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention Bureaus are able to have accurate data built around which buildings have sprinkler systems, the types of sprinkler systems, when they were last tested, and if there are any open deficiencies that could hinder the successful deployment of their fire protection teams in the event of an incident.

As a fire sprinkler contractor who offers quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections and testing to our customers, we are starting to see compliance engines adopted across several of the local municipalities we serve in an effort to track and drive the inspection and testing code compliance. Thanks to the database the compliance engines are building, we know that over 50% of all fire protection systems go untested and maintained annually.

Having compliance engines recently implemented in some of the municipalities that we serve, we have seen a significant increase in the number of properties that are having sprinkler systems inspected and tested more frequently and getting their deficiencies repaired this year than the last 5 years combined. While this is generating more revenue for us, it is also giving us an opportunity to interact with our customers more than usual, ultimately building a much stronger relationship with them, and that is our ultimate goal.

If you would like to better understand how we are utilizing compliance engines to assist our Authorities Having Jurisdiction, to get a list of the local municipalities that currently employ a compliance engine, or to schedule an inspection or deficiency repair, please contact one of our offices.

In addition to Inspections and Service, Jayhawk Fire Sprinkler specializes in Consultation, Design & Engineering, Installation, and Corrosion Solutions. We also make it a priority to have a 24/7 Emergency Dispatch Service in the event of a fire sprinkler emergency to serve our communities and keep them safe.

Cities & Municipalities Currently Utilizing Compliance Engines

Topeka

• Lawrence, KS (Backflows)
• Topeka, KS