Fire Hydrant System – Five Yearly Service

 

Understanding the Five-Yearly Fire Hydrant System Maintenance Service

If you’re wondering what comes with the fire hydrant system five yearlies service as outlined in AS1851.2012, you’re in the right place! Our comprehensive maintenance ensures that your fire hydrant system remains compliant and safe, providing all the essential details you need about our expert services.

Important Notes for Residents in Different States

However, please note that this commentary focuses on fire hydrant maintenance in Victoria, assuming that residents of Queensland, New South Wales, and the rest of the country are likely well-informed on this matter. For inquiries pertaining to other states, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email.

The AS1851.2012 standard is a national requirement, save for the Australian Capital Territory which may or may not have legislated its adoption. For the purpose of this discussion, we will concentrate on Victoria.

It is vital to understand that only registered and licensed plumbers with an ‘Open’ category license can legally conduct this type of service.

Allow me to share an example from my personal registration:

My registration authorises me to perform unrestricted fire protection work, which includes servicing fire hydrants and hose reels. However, until I receive my full license, a licensed plumber must supervise my work. My colleague Steve, who frequently participates in our operations, is responsible for servicing fire hydrants.

Below illustration represents someone registered for annual testing:

And a screen shot of the licensing requirements.

 

Fire Hydrant System typically involves four steps, which I will explain to you briefly.

Stage One: Verification of Service Provider Credentials

For the first step in the process, it is imperative that the entity responsible for the five-yearly service is a registered and licensed plumber specialising in fire hydrant systems. Victoria boasts an abundance of such entities, many of whom come fully equipped with fire truck setups and competent plumbers.

Stage Two: Regular Service Checks and Flow Testing

The second phase can get a bit complicated. During this stage, the plumber performs monthly, six-monthly, and annual service work. This includes checking the most disadvantaged hydrant with the lowest water pressure and conducting a flow test. If properly equipped, such as with a flow meter, this task is significantly streamlined.

The flow test is a critical aspect of the annual check, ensuring adequate building coverage, water availability, and functional valves. In the event that you\’d like to learn more about this procedure, I would be delighted to demonstrate.

 

Additionally, the hydrostatic test is an exciting stage of the process. This involves augmenting the system\’s pressure to 1.5 times the operating pressure and maintaining it for approximately 90 minutes. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure the system can handle the necessary flowing pressure during a fire.

Experience has taught me that system failure during a fire can have catastrophic consequences. In a recent instance, a multi-story apartment block had its sprinkler system activated up to the 6th floor when an adjacent building caught fire. The incident, while unfortunate, underscored the importance of regular system maintenance and the key role it plays in ensuring operational efficiency.

 

Stage Three: Execution of the Boost Test

The third stage is the boost test. A fire truck is connected to the system to ascertain its functionality when linked to a truck with hoses and a firefighter. The primary objective is to determine if the required pressure and flow can be achieved. Although it may seem straightforward, this test should be executed with caution as it has the potential to damage the pipes.

 

 

Stage Four: Comprehensive Maintenance as per AS1851:2012 Section 4

The fourth and final stage involves servicing as per AS1851:2012 Section 4. This comprehensive servicing includes replacing booster washers, checking and lubricating non-return valves, fitting new washers to hydrant valves, servicing non-return valves, and verifying all pressure gauges against a calibrated model.

The Bottom Line

it is paramount that a licensed plumber conducts these tasks. The service requires a detailed inspection and maintenance work, as well as the execution of a hydrostatic test, a boost test, and a non-assisted flow test.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any additional queries or assistance. Best of luck in your fire hydrant service efforts!

Drew (Sprinkler Fitter)