Isuzu boosts fire services specialist

Victorian Hydrant Testing & Plumbing says its two Isuzu NNR 200s are a perfect fit for their respective roles

The fire protection industry plays a vital role, ensuring fire hydrants, hose reels and sprinkler systems are adequately maintained and ready to operate effectively in the event of a fire.

Melbourne-based Victorian Hydrant Testing & Plumbing was established in 2004 and has gone on to become one of Victoria's most respected fire services specialists.

Company Director Andrew Hor says the firm handles a variety of tasks for its clients.

"We have tested thousands of systems on behalf of the fire brigade, insurance companies, fire protection installers and national fire protection providers, and we find faults in system design and installation almost every week," he says.

"Insurance is void if maintenance and testing is not upheld and it can lead to fines and building closures for severe cases."

Mr Hor says the company took a significant step forward when, in 2009, it added two Isuzu NNR 200s to its existing fleet of cars.

"We need our trucks to simulate what the fire brigade would do in the event of a fire," he says.

"The fire brigade trucks can pump up to 65 storeys but one of our trucks will pump up to 100 storeys."

The trucks have each been custom built to suit their role, and now feature a fire pump, hydrostatic pumps, a variety of hydrant fittings and adaptors, flow test equipment and more.

"One truck is for large capacity flow tests for large industrial sites and the other is specifically designed for high-rise installations," says Mr Hor.

"Its high-rise pump can output 1500 litres a minute at a pressure of 5500kPa. For comparison the city mains water pressure is around 600kPa."

Fire hydrant testing is another crucial aspect to the trucks' working week.

"We do a flow test at the most disadvantaged hydrants – either the highest hydrant on a multi-storey building or the furthest hydrant from the water main supply or onsite pump – to measure the city mains pressure and flow capability," he says.

Isuzu boosts fire services specialist

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