Inaugural H-Pattern Hydrant Competition
Speed. Precision. Compliance. Put your fire protection expertise to the test on the expo floor
This fast-paced, skills-based competition will challenge licensed fire protection professionals and apprentices to demonstrate installation speed, accuracy, and compliance under real-world conditions. Teams of two will compete head-to-head on the Expo floor, assembling a standardised hydrant booster configuration against the clock, with judging based on time and compliance with industry standards.
Open to all Fire Australia attendees, the competition offers a unique opportunity to showcase technical expertise, promote best-practice installation, and celebrate workforce excellence within the fire protection industry. Live commentary, a real-time leaderboard, and industry recognition will ensure strong engagement for both competitors and spectators.
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Competition Rules
Competition Setup
The competition will involve the assembly of a standardised H-pattern fire hydrant booster configuration on a purpose-built stand within the Expo Trade Hall.
All components supplied will be non-pressurised and configured to replicate real-world installation conditions.
All materials, fittings, and connection points will be consistent across all heats to ensure fairness.
Teams and Eligibility
The competition is open to licensed fire protection professionals and registered apprentices attending Fire Australia 2026.
Teams will consist of two (2) competitors.
Each team must register prior to the event. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come basis.
Tools and Equipment
Teams must supply their own manual hand tools required to complete the installation (e.g. spanners, wrenches).
Electrical, battery-powered, or pneumatic tools are not permitted.
All competition-supplied fittings and components must be used as provided.
Teams are responsible for checking their tools prior to the start of the competition. Tool failure will be deemed the responsibility of the competitors.
Safety Requirements
Each team must complete a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) / JSA prior to competing. This must be reviewed and approved by the competition judge(s).
Both team members must agree to and sign onto the SWMS/JSA before commencing.
Mandatory PPE includes:
Safety glasses
Steel-capped boots
Protective gloves
Failure to comply with safety requirements may result in penalties or disqualification.
Competition Format
Teams will compete in head-to-head heats, with two teams competing at a time.
At the start of each heat, a countdown and starting signal will be given. Timing will commence on the signal.
Two independent timekeepers will record completion times.
Task Requirements
Each two-person team must correctly assemble the full H-pattern hydrant booster configuration, including all supplied components, in accordance with industry best practice and applicable Australian Standards.
All supplied parts must be installed correctly for the assembly to be deemed complete.
Tool kits must remain on the ground beneath the working area when not in use.
Completion Criteria
A team’s time stops when:
The full assembly is completed
All fittings are correctly tightened
The installation is presented to the judge for inspection.
Incorrect assembly, missing components, or non-compliance will result in penalty points added to the final time.
Judging and Scoring
The competition will be judged primarily on speed, with penalties applied for:
Incorrect component orientation
Loose or missing fittings
Non-compliance with standards or safety requirements
Final rankings will be based on fastest adjusted time (raw time plus penalties).
A live leaderboard will display results throughout the event.
General
Judges’ decisions are final.
Event organisers reserve the right to stop a heat if unsafe behaviour is observed.
The competition will be conducted live on the Expo floor with commentary for spectator engagement.
