Romnish Kapoor has joined NFPA as Regional Sales Manager for MENA
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has appointed Romnish Kapoor as Regional Sales Manager for MENA, strengthening its presence across the Middle East and North Africa as it continues to promote fire, electrical and life safety throughout the region.
Based in Dubai, Kapoor will lead its business development efforts across MENA, expanding customer relationships and supporting organisations seeking to improve fire and life safety through the association’s internationally recognised codes and standards, training, certifications and related solutions.
The appointment reflects NFPA’s continued investment in the region, where rapid infrastructure growth and increasing regulatory focus are driving demand for fire and life safety expertise.
Mike Brunzell, Vice President of Global Business Development, said: “The Middle East and North Africa remain a strategic priority for NFPA, and we are pleased to welcome Romnish to our regional team.
“His extensive experience working with customers, regulators and industry leaders across the region will help us continue delivering the knowledge, resources and solutions that support safer communities and resilient built environments.”
Kapoor brings more than 20 years of experience in fire and life safety, testing, inspection and certification, regulatory compliance, strategic account management and business development.
Before joining, he held a series of commercial leadership positions with UL Solutions, where he led regional sales and strategic account growth initiatives across the Middle East and Africa. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with manufacturers, contractors, government authorities, regulatory agencies, developers, consultants and other industry stakeholders to advance safety, compliance and market development across emerging markets.
Kapoor said: “I’m excited to join NFPA at a time of tremendous opportunity across the MENA region.
“Governments, regulators and businesses continue to place greater emphasis on fire and life safety, and I look forward to working with our existing and new customers to help them advance their efforts with the world-class resources and solutions that NFPA has to offer.”
NFPA has worked across the Middle East and North Africa for decades, supporting governments and industry through its codes and standards, training and certification programmes, research and public education initiatives aimed at improving fire and life safety and helping to prevent fire-related loss.
AP Sensing explains how fibre optic Linear Heat Detection enables earlier lithium-ion battery fire detection on ships through continuous thermal monitoring
On the open ocean, where a ship’s hull is its entire world, fire is one of the few threats that can escalate faster than a crew can respond. Today, that threat is increasingly linked to lithium ion batteries.
Once specialty cargo, they now move through global supply chains in huge volumes, powering electric vehicles, e-bikes, tools, laptops and portable electronics. The maritime industry understands how lithium ion batteries behave under failure conditions.
The chemistry is well studied and the progression from defect to thermal runaway is familiar. What remains difficult is spotting developing thermal events early enough to act. Conventional systems often react only once smoke or fire is visible.
At sea, earlier automatic detection and precise situational awareness can make a critical difference.
How lithium-ion battery fires begin at sea
A lithium ion battery failure usually begins quietly. A defect, manufacturing flaw or Lithium-Ion Battery Fires “The maritime industry understands how lithium ion batteries behave under failure conditions.” impact can cause a small, localised rise in temperature. Inside a battery pack or sealed container, that heat can build slowly and invisibly.
On ships, where containers are tightly stacked and airflow is limited, early detection is difficult. Monitoring still often relies on inspections and fire watches, but thermal events can develop between checks, especially where visibility is restricted.
This is why maritime fire safety is shifting from reacting to visible fire toward continuous, automated awareness of developing thermal conditions.
How fibre optic Linear Heat Detection works
Fibre optic Linear Heat Detection addresses this challenge by continuously monitoring temperature along the protected area.
AP Sensing uses a passive fibre optic sensor cable routed through the ship or cargo zone, creating a continuous sensing line rather than isolated detection points. Wherever the cable runs, temperature is measured.
The system provides thousands of temperature readings along the cable, creating a real time thermal map that updates every few seconds. If thresholds or abnormal thermal developments are detected, it automatically alarms on the bridge, helping crews assess and respond earlier.
How fibre optic sensing detects heat before fire
At the centre of the system is a controller that sends short laser pulses into an optical fibre. As light travels through the fibre, a tiny portion scatters back from every point along the sensor cable.
Part of these backscattered light changes with temperature, while another part remains stable. By comparing the two, the system calculates temperature at every point along the cable. It also measures how long the light takes to return, allowing localised temperature changes to be precisely located.
This creates a complete, real-time temperature profile across the monitored area, not just a reading at one hotspot. Operators can see where heat is developing, how temperatures change and whether a thermal event is spreading.
For lithium-ion battery cargo, where conditions can escalate rapidly, continuous awareness is critical.
Maritime lithium-ion battery fire detection proven at sea
Technology is already proven in demanding environments.
Fibre optic Linear Heat Detection has long been used as a certified special detector within fire alarm systems. Before lithium-ion batteries became a growing maritime concern, it was deployed across road and rail tunnels, parking garages, large photovoltaic installations and storage facilities.
In these settings, reliability is essential. Detection systems must perform despite contamination, electromagnetic interference, vibration, weather and other harsh influences.
Fibre optic LHD has demonstrated this resilience while helping operators maintain safety and avoid unnecessary interruptions. This history is important because the technology is not new to challenging conditions.
At sea, however, airflow, motion and operational constraints create a distinct detection challenge. To explore this, AP Sensing’s system was evaluated alongside conventional and alternative detection technologies in a major European and insurance research initiative focused on fire safety on RoRo (Roll on, roll off) and container vessels. Testing included laboratory work and long-term onboard trials under real operating conditions.
The findings contributed to the inclusion of fibre optic Linear Heat Detection in the maritime SOLAS Fire Safety Systems (FFS) Code in early 2026, reflecting growing recognition of continuous thermal monitoring in maritime fire protection.
AP Sensing’s solution is also DNV-approved for safety-critical ship environments. The results highlighted the limits of traditional smoke detection on ships. In controlled settings, smoke detectors performed well. At sea, airflow, humidity, salt aerosols and engine related particles could delay detection or increase nuisance alarms.
Fibre optic Linear Heat Detection was unaffected by these challenges. Because it measures temperature directly along the cable, it remained reliable regardless of airflow or airborne contaminants.
The trials also showed that the system can reveal how a thermal event develops. It pinpointed the heat source and helped operators track spread and direction, giving crews precise, real-time information instead of a general alarm.
Why fibre optic heat detection suits maritime fire safety
Beyond detection performance, fibre optic Linear Heat Detectors fit maritime operations. The sensing cable is passive and needs no electrical power along its length, simplifying installation and removing potential ignition sources.
The system also remains active during loading and unloading, when cargo handling introduces added risk.
How early heat detection improves maritime fire response
Detecting heat early is only part of the equation. What matters is how quickly and effectively that information becomes action. In a maritime environment, where response time is critical and access can be limited, crews need to know where something is happening and how it is evolving.
Fibre optic sensing provides this insight in real time. Temperature data is processed in the measuring unit and visualised through a graphical user interface (GUI), giving operators a continuous view of conditions across the vessel.
Alarm strategies can be configured around absolute temperatures or temperature gradients, enabling early warnings of abnormal developments before a localised issue escalates.
Lithium-ion battery fire detection beyond maritime transport
With lithium-ion batteries, the challenge does not begin or end at sea. A battery’s journey spans storage, transport, use and recycling. Across these stages, the pattern remains the same: heat develops before fire.
Fibre optic Linear Heat Detection applies this principle consistently. A continuous sensing cable enables early detection and precise localisation, supporting a unified approach to fire safety beyond maritime transport.
This is especially relevant in battery storage facilities, where large volumes of cells are concentrated in confined spaces and in recycling operations, where damaged or unstable batteries add risk during handling and processing.
Across these environments, the value is consistent: early insight enables faster, better-informed decisions and safer operations.
Meet AP Sensing at SMM Hamburg
At SMM maritime exhibition in Hamburg, September 1-4, discussions around lithium-ion battery safety and early fire detection will continue across the industry.
AP Sensing’s fire detection expert, Felix Heck, will be on site to present how fibre optic Linear Heat Detection and Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing are applied in real maritime environments. He will share how continuous thermal monitoring supports earlier detection and more informed response strategies.
2026 has already delivered no shortage of headlines in terms of fire safety news. As fire risks continue to evolve, so too does the industry’s response, with innovation, regulation and investment shaping the future of fire protection and life safety.
In this roundup, we look back at five of the biggest fire safety news stories of 2026 so far. These developments have captured the attention of fire safety professionals worldwide, influencing policy, operations and the technologies protecting people, property and critical infrastructure.
KiddeFenwal expands NATURA line with Micro fire protection for small assets
In January, KiddeFenwal launched NATURA Micro, a compact inert gas fire suppression system offered through its Kidde Fire Systems brand.
The system was introduced at Intersec in Dubai, which took place from 12 to 14 January. NATURA Micro forms part of the company’s inert gas systems portfolio and is intended to protect enclosed, small-sized assets.
Swiss ski resort fire at Le Constellation
January also saw a devastating fire break out at Le Constellation, Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year celebrations in the early hours of 01/01/2026.
Police said the fire started at around 1:30am local time, when the basement bar was busy with revellers marking the turn of the year.
Click here for our coverage on timeline, casualties and investigation.
New Class L created specifically for lithium-ion battery fires
February kicked off with the launch of a new classification for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires. BSI confirmed the update reflects the growing use of Li-ion batteries across the built environment, from large energy storage systems to electric vehicles and personal mobility devices.
The standard classifies fires according to the nature of the material undergoing combustion.
Battery storage standard UL 9540A updated with large-scale fire testing
Standards and regulations were also on the mind in terms of fire safety news in March, with UL Standards & Solutions publishing the sixth edition of UL 9540A, adding large-scale fire testing requirements to the standard for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems.
The new edition was published on 13 March and is described it as a key standard for battery energy storage systems (BESS), including lithium-ion systems.
Philippines launches Fire Prevention Month
Meanwhile, March saw the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officially launch Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines with an assembly of more than 3,000 people and over 300 vehicles on March 1.
The Manila Bulletin reported that the event was led by BFP chief Director Jesus Fernandez.
The launch brought together BFP personnel, national government agencies, local and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, fire volunteers, fire brigades, private partners and non-government organisations.
After a comprehensive review of recent regional developments, we consider the decision to move the event to October to be the most responsible and appropriate course of action.
Please note this is a postponement, not a cancellation. If you have a confirmed ticket this remains valid and no action is required from you at this stage.
We would also like to reaffirm our continued commitment to supporting the international fire and safety industry. The UAE remains a regional hub for fire and safety innovation, professional development and strategic investment, and we remain fully dedicated to contributing to the advancement of the sector through the Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference and our wider industry activities.
Our team will provide updated event details and next steps in the coming weeks.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you in October for a highly valuable and timely gathering of regional fire and safety leaders.
International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Khalid Almandil to its prestigious IFSJ Leaders Advisory Panel for the 2026 IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference.
Almandil brings over 20 years of leadership experience in fire life safety and emergency response across multiple industries, including construction, oil & gas and real estate. He currently serves as the Operational General Manager of Red Sea Fire & Rescue Teams Company and as Fire Commissioner at Red Sea Global.
In his leadership roles, Almandil has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, team leadership and driving operational success to achieve corporate objectives. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Consultant-grade member of the Saudi Council of Engineers.
He also holds a master’s degree in engineering and has completed extensive leadership training at prestigious institutions, including the Royal Military Academy (UK), Wharton Business School (US) and the Justice Institute of British Columbia (Canada). His appointment strengthens IFSJ’s mission to unite senior leaders and innovators shaping the future of fire safety and emergency response worldwide.
About the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference
Taking place on May 7 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai, the IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference is a landmark global event bringing together senior professionals, policymakers and innovators from across the fire safety sector.
The event will feature high-level keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, interactive workshops and unparalleled networking opportunities, all designed to foster collaboration, share best practice and advance fire safety standards internationally.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading voices in engineering, regulation, emergency services, and safety management, exploring emerging challenges and solutions in fire prevention, preparedness and response.
Welcome to the Intersec 2026 live blog from International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ), a running blog of the stories in the lead up to and throughout the duration of the event, which takes place from 12–14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
If you have a story you wish to be published please contact Lewis Tyler (lewisg.tyler@intfireandsafetyjournal.com) Iain Hoey (iain.hoey@intfireandsafetyjournal.com) or Isabelle Crow (Isabelle.Crow@centurianmedia.com).
January 14 2026
KiddeFenwal expands NATURA line with Micro fire protection for small assets
KiddeFenwal has launched NATURA Micro, a compact inert gas fire suppression system offered through its Kidde Fire Systems brand.
The system was introduced at Intersec in Dubai.
NATURA Micro forms part of the company’s inert gas systems portfolio and is intended to protect enclosed, small-sized assets. Read more about the new product here.
Intersec Awards 2026 winners announced in Dubai
The winners of the Intersec Awards 2026 were announced during a gala dinner at the Conrad Dubai in Dubai, UAE.
The awards are now in their fifth edition, covering 17 categories across fire and safety, security and industry leadership, selected by an independent panel of 23 international judges.
Intersec Dubai 2026 hosts Sharjah and NFPA MoU signing
L-R_Jim Pauley, NFPA President & CEO and His Excellency Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority
Sharjah Civil Defence Authority (SCDA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a strategic alliance aimed at improving fire and life safety in the Emirate of Sharjah.
The the MoU was signed during an official ceremony held at Intersec Dubai 2026.
The agreement was signed by His Excellency Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, and Jim Pauley, president and CEO at the NFPA.
The alliance is intended to prioritise education and training programmes for fire and life safety professionals across the Emirate. Read more about the MoU here.
Janury 13 2026
NFPA LiNK 3.0 announced at Intersec Dubai 2026
NFPA LiNK 3.0 was announced at Intersec Dubai 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 13 January 2026.
The update was confirmed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) following its participation in the event, where it hosted an NFPA Day programme for government and industry representatives.
The announcement was made by NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley as part of the programme, which focused on fire, life and electrical safety issues in the region. Read more.
Intersec Global brand launched at Intersec 2026
Intersec Global has been launched as a unified international brand bringing together Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s security, safety and resilience events under a single platform, with the brand headquartered in Dubai.
Messe Frankfurt Middle East announced the new brand on 13 January during a press conference at Intersec 2026 in Dubai, UAE.
The press conference featured Eng. Arif AlJanahi, Security Consultant, SIRA, Lt. Col. Taher Hassan Al Taheri, The General Command of Dubai Civil Defence, and Eng. Khalid Al-Khatib, Chairman, NAFFCO.
Find out more about what the unified branding means for Intersec by clicking here.
Motorola Solutions outlines Visual Alerts expansion at Intersec Dubai
Motorola Solutions has announced new on-premise AI detection capabilities for its Avigilon video security platform at Intersec Dubai, which runs from 12 to 14 January.
The update introduces Visual Alerts, a feature that allows security and operational teams to define and detect site-specific visual events across large camera networks.
These detections can include scenarios such as unauthorised vehicles near shut-off valves or blocked fire exits, with alerts generated when defined conditions are observed.
Click here to read more about the Avigilion Visual Alerts feature.
Intersec discussion examines AI in safety-critical operations
Senior government and industry leaders at Intersec discussed how artificial intelligence is moving into everyday frontline operations in safety-critical environments.
The session, titled “AI & Safety 4.0: Rethinking Human Risk,” focused on how AI is being used in safety practices, ethical decision-making and risk management culture.
Panellists said AI tools should enhance human responsibility and leadership in safety-critical settings. Read more about the panel here.
Dafo Fomtec AB hosted a VIP launch event in Dubai to introduce Enviro Neo, a fluorine-free synthetic firefighting foam developed for high-hazard applications.
The foam is formulated without partially hydrated polymers and is designed to perform in both fresh water and sea water
The launch presentation was delivered by John Olav Ottesen, CEO of Dafo Fomtec, who also introduced three new foam products. Read more about Enviro NEO here.
Intersec 2026: Inside Messe Frankfurt’s largest Intersec yet
Dishan Isaac, Show Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said the scale of the 2026 edition reflects Intersec’s role as a convening point for industry and government.
“Intersec continues to set the benchmark for advancing global dialogue and partnerships in security, safety and fire protection,” he said.
“The growth of the 2026 edition reinforces the event’s role as a platform where industry leaders, innovators and government stakeholders come together to shape the future of emergency response and infrastructure protection.”
Read IFSJ’s full rundown of Intersec 2026 from our latest issue.
Intersec 2026 opens with 50,000 visitors expected
Sheikh Mansoor opens Intersec 2026
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, opened the event and toured the exhibition.
Sheikh Mansoor said: “Intersec has become one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to security and safety, and the scale of international participation reflects the growing confidence in Dubai’s ability to host major global events that help shape the future of key sectors through an environment that supports innovation and knowledge exchange.
“The rapid evolution of security, safety and emergency response technologies requires constant integration between innovation, institutional readiness and practical application. Dubai is committed to reinforcing this approach by organising exhibitions that bring together global expertise, helping to strengthen community security and enhance the efficiency of safety systems in line with the highest international standards.”
Intersec Dubai 2026 opened at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE on Monday 12/01/2026.
The 27th edition runs until Wednesday 14/01/2026 and includes an expanded Fire & Rescue exhibition alongside a specialist conference programme.
Organisers said the event brings together manufacturers, regulators, engineers and frontline responders from around the world.
Intersec reported more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries are participating, with tens of thousands of trade visitors expected across the three days.
The programme combines exhibition activity with conference sessions aimed at fire safety practice, compliance and emergency response planning
NFPA to headline Fire & Rescue Conference programme on day 2
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the line up for its participation at Intersec.
As part of its participation, NFPA will host NFPA Day on Day 2 of the Fire & Rescue Conference.
The dedicated programme will bring together senior government officials, private-sector leaders and industry experts for a full day of panel discussions and expert-led sessions.
The agenda focuses on artificial intelligence, mega-project safety and the energy transition, with sessions framed around fire and life safety practice across the Middle East.
Signaline, the UK-based linear heat detection specialist, has confirmed its attendance for the show and said that it will provide a platform to demonstrate its latest advancements and product developments.
On its stand in Hall 7, Booth E22, the company will present a range of Linear Heat Detection with UL approval and EN54 part 22 and EN54 part 28 approvals, approved to the UAE Civil Defence standards.
Intersec 2026 returns with expanded Fire & Rescue programme
Intersec has announced the return of its Fire & Rescue sector. Fire & Rescue is one of five core sectors at Intersec 2026 and will combine a dedicated exhibition with a multi-day conference programme.
The platform is designed to bring together manufacturers, regulators, engineers, civil defence authorities and frontline responders.
Ci Global to show its full intelligent building-safety ecosystem
Ci Global will show a live demonstrations of what it describes as the world’s most complete, prevention-first fire and building safety system: Ci Safe.
Ci Safe is an intelligent, embedded building-safety system designed to protect people, property, and infrastructure at scale.
Using smart sockets, sensors, and a central command-and-control layer, it continuously monitors electrical, thermal and environmental conditions in real time.
Kentec to showcase new BESS fire protection solutions at Intersec 2026
Kentec to demonstrate life safety systems at Intersec 2026
Kentec Electronics has said it will present its latest life safety technologies at Intersec 2026. The company said the exhibition will feature a range of its recent developments aimed at supporting compliance with new regulations and addressing safety challenges in emerging sectors.
Among the products on display will be K-Detect-iON, a calibration-free flammable gas detector that identifies hydrogen at the earliest off-gassing stage to prevent ignition and enable automatic safety responses in battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Intersec 2026 brings five sectors to Dubai World Trade Centre
Intersec 2026will open on Monday 12 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in Dubai, UAE.
The event will run until Wednesday 14 January 2026.
The 27th edition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.
The organiser expects more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and more than 50,000 trade visitors.
The 2026 show is described as the largest and most comprehensive edition in the event’s history.
Scale and international participation details
The exhibition has expanded by nearly 12,000 square metres to 65,000 sqm of gross exhibition space.
The layout spans multiple halls and outdoor demonstration areas at DWTC.
International pavilions will include the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Singapore, Sweden, China, Turkey and Korea.
Five sectors and conference programme
Intersec 2026 will cover five core product sectors: Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue and Health & Safety.
The event will include an expanded conference and knowledge programme featuring more than 250 experts.
The International Security Leaders’ Summit will return, with sessions covering AI governance, crisis leadership, human risk, public-private collaboration and aligning security strategy with national visions.
The Fire & Rescue Conference will examine fire prediction, building life-safety systems, passive fire protection and emergency response.
The Health & Safety Conference will focus on workforce protection, behavioural safety, wellbeing and organisational responsibilities in high-risk environments.
The InCyber Briefing will focus on cyber resilience topics including AI, post-quantum readiness, data sovereignty and cyber crisis simulation.
Workshops, roundtables and live features
Specialist theatres will include the Access Control Theatre, Control Room Innovation Theatre and the SIRA Forum.
The IFPO Certified Security Supervision and Management (CSSMP) Workshop and Challenge Exam will offer scenario-based exercises and preparation for the final exam.
Passive Fire Day and the FCIA–NFCA PFPCON ’26 Dubai will be co-located features for the passive fire sector.
Invitation-only Executive Roundtables will be led by PwC and Kearney.
Visitors can also see live features and immersive demonstrations, including real-world response scenarios and innovation showcases.
The Intersec Awards 2026 will take place during the week.
Organiser comments and UAE support
Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Intersec 2026 marks a significant milestone for the event and for the global security, safety and fire protection community.
“The scale and growth of this edition reflect the urgency with which organisations are seeking clarity, collaboration and future-ready solutions.
“Intersec has evolved into a platform where leadership, innovation and operational realities converge, and we are proud to welcome the industry to our largest and most globally representative edition to date, solidifying our position as a key platform for global collaboration, knowledge exchange and business development.”
Intersec 2026 continues to receive strategic support from the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).
Liam Hunt, Marketing Manager at STI, looks at the response to false fire alarms in UAE
The UAE had set its sights on bringing false fire alarm numbers down to zero by 2021, aiming to pull the country in line with its goal of being one of the safest countries in the world, however, as we head into 2023 is the country still suffering from alarm fatigue?
With one in three GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residents who ignore false fire alarms coming from the UAE, experts have warned of a ‘cry wolf’ attitude towards fire alarms in the country.
Alarm fatigue occurs when a person becomes desensitised to an alarm due to repeated false alarms and as a result, fails to react appropriately in an emergency – having potentially fatal effects.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, frequent false alarms have unfortunately made residents complacent causing them to delay evacuation and put lives at risk.
A common cause of false fire alarms is the accidental activation of manual call points and pull stations, often placed in high traffic areas it is easy for sensitive units to be knocked or mistaken for other electrical buttons.
After an incident at the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Police reported: “Dubai Police would like to clarify that a person mistakenly set off the fire alarm at the Mall after he had broken the emergency button fixed on a wall inside the Mall.”
It is not uncommon for public buildings across the UAE to be evacuated because of false alarms: affecting routine, costing businesses valuable time and money, and reducing the confidence the general public have in fire alarms.
Frequent false alarms at the Duja Towers in Dubai meant that when an actual fire broke out in the building in February 2020, many tenants ignored the warning bells.
Describing the incident, one tenant said he didn’t immediately evacuate the building upon hearing the fire alarm: “I ignored it as usual. When it kept ringing, I went down the stairs to check with the security who confirmed there is a fire in the building.”
Whilst another tenant added: “I myself have come down the stairs at least twice in the past because of the false fire alarm. So, it is natural that people do not take it seriously.”
Just two months later, as flames ripped through the 190-metre Abbco Tower in Sharjah, residents ignored multiple alarms before finally scrambling for safety.
Suffering from alarm fatigue, one resident said: “We ignored it thinking it was just another false alarm. But when it rang a second time and then a third, we got intrigued and looked out of the window.
“The sight that greeted us looked straight out of a disaster movie. Huge flames licked one side of our building as thick plumes of black smoke billowed the darkening sky.”
And as recently as November 2022, in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, firefighters tackled a large blaze at 8 Boulevard Walk in Downtown Dubai as residents experienced alarm fatigue.
A housemaid who looks after families in the 35-floor building said: “My madam thought it was a false alarm at first as it goes off quite often.
“There are lots of children in the building but everyone got out.”
Alarm fatigue is addressed in Chapter 18 of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice: “It is resident’s responsibility to take every fire alarm and fire sounders seriously. Though there are false alarms sometimes, it is resident’s responsibility to verify the fire alarm without neglecting and communicating with facility management.”
False fire alarms allow for a dangerous relaxed attitude towards evacuations, however, they can be prevented. As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017 manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms, and halt alarm fatigue.
The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b, that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.
“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”
A British Standard with global reach, BS 5839-1, has been used on high profile construction projects across the Middle East, including Dubai – the Standard recognises that false alarms can seriously prejudice the safety of occupants by contributing to alarm fatigue.
The dangers of false alarms are too highlighted in Chapter 8 of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice: “Fire Detection and Alarm Systems are many a times despised and ignored because of frequent experience of false alarms, which can be nuisance and waste of time when unwanted evacuations take place.”
Consequently, in Section 4.10. Manual Fire Alarm Initiating System (Manual Call Points), the Code of Practice advises protective covers: “Listed protective covers shall be permitted to be installed over single or double-action manually actuated alarm initiating devices.”
Safety Technology International manufacture a range of protective covers, from integral covers to outdoor, sounder, and UL listed models; there are variations to suit all applications. These covers are specifically designed to protect manual call points and pull stations from false fire alarms.
Manual Fire Alarm Initiating Systems
The design, installation and spacing of manual fire alarm initiating devices must be securely mounted onto a background of contrasting colour. The alarm-initiating devices can be single action or double action and listed protective covers shall be permitted to be installed over single-or double-action manually actuated alarm initiating devices.
Manual fire alarm boxes are only to be used for fire alarm initiating purposes and be installed so that they are conspicuous, unobstructed, and accessible. Unless installed in an environment that precludes the use of red paint or red plastic, manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in colour and should be located within 1.5 m of each exit doorway on each floor. The maximum travel distance to nearest Fire Alarm box should not exceed 61m, measured horizontally on the same floor and be mounted on both sides of grouped openings over 12.2 m in width, and within 1.5 m of each side of the grouped opening.
This article was originally published in the January edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
JAHEZIYA, a single-stop service provider for defence solutions and emergency response services, and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA), a world-class maritime education and training institute, part of AD Ports Group, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand regional fire safety and maritime training programmes.
As per the MoU, both parties will jointly market and introduce a comprehensive range of fire safety and maritime training courses within the UAE and beyond.
The collaboration will enable each organisation to promote, develop and deliver the training, as well as conduct research for the development of new technologies that serve the maritime industry.
JAHEZIYA CEO Talal Al Hashmi commented: “With our state-of-the-art facility and expansive team of in-house experts, JAHEZIYA is fully committed and adeptly prepared to deliver fire safety and maritime training programmes with the highest industry standard and best practices, fully enhancing students’ skills and knowledge. As an industry leader in maritime education, our collaboration with ADMA will certify strong maritime educational course programmes and reinforce UAE maritime capabilities.”
Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, Acting CEO – Maritime Cluster and SAFEEN Group, AD Ports Group, said: “We are pleased to work with JAHEZIYA to further develop world-class fire and safety maritime training programmes through the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, which works to guide the next generation of maritime industry professionals in the Middle East. JAHEZIYA’s goals are aligned with our own, to build the nation’s maritime capabilities, and we look forward to witnessing the successful upskilling of students through the Academy, so that they may be qualified to respond to complex emergency situations quickly, safely and effectively.”
JAHEZIYA is the region’s leading provider of emergency firefighting and rescue services, comprehensive military training, military logistics services, systems engineering and technical project management services, inclusive of systems integration. It is part of the Trading & Mission Support cluster at EDGE, an advanced training and technology group for defence and beyond, which ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in the world.
A premier initiative by AD Ports Group for the advancement of the maritime industry, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy provides world-class maritime education and training for the next generation of maritime industry leaders in the UAE and the region.
