Women in safety lead critical conversations at RoSPA Dubai safety summit

by EventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - EventsSafety

RoSPA hosts safety summit in Dubai

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is hosting its Safety Summit 2025 today [24th September] at the JW Marriott Hotel Marina in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The one-day event, held in partnership with the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), brings together safety leaders and decision-makers from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

According to RoSPA, the summit is focused on building resilience against extreme heat, preparing for future GCC regulations and strengthening occupational safety and health (OSH) leadership.

RoSPA confirmed that the event has closed bookings, with the programme structured around keynote speeches, case studies and panel discussions.

Speakers and programme

The summit began with opening remarks from Becky Hickman, Chief Executive Officer of RoSPA, and Ibtehal Hamed, International Consultant at RoSPA.

Dr Waddah S. Ghanem Al Hashmi, Chairman of the Federal OSH Committee, UAE, delivered the keynote on governance, regulation and leadership in the GCC safety sector.

Panels during the day have addressed topics including OSH in workplaces and communities, climate resilience, and road risk management.

Specific sessions have also examined the role of women in safety, safe driving standards, leadership in high-risk industries and the impact of RoSPA Awards on organisational culture.

The closing remarks are scheduled to be delivered by Becky Hickman, followed by a networking reception.

Key themes and focus areas

RoSPA confirmed that the summit highlights OSH as a driver of safer workplaces and stronger community wellbeing.

Topics under discussion include adaptation to extreme heat, flood risk, worker health and integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities into safety management.

Case studies presented at the event feature examples of heat illness prevention, workplace safety standards and recognition through RoSPA’s international awards scheme.

Sessions also place emphasis on women’s leadership in OSH, transport safety and the importance of embedding a culture of care in high-risk industries.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The RoSPA Safety Summit 2025 in Dubai is directly relevant to professionals managing health, safety and risk in the GCC.

For fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers, the focus on climate resilience and extreme heat adaptation provides examples of preventive strategies that can inform operational planning.

For occupational safety and health officers, facility managers and consultants, the event outlines the importance of governance, leadership and inclusive culture in achieving compliance and resilience.

For professionals in oil and gas, aviation and high-risk transport sectors, sessions on road safety, fleet driver protection and high-risk industry leadership offer insights into reducing occupational hazards.

For standards and certification bodies, the summit’s inclusion of NEBOSH perspectives and discussion of ISO 45009 developments points to evolving frameworks that may shape future compliance in the region.

RoSPA hosts safety summit in Dubai: Summary

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) hosted the Safety Summit 2025 on Wednesday 24 September 2025 at the JW Marriott Hotel Marina in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The one-day event was held in partnership with the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) and brought together senior leaders, regulators and safety professionals from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The programme included keynote addresses, panel discussions and case studies on occupational safety and health, climate resilience, future regulation, women in safety, road risk management and leadership in high-risk industries.

Speakers included Dr Waddah S. Ghanem Al Hashmi of the UAE Federal OSH Committee, Becky Hickman of RoSPA, and senior representatives from organisations such as ALBA, Serco, ADNOC, PepsiCo and Dubai Municipality.

The summit closed with remarks from RoSPA’s Chief Executive Officer, followed by a networking reception at the venue.

This article contains information from the following source: RoSPA

FIRE Conference 2025 to explore lithium-ion risks and Grenfell legacy

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsEvents

UK fire sector to examine built environment challenges

The Institution of Fire Engineers has announced that the FIRE Conference 2025 will take place on Thursday 13 November at the QEII Conference Centre in London.

According to the Institution of Fire Engineers, this year’s event will focus on how the built environment can be made fit for future challenges, with a programme that includes sessions on fire policy, regulation, and risk.

The conference is being delivered in partnership with the Fire Protection Association, National Fire Chiefs Council and the Fire Sector Confederation.

The organisers said it will feature expert-led sessions on current and emerging issues, with in-person and virtual attendance available.

Programme to examine new government policy and regulatory updates

The Institution of Fire Engineers said the FIRE Conference 2025 will include early insights into the fire safety policy direction of the next UK government.

Sessions will cover proposed revisions to Approved Document B and updates from the Building Safety Regulator, alongside national and international perspectives on managing wildfire risk in both urban and rural areas.

Delegates will also hear a case study on the Moss Landing battery storage facility fire in California and reflections on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.

Breakout sessions to address lithium-ion batteries and product testing

The Institution of Fire Engineers stated that breakout discussions will provide attendees with opportunities to explore specific technical topics in greater detail.

These include the future of construction product testing, lithium-ion battery safety, resident safety metrics, and updates to British Standards.

Further sessions will look at qualification and competency standards for fire risk assessors.

Panel to discuss skills pipeline and planning gateway compliance

According to the Institution of Fire Engineers, the programme will feature a panel on developing the next generation of fire safety engineers, examining how the sector is preparing professionals for future demands.

Another session will focus on how one UK housing association successfully met the requirements of the planning gateway process under current regulations.

More than two hours of networking will also be available, with sector professionals, senior leaders and sponsors in attendance.

FIRE Conference 2025: summary

The Institution of Fire Engineers has announced that FIRE Conference 2025 will take place on 13 November at the QEII Conference Centre in London.

The conference will be delivered in partnership with the Fire Protection Association, National Fire Chiefs Council and Fire Sector Confederation.

It will include in-person and virtual attendance options.

Topics on the agenda include government policy direction, Approved Document B changes, the Building Safety Regulator, and wildfire resilience.

A case study on the Moss Landing battery fire and discussion of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report will be included.

Breakout sessions will cover construction product testing, lithium-ion battery risks, resident safety, and British Standards.

Competency requirements for fire risk assessors will be addressed in dedicated sessions.

Panels will explore workforce development and experiences of navigating planning gateways.

Networking opportunities will feature contributions from Coopers Fire, Fire Chief, Consort Insurance, Lubrizol, Red Plug and Rapidrop.

Tickets are now available with CPD and post-event session access included.

Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2025 reveals new air tankers and fleet modernisation plans

by Aerial FirefightingEventsFeatured News
Image: Aerial Firefighting Magazine

France hosts aerial firefighting summit in Bordeaux

Aerial Firefighting Magazine has published an overview of Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2025 which place in Bordeaux, France, on 26–27 March.

The event, hosted by the General Directorate of Civil Security and Crisis Management and organised by Tangent Link, brought together stakeholders from across the aerial firefighting sector.

Delegates included national civil protection agencies, air forces and ministries of defence, alongside manufacturers and service providers in the aerial firefighting sector.

The event showcased new aircraft and equipment and included presentations on operational tactics, fleet developments and interagency collaboration.

To read the full report by Babak Taghvaee, visit: https://aerialfiremag.com/2025/04/02/revolutionizing-aerial-firefighting-aerial-fire-fighting-europe-2025/

Spain and France detail fleet expansion and upgrade programmes

The Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Spanish Air Force presented current and future capabilities, including plans to modernise the CL-215T fleet and acquire seven new DHC-515 amphibious aircraft.

Spain’s €375 million programme was announced in April 2024 and two of the aircraft will be procured via the European Civil Protection Mechanism.

France’s Sécurité Civile, meanwhile, is scheduled to receive two DHC-515s as part of an order of 22 across several countries, with deliveries beginning in 2028.

Speakers also highlighted lessons from international deployments, referencing the 2022 Bordeaux wildfires which drew assistance from Greek, Italian and Romanian firefighting assets.

Industry unveils new Type-II and Type-III air tankers

Four new aerial firefighting aircraft were introduced during the conference: the Metrea FireSwift, Kepplair Evolution KE-72, Positive Aviation FF-72 and 19-01 Holding WF-X Waterfall.

Metrea Aero’s FireSwift, based on the Dash 8-300, offers a 5,700-litre capacity and is equipped for night operations with EO/IR sensors and satellite communications.

The KE-72 ‘Forest Keeper’, based on the ATR-72, features removable tanks and freight capability, aiming for reduced operational costs and multifunctional use.

Positive Aviation’s FF-72 adds amphibious capability to the ATR-72 platform and exceeds the water capacity and engine power of legacy aircraft like the CL-415.

The WF-X Waterfall, a Type-I tanker under development by 19-01 Holding, is designed for both firefighting and maritime operations with a projected capacity of 12 tons.

Global collaboration in aerial firefighting strategy and innovation

Speakers from the United States, Germany and Greece shared operational strategies and domestic challenges in aerial firefighting.

Chris Siok and Mike Sagely from the Los Angeles County Fire Department briefed on wildfire response protocols and aircraft use in California.

Bavarian officials discussed firefighting in forests affected by munitions contamination and compared rotary and fixed-wing aircraft performance.

The Hellenic Fire Service announced an expansion of its helicopter fleet, with eight new H215s scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2028.

French firms including Safran, AgroDrone and Airbus Helicopters also presented airborne surveillance, drone-based detection, and helicopter firefighting technologies.

Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2025 reveals new air tankers and fleet modernisation plans: Summary

Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2025 took place on 26–27 March in Bordeaux, France.

It was hosted by the General Directorate of Civil Security and Crisis Management and organised by Tangent Link.

Delegates included national governments, defence officials and aerospace companies.

New aircraft presented included Metrea FireSwift, Kepplair KE-72, Positive Aviation FF-72 and 19-01 Holding WF-X Waterfall.

Spain announced a €375 million programme to modernise its aerial fleet, including the purchase of seven DHC-515s.

France, Croatia, Greece, Indonesia and Portugal are also scheduled to receive DHC-515s from 2028.

Presentations were made by speakers from Spain, the US, Germany and Greece.

Topics included firefighting in contaminated forests, new fleet capabilities, and the use of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

French companies and manufacturers showcased airborne surveillance tools and helicopter technologies.

The full report by Babak Taghvaee can be read at Aerial Firefighting Magazine: https://aerialfiremag.com/2025/04/02/revolutionizing-aerial-firefighting-aerial-fire-fighting-europe-2025/

JELD-WEN to showcase certified fire door options at Fire Safety Event

by Featured NewsFire Doors

UK fire door manufacturer JELD-WEN has announced that they will be at the Fire Safety Event from the 8-10 April, where they will will be on hand to discuss sector-specific fire door solutions, returning for the second year in a row.

With more than 250 exhibitors, the Fire Safety Event is the leading industry event bringing together construction experts, facilities managers, fire safety specialists and suppliers to share the latest fire safety innovations.

JELD-WEN’s stand

Visitors to the JELD-WEN stand will get the opportunity to find out about the wide range of fire doorsets that it creates, including hardware options and different finishes.

As a licensed door processor and having recently secured BM Trada Q Mark certification in addition to its existing Certifire and Certisecure, JELD-WEN manufactures and fabricates a wide range of fire doorsets for a range of different sectors.

Throughout the event, experts from the team will be on hand to discuss performance and specification requirements – including the best options for key sectors where fire doors are frequently a requirement, such as hospitals, care homes, schools, high-rise residential buildings and office blocks. 

This includes considering key performance factors that tackle the challenges of that sector, including adequate fire ratings, acoustics, security, durability and aesthetics.

Senior Manager of Product and Marketing, JELD-WEN UK, Lisa Ward’s statement

Lisa Ward, Senior Manager, Product and Marketing at JELD-WEN UK, said: “Fire doors play a vital part in providing passive fire protection in buildings to help to keep occupants safe, providing a means of escape.

“As well as showing the depth of JELD-WEN’s testing and certification in ensuring the highest performance standards in fire protection, this will be a good opportunity to highlight how our fire doors have been designed, tested, and certified with the end project in mind.

“With a comprehensive sector-by-sector insight into fire door performance – and designed to complement building aesthetics, we are keen to show how fire doors have been designed to meet sector requirements.

“This is a great arena to see the latest innovations in fire safety, and to highlight the ongoing commitment to ensure the highest standards across the board, and we look forward to taking part.”

Fire Safety Event 2025: JELD-WEN to showcase certified fire door options: Summary

JELD-WEN has announced that they will be at the Fire Safety Event from the 8-10 April, discussing their sector-specific fire door solutions.

International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024 takes place in Dhaka

by EventsFeatured News

Bangladesh hosts major international expo to bolster fire safety

The Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka became the focal point for global fire safety and security from Saturday, 17th February, with the inauguration of the three-day International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024.

Organised by the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB), the event aims at mitigating disaster risks and damages, ensuring the availability of fire safety and protection equipment, and enhancing public awareness on these critical issues.

Government and private sector join forces for fire safety

Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser, Salman F Rahman, who inaugurated the expo, praised ESSAB for its pivotal role in elevating public consciousness on fire safety and security within the nation.

“After the fire accident at Rana Plaza and Tazreen Fashion Garments, the government has placed special focus on diminishing fire risks and assuring safety in the country’s industrial factories,” Rahman said, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector entrepreneurs in addressing fire safety issues.

Rahman further noted the global recognition of Bangladesh for having some of the safest and most environmentally-friendly garment factories, a testament to the joint endeavors of the government and private sector.

Modernisation of fire safety measures

The government’s commitment to fire safety was underscored by its initiatives to modernise fire stations nationwide and establish fire stations in every upazila and the special economic zones, Rahman added.

This comprehensive approach aims to ensure a high level of fire safety across the country.

Growing focus on fire safety in industry expansion

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president, Mahbubul Alam, emphasised the increasing importance of factory safety as the country’s industry and investment grow.

He criticised the import and sale of low-quality fire safety equipment in the domestic market and called for ensuring the use of quality equipment.

Market opportunities for local manufacturing

The expo has drawn attention to the burgeoning domestic market for fire safety and security equipment, signaling opportunities for local manufacturing and future exports.

ESSAB President Niaz Ali Chishty highlighted the significant market potential, currently valued between Tk 14,000 crore and Tk 15,000 crore annually, which largely depends on imports from countries like the United Kingdom, the US, UAE, Germany, Turkey, and Japan.

Chishty’s call for policy support to transition towards a manufacturing-based sector reflects a strategic vision for the industry’s future in Bangladesh.

Collaborative efforts for enhanced fire safety

The event has seen participation from over 100 prominent companies across 30 countries, with the FBCCI providing full support.

The discussions and exhibitions are set to foster dialogue on improving fire safety and security standards, with a focus on quality assurance, policy support, and the potential for local manufacturing to meet domestic and international demand.

IFSJ comment

The International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024 in Dhaka is a great platform that showcases the collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and international partners to advance fire safety and security measures in Bangladesh.

This initiative enhances public awareness and readiness against fire-related disasters, opening avenues for economic growth through the local manufacturing of fire safety and security equipment.

By focusing on quality, compliance, and innovation, Bangladesh is positioning itself as a leader in fire safety and security, paving the way for safer industrial practices and sustainable economic development.