Managing evolving threats: Lieutenant Colonel Dr Humaid Al Ali explores strategies for enhanced community protection

by Breaking NewsIFSJ InfluencersMiddle East - Breaking News

By Lieutenant Colonel Dr Humaid Al Ali, Deputy Director of Fire Affairs, UAE Civil Defense GHQ

The UAE has established a pioneering model for addressing the challenges in firefighting and societal protection through clear strategies, best practices and the adoption of modem technologies.

By enhancing the capabilities of its civil defence forces, the UAE has effectively tackled the global challenges faced by civil defence teams worldwide.

The UAE’s efforts have yielded tangible results, positioning the nation at the forefront of international rankings in security, protection and community prevention.

The global firefighting sector faces numerous challenges due to rapid urbanisation and population growth, necessitating improvements in efficiency and capabilities to meet these demands.

Here are some of the key challenges and strategies:

1. Increased costs and urban density

The expansion of urban areas and rising population density require the establishment of more civil defence stations and a larger workforce, which, presents significant financial challenges.

Shifting the focus from immediate response to proactive fire prevention and safety is crucial.

For instance, the UAE Civil Defense has effectively implemented the Hassantuk smart system, which monitors, predicts and prevents fires.

2. Adoption of modern technology and artificial intelligence

Incorporating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, is essential for realising potential benefits, though it involves substantial costs.

A comprehensive technology strategy is needed, encompassing the setting of future goals) enhancing IT efficiency and establishing performance indicators.

Streamlining procedures, transitioning to paperless management and unifying data on a single platform are vital steps toward smart management.

3. Balancing fire code standards and economic considerations

Civil defence departments must strike a balance between enforcing fire safety standards and considering the economic implications for local communities.

Utilising specific tools and models for law compliance can help reduce fire-related incidents and fatalities.

Departments with direct control over law enforcement tend to perform more effectively than those managed by other local entities.

4. Coordination with various stakeholders

Many fire incidents cannot be mitigated without collaboration with other communities, organisations, or stakeholders, posing a significant challenge for local civil defence department.

For example, reducing fire-related deaths in residential buildings requires joint efforts between civil defence and local authorities responsible for managing and supervising these buildings.

5. Addressing diverse fire incident types

As the world rapidly changes, new inventions, ideas and challenges emerge daily, necessitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among global civil defence departments.

While global warming and its side effects may not be directly linked to civil defence, they undeniably impact the environment, prompting a re-evaluation of current strategies.

Emphasising international cooperation and the exchange of best practices can lead to better outcomes in managing these unique threats.

Collaboration among global civil defence departments is essential for a safer future, highlighting the importance of proactive strategies, technological adoption and international cooperation in the evolving landscape of fire and safety management.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Humaid Al Ali holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and is a Lieutenant Colonel serving as the Deputy Director of Fire Affairs with the UAE General Command of Civil Defence.

He is a visionary leader in safety and fire station operations and has a distinguished record of service, having been named “Best Officer in the Civil Defense Sector” three times.

IFSJ Influencers Edition 2024

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Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.

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This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal.

To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

UAE health ministry introduces tobacco-free workplace guidelines

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsSafety

Ministry of Health launches tobacco-free workplace guide

“Our office implemented strict no-smoking policies inside the building to protect the health of our employees and reduce the risk of fire.”

Eddie Manalo Jr

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has issued new guidelines to establish tobacco-free workplaces across the country.

As reported by Gulf News, the guidebook, released on June 10, aims to eliminate smoking in all areas of government departments and private companies, including outdoor areas and vehicles.

The guidelines call for disciplinary actions against individuals who deliberately violate the smoking prohibition.

Various companies have begun revising their policies to comply with these new standards, though there is still uncertainty about whether the guidelines are mandatory and the specific disciplinary actions that can be taken.

Companies revising smoking policies

Several companies have already implemented no-smoking policies inside their buildings.

Eddie Manalo Jr., business development manager at an audio-visual solution provider, stated: “Our office implemented strict no-smoking policies inside the building to protect the health of our employees and reduce the risk of fire.” His company has a designated smoking area in the parking lot to accommodate smokers.

Birgit Gross, country HR manager for an energy major, mentioned that her company has long promoted a tobacco-free workplace.

She said: “In all our facilities and sites, we only allow smoking outside and distant from our building facilities in designated areas.”

Other companies are actively reviewing the new recommendations.

Sandesh Divagar, corporate sales manager at an education and smart classroom solution provider, said his company is “seriously considering implementing these recommendations to align with industry standards and promote employee well-being.”

Support for employees to quit smoking

Some organisations are taking additional steps to support employees who wish to quit smoking.

Jessie Joy, senior HR and admin manager at a digital marketing company in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the company’s efforts to assist staff members through counselling services, nicotine replacement medications, and smoking cessation programs.

Joy explained: “All staff members will receive frequent training sessions and educational materials to make sure they are completely aware of the company’s no-smoking policy and the repercussions for breaking it.”

Betzy Varghese, HR and admin manager at a freight management company in Dubai, noted that her company includes individual counselling and plans to offer additional support during medical screenings to help employees quit smoking.

Handling policy violations

The ministry’s guidebook mandates disciplinary actions against employees who violate smoking prohibitions.

Companies are preparing various enforcement strategies.

For instance, Gross mentioned that her company follows a defined disciplinary action protocol, which can range from verbal and written warnings to further sanctions if necessary.

Varghese’s company is considering innovative disciplinary actions, such as deducting points in the employee reward system and collecting fines for charity.

Divagar emphasised that his company takes policy violations seriously, with potential consequences including verbal warnings, written reprimands, temporary suspension, or even termination in severe cases.

Securing the school route with Reacton Fire Suppression

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionMiddle East - Breaking News

How Reacton Fire Suppression is protecting UAE school buses for Emirates Transport

Reacton® Fire Suppression and partners Tabra Trading recently won one of the world’s largest retrofit bus fire protection projects in history.

 Winning the Emirates Transport tender to fit over 2,300 school buses was monumental not only for Reacton, but for the future of Bus fire protection in the Middle East.

Having now successfully fitted over 2000 Reacton Fire Suppression systems, we are both at the forefront when it comes to safer transportation for Children in the UAE, making us an industry leader in safeguarding school buses and taxis with our cutting-edge fire suppression systems.

The importance of this work was recognised at the Intersec 2024 Awards, where Reacton won the prestigious Fire Safety Excellence Project for protecting UAE school buses for Emirates Transport.

The deal came from the collaboration with Tabra and Emirates Transport, who recognised the increase in vehicle fires and the requirement to mitigate this risk.

Various avenues and options for protection were explored but the Reacton system, with its internationally recognised approvals, proved to be best suited to meet the demands of Emirates Transport.

Not only was the system fully compliant with low maintenance costs, but Reacton’s manufacturing responsiveness, quick lead times, field support and excellent customer service, set them aside from the competition.

The battle against bus fires

Reacton’s focus is on enhancing the safety of public transportation through advanced fire suppression technologies.

With a considerable percentage of bus fires starting in the engine compartment, often while passengers are present, the necessity for an effective response is clear.

Our automatic fire suppression systems are designed to detect and extinguish fires rapidly, reducing the risk of injury and damage to property.

Our systems leverage dry powder as the suppressant agent, chosen for its rapid knockdown capabilities and effectiveness against a broad range of fire types.

This choice ensures that even the most concealed fires, which might be missed by other agents, are swiftly addressed.

The engineering behind our solutions prioritises compact design and high performance, enabling quick fire detection and suppression.

The integration of our fire suppression systems into buses represents a proactive step towards mitigating the inherent risks of vehicle fires.

These systems undergo rigorous testing, including fire, vibration, corrosion, and temperature cycling tests, to ensure they meet the highest safety standards.

This thorough evaluation process guarantees the reliability and effectiveness of our systems in real-world scenarios.

Our commitment extends beyond the provision of fire suppression systems.

We aim to educate and support vehicle operators and manufacturers on the importance of fire safety, advocating for a world where fire protection measures are both accessible and standardised across the transportation industry.

Our systems are designed to be easy to install and require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for bus and coach operators.

Reacton is dedicated to advancing fire safety in public transportation through innovative solutions.

Our automatic fire suppression systems offer a robust response to the challenge of bus fires, ensuring the safety of passengers and the integrity of vehicles.

As we continue to evolve and improve our technologies, our goal remains to provide industry-leading fire suppression solutions that set new standards for safety and reliability in the transportation sector.

UAE.S 5041: 2021

Fires in buses are often created through poor maintenance, electrical problems, fuel systems or engine problems, so when a fire does occur, often in a confined space, surrounded by combustible materials, the outcome can be disastrous.

A common issue is insufficient time for passengers to exit the bus, so gaining valuable time is a top priority followed by protection of the asset.

Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) and Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) have considered and evaluated these real world events in creating UAE.S 5041, combining proven fire tests for buses & coaches, component testing, and detection, to bring them together under one comprehensive approval.

Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) are perfectly set up and accredited to test this fantastic new standard.

The new standard evaluates fire suppression requirements for engine compartments of buses and coaches with the various tests requiring completion to achieve the high standard created, all of which Reacton passed.

Importance of approvals

It is extremely important for Reacton to have its innovation, performance, and exceptional quality verified by third-party approval & certification, meeting or exceeding international standards, and performing at the highest level in a controlled environment.

Our global certifications include:

  • UAE.S.
  • 5041:2021 (first in the world to achieve ESL conformity)
  • SASO 2946: 2020 (first in the world to achieve ESL conformity)
  • UL 2166 Direct (DLP) – the world’s first company to achieve listing to UL 2166
  • AS 5062:2016
  • P-MARK SPCR 183 (Reacton achieved the highest score possible)
  • P-MARK SPCR 199
  • UNECE Regulation 107
  • ISO 9001:2015 – CE Mark
  • LPCB LPS 1666

Real life events

A Reacton fire suppression system recently saved a school bus in Abu Dhabi from the devastating consequences of fire.

Although in the maintenance area, the turbo outlet pipe clamp came apart and ignited oil residue on the engine, which caused the fire.

Within seconds the Reacton system detected, activated, and suppressed the fire, preventing it from spreading to the whole vehicle and destroying it.

Our high-performance fire suppression system helps to mitigate the risk of vehicle fires and save lives.

Installation and training  

We pride ourselves on the ease of use and quick installation of our systems, providing in-depth training to ensure our distributors have a comprehensive understanding of our systems.

Our training includes various aspects such as:

  • Full risk assessment
  • Design and configuration of the system according to the risk assessment
  • Installation and compliance with the system parameters
  • Commissioning and maintenance

Training is critical in ensuring the engineers understand the functionality of our systems and ensure that the system performs at the highest possible standard to effectively protect the bus.

Protecting your future, today

Reacton’s dedication to innovation and research and development ensures that school buses equipped with their fire suppression systems offer the highest level of protection giving parents, school authorities, and communities peace of mind.

Reacton are proud to play a crucial role in providing our automatic fire suppression systems to school buses across the Emirates, addressing a huge issue and setting a precedent for the Middle East and fire protection.

For more information please contact us by calling +971 483 572 23, via email at info@reactonfire.com, or visit our website www.reactonfire.com

This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Malaysian fire and rescue department enhances pilot training with UAE simulation exercises

by Featured NewsTraining

Overview of the training initiative

The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has announced a significant initiative to enhance the skills and safety of its pilots through simulated helicopter emergency training in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, JBPM’s Director-General, confirmed the department’s commitment to improving operational safety by allocating RM800,000 for the training of all 17 pilots.

The simulation training aims to significantly reduce the risk of air accidents.

To date, four JBPM pilots have undergone this training, with completion for the remaining team expected by the year’s end.

Impact of global events on pilot training schedules

The initiative, originally planned for earlier execution, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was further impacted by geopolitical tensions arising from the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

These events prevented access to previously used simulation facilities in Ukraine.

However, JBPM adapted by identifying and utilising similar facilities developed recently in the UAE.

“Starting last year, we found that similar facilities were developed in the UAE, and we began sending JBPM teams there, with four pilots sent in November last year,” said Mohammad during the JBPM honorary rank awards ceremony in Kuantan.

Strategic importance of the training program

The training program is part of JBPM’s broader strategy to maintain high safety standards and preparedness among its personnel.

By investing in sophisticated simulation training, the department ensures that its pilots are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

This initiative is critical for maintaining the operational readiness and safety of JBPM’s aviation units, particularly in response to emergencies where precision and skill are crucial.

IFSJ comment

The decision by JBPM to invest in advanced simulated training for its pilots in the UAE underscores the department’s proactive approach to safety and skill enhancement.

By adapting to global challenges and seeking out international training solutions, JBPM demonstrates a commitment to excellence and safety in its operations.

This training prepares pilots for a wide range of emergency scenarios and contributes to the overall resilience and capability of the department.

Dubai’s leadership highlights resilience and collective effort in recent extreme weather response

by Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

Overview of the extreme weather response in Dubai

Following the extreme weather events earlier in April 2024, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, commended the emirate’s capacity to handle such challenges.

The Crown Prince emphasised Dubai’s robustness and the readiness of its emergency response systems under the overarching guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan chaired a meeting at the Emirates Towers, attended by notable figures including HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The meeting focused on reviewing and bolstering the emirate’s preparedness for future contingencies, reflecting confidence in the ongoing strategic efforts to solidify Dubai’s status as a resilient global city.

Community and government unite to mitigate weather impact

During the severe weather, over 25,000 personnel, alongside 5,000 security patrols and emergency vehicles, were mobilised to ensure safety and rapid response across Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan praised the comprehensive emergency management efforts, highlighting the unity and collaborative spirit of Dubai’s community, government agencies, and businesses.

“Dubai has once again demonstrated the strength and cohesiveness of its society; One that is based on unity, solidarity and readiness to face and overcome challenges.

Dubai is blessed with its people and, on behalf of the leadership, we say: thank you,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

The efforts were not limited to immediate response but also included strategic directives by Sheikh Hamdan to develop comprehensive, proactive plans to enhance the emirate’s emergency responses to extreme weather events, thus minimising future risks and disruptions.

Launching of ‘Tadhamon’ campaign to support affected residents

In a parallel initiative, the Community Development Authority (CDA) announced the launch of the ‘Tadhamon’ campaign to support residents adversely affected by the heavy rains.

This campaign, initiated under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan, facilitates contributions through the ‘Jood’ digital platform, ensuring swift and effective aid distribution.

Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the CDA, remarked on the campaign’s importance: “The Authority has received numerous requests for contributions from businesspeople and companies, all eager to lend a helping hand to those affected.”

The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to its residents, leveraging technology to foster community support and resilience in times of need.

IFSJ comment

The recent extreme weather events in Dubai have brought to the forefront the critical importance of preparedness and unity in facing natural calamities.

Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai has managed to mitigate the immediate impacts and also strengthened its communal bonds and strategic foresight.

The launching of the ‘Tadhamon’ campaign through the ‘Jood’ platform is a testament to the emirate’s proactive approach to crisis management and community care.

UAE reveals firefighting ‘shark’ to tackle boat blazes

by Middle East - Products

A remote-controlled, fire-fighting speedboat is the latest high-tech addition to Dubai Civil Defence’s fleet of life-saving technology. Named ‘The Shark,’ the bright yellow 10-metre speedboat can be remotely controlled from a ground station, using an online map, to quickly reach a vessel on fire and keeps firefighters from potential harm.

Equipped with thermal imaging and night vision cameras, the boat also automatically records any information it picks up about the fire for use in investigations.

Cameras affixed to the boat provide the officer in the control room a direct and live broadcast of the situation.

The boat’s fire extinguishing system shoots out 1900 litres of water per minute. The amount of water, pressure and its direction are all adjustable from the control room.

With a maximum speed of 74kph, the Shark is expected to reduce response times to fires at sea.

It is not the first fire-fighting vessel to be unveiled by Civil Defence. In 2017, ‘The Dolphin’ – a jet ski equipped with a jetpack attachment – was revealed in a promotional video.

Banned cladding to be removed from high-rise buildings in Sharjah

by Middle East - Projects

The Sharjah Municipality has launched a crackdown on the buildings that continue to keep cladding facades, as part of its efforts to prevent fire accidents in residential units.

The inspection focuses on the review of safety requirements in these buildings to ensure that they maintain the specifications and protection requirements for fire safety.

Thabit Al Tarifi, Director-General of the Sharjah Municipality who heads the inspection campaign, said that it aims to check the buildings with aluminium and other flammable claddings and make the necessary changes according to a plan undertaken by the municipality’s engineering and buildings sector.

“This inspection comes within the framework of the municipality’s keenness to apply the best specifications and standards in all buildings to ensure the highest safety rates and fire prevention,” he added.

He urged managements and owners of the buildings to strengthen the safety standards and adhere to the requirements.

He said that the municipality facilitates procedures for the building owners to help them replace aluminium claddings with non-flammable materials.

Khalifa bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, assistant director-general of the Engineering and Buildings Sector, said according to the municipality regulations, buildings with a height of more than 23 metres or equivalent of seven floors should not have aluminium cladding.

In 2016, following a number of fire accidents in high-rise buildings, the municipality banned the use of aluminium cladding in the facades of the buildings.

The municipality had notified contractors, consultants and owners of buildings to implement a decision which calls for not using aluminium cladding for high-rise buildings.

The civic body has conducted a comprehensive survey of existing buildings with aluminium facades in all commercial, residential and industrial areas in the city.

He stressed that the municipality will continue to raise awareness of the dangers of using aluminium cladding through various means of media and direct communication with owners, contractors and consultants.

Kentec protects Holy Quran at National UAE University

by Middle East - Projects

The Sigma A-XT gas extinguishing panel from Kentec, has launched the ‘Luke 227’ fire extinguishing system integrated by the experts at GECO Mechanical and Electrical Ltd. Co. (GECO) to preserve the Holy Quran and other holy texts at the Holy Quran Academy within Al Qasimia University in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Al Qasimia University is a vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of the Emirates of Sharjah and a member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. In 2017, His Highness Dr. Sultan issued instructions for the creation of the Holy Quran Academy, a first of its kind in the UAE.

GECO, MEP contractor and turnkey fire protection solutions provider in the UAE, was chosen to undertake this special project to create and install a reliable and sustainable solution for the preservation of the Holy Quran, ancient manuscripts and other holy books at the Holy Quran Academy; GECO recommends the most adequate set of equipment suitable for this salient task – Luke Alexander’s ‘Luke 227’ fire extinguishing system, controlled by the Kentec’s Sigma A-XT gas extinguishing panel.

The Luke fire extinguishing system is available in 16 different size options and made with high-quality stainless steel directly sourced from Luke Alexander’s manufacturing location in Singapore. As the only company in the world that manufactures both the fire extinguishing agent and the fire extinguishing system, Luke Alexander provides an unparalleled sense of reliability and convenience to safeguard the most valuable and important assets.

Kentec’s Sigma A-XT releasing panel provides three initiation circuits as standard, which means the release of the extinguishant can be configured to activate from any combination of detection zone inputs to allow specific and controlled activations. It also features a large LED display, simplifying configuration and displaying the time remaining until release for added user safety.

Mr Sundararajan, Senior Sales Engineer of GECO, says it is an honour to be entrusted with such a culturally important project: “We take great pride in the systems we install being able to ensure the continuity and preservation of such significant artefacts.”

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says Sigma A-XT’s worldwide reputation (availability in over 90 countries) is built on its reliability and advanced configuration capabilities: “The extinguishing panels are both robust and easy to install, and allow the functionality of the system to be extensively modified to suit any type of installation, including this prestigious site. We are extremely proud that our trusted and reliable solutions are helping to ensure the continued preservation of such holy texts and important artefacts at the university complex.”

Ms. Yvonne Mun, Director of Luke Alexander, expresses gratitude and appreciation for this opportunity: “My team and I are humbled to be selected as the chosen brand to undertake a project of paramount importance in preserving the heritage of UAE. We consider this as another Milestone Project for Luke Alexander. This reminds us that what we do is more than just a business, rather it is ensuring safety and security with our best quality products. This vision is what continues to motivate us to elevate and improve our craft to better provide innovative and excellent solutions to the public.”

Luke 227 fire extinguishing agent has been approved under UL 2166 and FM 5600 standards and is a recognised trade name listed on the U.S EPA SNAP Program. Luke fire extinguishing system components are individually listed in the UL component recognition program and are collectively approved under UL 2166 standard as a UL approved system.

The Sigma A-XT has been approved to UL864 and is FM listed. EN approved versions are also available.

https://kentec.co.uk/