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
Delegates gather in Cardiff for two-day Women in the Fire Service event
Over 100 delegates from various fire and rescue services across Wales attended a two-day event hosted by Women in the Fire Service (WFS) at Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre from 18th to 19th October.
The event, which featured both practical and educational activities, provided attendees with hands-on training opportunities and insightful seminars.
Participants engaged in activities that included rope rescue abseiling and were invited to join a blue-light convoy through Cardiff, a unique experience for many.
The event also featured seminars on essential topics such as menopause awareness, cultural change, and female empowerment.
Historical roots and mission of Women in the Fire Service
The origins of Women in the Fire Service date back to the 1990s when it began as Networking Women in the Fire Service, a self-help group focused on promoting equality and addressing challenges faced by women in firefighting.
This volunteer-led, non-profit organisation has since evolved into WFS, which continues its mission to empower women and foster inclusivity within fire services.
Jules King, Chair of WFS, highlighted the organisation’s growth and impact over the years.
She stated: “I have worked in the FS for over 20 years and things are much more positive for women across the sector now.
“It is just amazing to see the energy up and down the country that these WFS events create that allow people to come out of their comfort zones and become more confident.”
Skill-building sessions with fire and rescue scenarios
Throughout the event, attendees were immersed in hands-on experiences designed to enhance their operational skills.
Team-building exercises and demonstrations were provided by Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, who showcased drone technology aimed at improving safety for both firefighters and search-and-rescue efforts.
Specialised training sessions covered advanced trauma and road traffic collision scenarios, allowing participants to practice casualty rescue and treatment techniques.
On-Call Firefighter Ffion Jenkins commented on her experience: “The advanced trauma scenarios with actors playing real life casualties have been fantastic – I’ve never been in situation like this, so it’s given me insight for what’s to come in my career and really good experience for later development. It has really boosted my confidence.”
Networking and inspirational talks from trailblazers
The event also offered networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers and industry leaders.
Key speakers included Georgina Gilbert and Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe, known for their 1,230-kilometre expedition to the South Pole, and Dany Cotton, former London Fire Brigade Commissioner and the first woman to hold this position.
Cotton shared her experiences of overcoming gender-based challenges within the fire service, crediting the support network of NWFRS as essential to her career.
Her discussion touched on the progress of gender inclusivity within the sector, alongside remaining challenges.
Women in the Fire Service Cymru event: Summary
Women in the Fire Service’s first Cymru event brought together fire and rescue professionals across Wales at Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre from 18th to 19th October.
The event provided over 100 delegates with skill-enhancing activities and educational sessions, fostering an environment for professional growth and empowerment.
Attendees participated in live training scenarios, such as rope rescues and advanced trauma care, and heard from notable speakers like former London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton.
WFS Chair Jules King remarked on the progress made in gender inclusivity in fire services.
The event highlighted the enduring challenges and achievements of women in the sector, reflecting WFS’s commitment to advancing equality and support networks in the fire service community.
Tyne and Wear firefighter triumphs at international event
As reported by Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue, Vicky Haswell, a firefighter from Sunderland, recently returned from the 15th World Firefighters Games in Aalborg, Denmark, with three gold medals.
Haswell, who has served with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) for over 22 years, secured victories in the 400m, 800m, and javelin events.
She is part of the team at Rainton Bridge Community Fire Station and also represents Sunderland Harriers Athletic Club, a club she has been associated with for over 30 years.
Speaking of her success, Haswell said: “I was really proud to wear the colours of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s sporting team during the World Firefighters Games.”
Vicky Haswell’s sports achievements
Vicky Haswell’s career as a firefighter spans across various stations, including Washington, Sunderland Central, and Farringdon.
She remains active in competitive athletics, and her recent success in Denmark is not her first at international events.
Haswell has previously competed in the World Masters Championships for the GB over-35 team in 2017, and in 2019 at the European Masters Championships in Italy.
Her passion for sport extends beyond her personal achievements.
Haswell highlighted the importance of athletics in fostering friendships and said: “Sport plays such an important role in my life and is something that brings so many people closer together from different clubs, organisations, and other blue light services.”
Support from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue
The TWFRS Sports and Welfare team supported Haswell’s journey to Denmark with a small grant that helped cover her travel expenses.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson praised her achievements, saying: “What an amazing achievement by Vicky to bring home three gold medals to Tyne & Wear.
“We value sports and welfare across the Service and encourage our colleagues to pursue team and individual participation.”
The service regularly supports its personnel in engaging with sports activities, recognising their role in promoting well-being within the workforce.
Nicholson added: “Vicky’s hard work and dedication is testament to her desire to do well when representing the Service and Tyne & Wear as a whole.”
Preparing for future competitions
Vicky Haswell’s athletic journey is set to continue as she prepares for the next World Firefighters Games, which will take place in Saudi Arabia in two years.
She will once again represent Tyne and Wear at the international event, continuing her involvement in competitive athletics.
Her son William, also a keen runner, follows in her footsteps.
In recent years, he raised over £2,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity by running two miles a day for a month after the COVID pandemic.
Haswell’s sporting inspirations include prominent figures like Dame Kelly Holmes and Keely Hodgkinson.
Firefighter from Tyne and Wear wins gold at World Firefighters Games: Summary
Vicky Haswell, a firefighter from Tyne and Wear, secured three gold medals in the 15th World Firefighters Games in Denmark.
She won in the 400m, 800m, and javelin events while representing the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS).
Haswell has served with TWFRS for over 22 years and is an active member of Sunderland Harriers Athletic Club.
Supported by a grant from TWFRS, she competed internationally and is preparing for the next World Firefighters Games in Saudi Arabia.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson praised Haswell for her dedication and success.
Women in Fire Safety Awards 2024 Event highlights international participation and record nominations
The fourth annual Women in Fire Safety Awards took place on 12th September 2024 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London, celebrating excellence across the fire safety industry.
This year’s event drew a record number of nominations across diverse categories, reflecting the growing recognition of female talent within the sector.
Attendees represented a range of countries including the UK, USA, Ireland, Poland, and the UAE, demonstrating increased international participation in 2024.
The evening also featured entertainment, including musical performances and a surprise Conga line, creating a lively atmosphere for the attendees.
The event also raised funds for the Children’s Burns Charity, with gratitude expressed to all contributors.
Winners showcase excellence in fire safety
The Women in Fire Safety Awards highlighted key achievements across the industry.
Winners included Dawn Whittaker from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who was recognised with the Fire Service Award, and Rachel Willis from Xact Consultancy & Training, who received the Diversity Champion award.
Other notable winners included Kelly Gardiner from Plumis as Business Manager of the Year and Angela Bennett from Diamond Systems, named Woman of the Year.
Award winners in full
The full list of award winners at the 2024 Women in Fire Safety Awards is as follows:
Fire Service Award: Dawn Whittaker, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Diversity Champion: Rachel Willis, Xact Consultancy & Training
Business Manager of the Year: Kelly Gardiner, Plumis
Rising Star Award: Lizzie Pickup, OFR
Woman of the Year: Angela Bennett, Diamond Systems
Fire Safety Manager of the Year: Abigail Link, West Sussex Fire and Rescue
Lifetime Achievement Award: Nicolle Hoffman
Influencer of the Year: Angela Everington, Surrey Fire and Rescue
Administrator of the Year: Heather Smyth, Hydrock
Joint International Woman of the Year Award winners: Iza Tekielak-Skalka SMAY & Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali Head of Engineering Section at Dubai Civil Defence H.Q.
International Rising Star Award: Victoria Simmons, Town of Apex Public and Information Officer
Inclusive Company Award: Clymac
New initiatives for 2025
The event also saw announcements regarding two new initiatives for 2025.
Co-founders Chloe Antoniuk and Kate Blake introduced the upcoming Women in Fire Safety Business Club and the International Fire Safety Awards (IFSA), which will take place in Poland next year.
These initiatives are expected to further support networking and recognition of professionals in the fire safety sector.
The co-founders said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of these two new platforms and look forward to continued engagement with the industry.”
Sponsors and continued support
The Women in Fire Safety Awards extended their thanks to all sponsors, presenters, and participants.
The growing enthusiasm for the awards was noted, with the event organisers expressing appreciation for the ongoing support from the fire safety community.
The organisers said: “We are truly grateful for the enthusiasm for these awards, which continues to grow year on year.”
The evening concluded with recognition for all nominees and winners, with many looking forward to next year’s event.
Correction: this post was corrected on 25/9/24. It has now been updated to say that the joint International Woman of the Year Award winners were Iza Tekielak-Skalka SMAY & Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali Head of Engineering Section at Dubai Civil Defence H.Q.
The prestigious event honouring women in the fire safety sector returns in September
The Women in Fire Safety Awards 2024, set to take place on Thursday, 12th September 2024 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, London (Tower Bridge), will honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in the fire safety community.
The event, founded in 2021 by Chloe Vickery and Kate Blake, has rapidly grown in prestige, reflecting the industry’s dedication to acknowledging the exceptional roles women play in enhancing fire safety standards.
This year’s event, the fourth of its kind, will feature twelve industry awards, including Woman of the Year, Diversity Champion, and Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.
Hydrock, a prominent name in fire safety, is proud to be the headline partner for the 2024 awards.
James McNay, Divisional Director of the Fire Safety Division at Hydrock, shared his thoughts: “The Women in Fire Safety Awards champion a more inclusive and diverse industry and promote fire safety as an excellent career opportunity for the next generation – values that we at Hydrock are firm supporters of.
“Hydrock has one of the largest multi-discipline fire safety teams in the world, and we’re especially proud that around 40% of our team are women.
“We’re excited to be part of the event once again, and delighted to be the headline partner for what is an important date in the calendar for the fire safety industry.”
Partnerships and anticipation for the event
The event boasts partnerships with notable organisations including The Fire Protection Association, The Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), BB7, OFR Consultants, the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Drax Technology | Smarter Building Compliance, TCW, Apollo Fire Detectors, Nineteen Group, and Ashton Fire.
The evening promises to be memorable, with early bookings advised due to high demand.
For those interested in participating or sponsoring, inquiries can be directed to info@womeninfiresafety.com.
IFSJ Comment
The upcoming Women in Fire Safety Awards 2024 serves as a testament to the industry’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment and recognising the valuable contributions of women in the field.
This event highlights individual excellence and promotes fire safety as a viable and rewarding career path for future generations.
Such initiatives are instrumental in shaping a more balanced and diverse fire safety sector.
FirePro UK, the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for FirePro condensed aerosol fire suppression products, has announced the appointment of Kate Blake as the new Director of Business Development.
Working alongside Managing Director Tony Hanley, Blake aims to enhance the company’s success and expand the business in the UK market.
Blake’s appointment: strategic growth and expansion
Blake expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, highlighting her commitment to building on FirePro UK’s existing successes.
She stated: “I am extremely delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to work alongside Tony Hanley who has worked tirelessly to establish both the technology and the FirePro brand here in the UK.
“I intend to build on the platform of success that the business has and to grow the FirePro UK business.”
Tony Hanley, Managing Director at FirePro UK, welcomed Blake, outlining her mission to boost demand for FirePro products and promote best practice accreditation within the industry.
Hanley announced: “We are delighted to welcome Kate to the business.
“Her mission is to create further demand for the FirePro and associated portfolio of products across the UK & Ireland also to promote the LPS 1204 3.2 competency scheme to the specifier market and encourage the FirePro installer network to follow best practice accreditation.”
FirePro UK: a diverse and sustainable approach
FirePro UK’s product range is known for its versatility in protecting against various fire risks, including lithium-ion battery storage and Ex classification in diverse industries.
The company’s case study library showcases successful projects across prominent UK sites.
Blake brings over three decades of business development experience, with a focus on sustainability, diversity, and industry growth.
For collaborations, CPD seminars, presentations, or insights, Kate Blake can be contacted at her email address: kate.blake@fireprouk.com
IFSJ comment
Kate Blake’s appointment at FirePro UK reflects a strategic move towards business expansion and enhanced industry standards.
Her extensive experience and commitment to sustainability and diversity align with the company’s ethos of nurturing new talent and promoting industry growth.
This appointment is expected to positively influence FirePro UK’s market position and contribute to the broader fire safety sector.
BBC unveils its list of 100 inspiring and influential women for 2023
The BBC’s 2023 list of 100 Women, showcasing a diverse array of inspiring and influential females from across the globe, has been announced.
This year’s selection emphasises individuals making significant contributions in various fields, including climate change activism, human rights, and technology.
Sonia Kastner: Leading the Charge in Wildfire Detection Technology
Among the honourees is Sonia Kastner, a prominent figure from the United States known for her groundbreaking work in wildfire detection technology.
As the CEO and Co-Founder of Pano AI, Kastner has been pivotal in developing innovative solutions to early wildfire detection using artificial intelligence.
Her company is the first to offer a fully managed solution for active wildfire detection using AI, setting a new standard in the field.
Kastner, who has over a decade of experience in supply chain and manufacturing organisations within mission-driven start-ups, has made significant strides in this sector.
Her previous work in solar energy and battery storage technologies, as well as at companies like Nest and Juul Labs, has cemented her reputation as a leader in tech innovation.
The World Economic Forum recently acknowledged Pano AI as a 2023 Technology Pioneer, underscoring the impact of Kastner’s work.
Sofia Kosacheva: From Opera to Firefighting in Russia
Sofia Kosacheva, another honouree, hails from Russia and has an extraordinary story of transition from an opera singing teacher to a firefighter.
After encountering a group of firefighters in 2010, Kosacheva was inspired to change her career path.
She not only became a firefighter but also created a community for training volunteers to assist in tackling wildfires across Russia. Her efforts have led to the establishment of over 25 volunteer groups nationwide.
Kosacheva’s work has been crucial in fighting several hundred fires across Russia, a testament to her dedication and skill.
Her collaboration with Greenpeace, until the organisation’s recent designation as an “undesirable organisation” by Russian authorities, highlights her commitment to environmental protection and community safety.
Despite the challenges, Kosacheva remains optimistic.
She believes that significant achievements in combating the climate crisis begin with small, localised efforts.
Her approach emphasises the importance of individual and community involvement in addressing global challenges.
IFSJ Comment
The inclusion of Sonia Kastner and Sofia Kosacheva in the BBC’s 100 Women 2023 list is a powerful testament to the crucial role women play in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, particularly in the realm of climate change and environmental protection.
Kastner’s innovative approach to wildfire detection using AI technology is not just a technical achievement; it represents a significant advancement in how we understand and respond to natural disasters.
Her work exemplifies the power of technology and data-driven solutions in mitigating the impacts of climate crises.
Kosacheva’s journey from opera singing to firefighting and her subsequent efforts in training volunteers reflect the profound impact of personal dedication and community involvement in environmental conservation.
Her story is a vivid illustration of how passion, when channelled effectively, can lead to substantial contributions towards safeguarding our natural world.
Both Kastner and Kosacheva embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community engagement that is essential in our collective fight against the adverse effects of climate change.
Their stories inspire and remind us that every individual, irrespective of their background, has the potential to make a significant difference in the world.
About Sonia Kastner
Sonia Kastner is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pano AI, a company at the forefront of wildfire detection technology.
With a career spanning over a decade in supply chain and manufacturing in various tech start-ups, Kastner has dedicated her expertise to developing AI-driven solutions for early wildfire detection.
Her work at Pano AI has been recognised globally, marking a significant step forward in how we address and manage natural disasters.
About Sofia Kosacheva
Sofia Kosacheva is a firefighter in Russia who transitioned from a career in opera singing to firefighting after being inspired by a group of firefighters.
She has established over 25 volunteer groups across Russia to assist in wildfire management.
Her efforts have been instrumental in fighting numerous wildfires and in promoting environmental protection, despite facing challenges with the recent crackdown on Greenpeace in Russia.
Kosacheva’s journey is a remarkable example of how a change in career path can lead to impactful contributions in environmental conservation and community safety.
The Women in Fire Safety Awards has unveiled its line-up of finalists for the upcoming awards ceremony, celebrating women who have made significant contributions to the field of fire safety.
Set to be hosted at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London on Thursday, 28th September 2023, the event aims to recognise the outstanding achievements of women within the fire safety community.
The awards seek to address the historical gender imbalance in the industry and to spotlight women who have remarkably improved fire safety standards.
Honouring excellence in fire safety
The awards are divided into several categories, reflecting a broad spectrum of achievements. Among the finalists for Woman of the Year are luminaries like Paula Johnston of Luminate Education Group and Mary Freer of Honeywell.
Lifetime Achievement Award finalists include Michelle Agius of Eurotech Fire Systems Ltd and Tracy Kirk of Hochiki Europe, showcasing women who have devoted their lives to enhancing fire safety.
Encouraging the next generation
Co-founded by Chloe Vickery and Kate Blake, both veterans in the industry, the Women in Fire Safety Awards not only honours established professionals but also strives to inspire the next generation.
The Rising Star Award, for instance, has recognised young talents like Michelle Baah of Chubb Fire & Security UK & Ireland and Annie Flores of Hydrock.
Chloe Vickery, with her extensive background in fire safety solutions and risk assessment, and Kate Blake, a dedicated Performance Coach, have both championed the cause of increasing women’s participation in what has historically been a male-dominated field.
A varied and rewarding Industry
The awards also aim to demonstrate the diverse opportunities within the fire safety industry, with categories such as Training Providers of the Year, Administrator of the Year and Diversity Champion.
Among the businesses and individuals who have been recognised in these categories are The Fire Protection Association, Clare Barker, and the Arup Fire Team, respectively.
The shortlists
Woman of the Year
Paula Johnston of Luminate Education Group
Rachel Dobson of Ashton Fire Limited
Catriona Reid of Hoare Lea
Lisa Hendricks of Assent Building Control Ltd
Mary Freer of Honeywell
Lifetime Achievement Award
Michelle Agius of Eurotech Fire Systems Ltd
Tracy Kirk of Hochiki Europe
Joanna Strickland BA (Hons) of CPG UK
International Woman of the Year
Marzena Maj
Anuška Smotlak
Sara Phillips
Rising Star Award
Stephanie Price of Fire Safe Global Ltd
Mary Button of Delta Fire Engineering Ltd
Grete Wilson of Arup
Gitana Grudyte of OFR Consultants
Rachel Magnanon of Ashton Fire Limited
Michelle Baah of Chubb Fire & Security UK & Ireland
Annie Flores of Hydrock
Fire Service Award
Lola Quinn BSc (Hons)
Sophie Morley
Jenni Seex
Influencer of the Year
Stephanie Rampton MIFSM TIFireE
Nicky Venables IRMCert ILMCert MIConstM
Helen Buchan
Fire Safety Manager of the Year
Laura Smith MSc MIFSM of Gentoo Group
Stephanie Lloyd-Foxe MBA MCMI MSc MCIArb of Magna Housing Ltd
Sherrie Wheeler
Training Provider of the Year
The Fire Protection Association
Nullifire
Clare Barker
Business Manager of the Year
Sophie Mogford-Revess of LGM Products
Shila Dharma of Kiwa Fire Safety Compliance
Helen Buckley of OFR Consultants
Administrator of the Year
Jodi Lovell of Magna Housing Ltd
Victoria Paisley of Trigon Fire Safety
Michele Buckley of Hydrock
Diana Cristin of Orama
Gina Isaacs of Hoare Lea
Fiona McGregor of Eurotech Fire Systems Ltd
Louise Mignano of Network Homes
Recruiter of the Year
Lauren Bellini of Mears Group PLC
Lauren Cooper of Cento
Tina Iacono of Design Fire Consultants
Diversity Champion
Lisa Farnell
Arup Fire Team
Gemma Grant
IFSJ Comment
The Women in Fire Safety Awards ceremony is a landmark event in promoting a more progressive and inclusive fire safety industry.
By honouring those who have led the way and encouraging new entrants, the awards look to pave the path towards a more balanced and enriched field of professionals dedicated to protecting lives and properties from fire hazards.
For more information about the awards or to view the complete list of finalists, visit the official Women in Fire Safety Awards website.
Esther Gitau, Testing Technician at Emirates Safety Lab, looks at notable and accomplished scientists and engineers in fire sciences and fire safety engineering.
Fire sciences and fire safety engineering are crucial fields of study and practice, as they aim to understand fire behaviour, prevent and mitigate its negative impacts, and and ensure the safety of people and protection of property. Over the years, many scientists and engineers have made significant contributions to these fields, bringing innovative ideas, critical thinking, and diverse perspectives.
In this article, Dubai Civil Defense’s Emirates Safety Laboratory highlights some of the notable and accomplished women working in the fire sciences and fire safety engineering fields.
Dr Susan Lamont
Dr Susan Lamont is a renowned fire safety engineer and fire scientist, Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and Fellow of Arup, a global engineering and consulting firm where she has spent her career.
Throughout her career, Dr Lamont has made significant contributions to the field of fire safety engineering and fire sciences, earning her recognition as one of the leading experts in these areas. Her work has focused on delivering holistic fire safety solutions for Arup clients across a range of new and existing assets in the Middle East, Africa and further afield.
Dr Susan Lamont is a highly respected fire safety engineer and fire scientist who has conducted extensive research over 20 years into the behaviour of fires and the effects of fire on building materials and structures. She has developed new risk assessment methods for fire spread across existing building envelopes.
Her research has helped to inform the development of more effective fire safety strategies and has contributed to the advancement of fire sciences as a discipline. Fire safety associated with sustainable forms of construction including emerging technologies and repurposing of existing assets is a focus of her current work.
Engineer Salma Humaid Saeed AlAli
Engineer Salma Humaid Saeed AlAli is a dedicated and accomplished fire safety engineer working for Dubai Civil Defence. Her extensive knowledge and experience in fire safety engineering and fire sciences have made her an invaluable asset to the organisation.
Eng. Salma’s work has played a critical role in ensuring that buildings and structures in Dubai are equipped with the latest fire safety systems and technologies. She works tirelessly to ensure that her team assists “major projects” and construction across the Emirate of Dubai and satisfies the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code.
One of her significant contributions has been implementing fire safety regulations and codes in Dubai, which have helped reduce the number of fires and the severity of their consequences. Eng Salma has worked closely with architects, contractors, and engineers to ensure that all new buildings meet the highest fire safety standards and are fitted with the latest technologies.
In addition to her professional contributions, she is also highly committed to education and training in fire safety. She has delivered numerous presentations and lectures at various industry conferences and exhibitions, helping to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety for protecting life, properties and the environment.
Eng. Salma has been recognised as a leader in her field on numerous occasions and commended for her dedication and commitment to the fire safety of the Dubai community.
Engineer Salma Humaid Saeed AlAli is a genuine fire safety hero. Her work has helped make Dubai safer and more secure for residents, and her contributions to the field of fire science and engineering will continue to have a lasting impact for years to come.
Jennifer O’Connell
Jennifer O’Connell is a well-respected professional in the field of fire protection engineering, specialising in regulatory compliance. She currently works as the Director of Regulatory Compliance and Fire Protection Engineer at Vanguard Resources, Inc.
She has significantly impacted the fire industry with her 20 years of experience with fire protection and life safety within healthcare facilities, new building & construction, renovations, general code consulting, code analysis, standards development, and code compliance.
Her research has been critical in developing building codes and standards for fire protection and safety. Jennifer is a member of several professional organisations, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Amna Akram
Amna Akram is prominent in the region’s fire and life safety industry, achieving accreditation from leading international professional organisations. With an all-encompassing educational background, including an MBA and BEng, MIFireE, and CFPS, she contributes to the fire and life safety sector with her extensive experience and expertise.
Eng Amna was the first woman certified as a Fire Protection Specialist in Pakistan. By achieving this, she has set an example for other female engineers to enter the fire sciences and fire protection engineering field. She was also the first female member of the Institution of Fire Engineers, Pakistan branch, a respected international organisation promoting excellence in fire engineering and fire safety.
In addition to her local accomplishments, Akram is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), two other leading international organisations that develop industry standards and guide fire and life safety globally.
Eng Akram works as the Engineering Manager for Fire Protection at CDC | Consulting & Design Consortium (Pvt) Ltd, one of Pakistan’s leading engineering firms. She is also a registered member of the Pakistan Engineering Council, the regulatory body for engineering professionals in the country.
Her continued Fire Protection Association Pakistan membership and contribution demonstrate her commitment to fire safety advocacy and standards. Her contributions to the fire and life safety industry demonstrate her passion, determination, and drive to succeed in promoting fire safety across Pakistan and around the world.
Cristina Perez Domper
Cristina Perez Domper MSc. is a prominent fire safety professional with a degree in Civil Engineering and an MSc. Structural Engineering. Cristina has made significant contributions to the field of fire sciences and the Testing, Certification and Inspection (TIC) industry both in Spain and the Middle East. With over a decade of experience in the TIC industry, she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this area.
Cristina’s work in fire safety engineering started with her role as a researcher and engineer at The Spanish Association for the Promotion of Research and Fire Safety Technology (AFITI). During her time at AFITI, she was involved in numerous positions and was notable for recommissioning a fire test laboratory to be an accredited and commercially operating facility. In her current role as the MEA Regional Manager at Intertek Testing Services (ITS) based out of Dubai, Cristina continues to make a significant impact in the field of fire sciences.
As part of her role at ITS, she provides fire safety testing and certification services to clients across the UAE, ensuring that buildings and structures meet international fire safety standards. Her expertise in TIC and fire safety engineering helps clients to achieve safer fire safety products and systems for the wider community. She has been a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events, sharing her insights and experiences with others in the field.
Lori Greene
Lori Greene is a professional in the field of doors and hardware codes and resources. With over 35 years of experience in the fire industry, she has developed a wealth of knowledge about the various code requirements that pertain to the design, construction, and installation of doors and hardware to ensure that the codes and standards that develop are accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the industry. Through her efforts, Lori has become a well-respected and trusted resource in the fire protection industry.
One of Lori’s most notable achievements in her career was the creation of iDigHardware.com in 2009. This website was created as a resource for industry professionals to access information about doors and hardware codes and the functionality to ask technical questions and share information with others in the fire industry. Over the years, iDigHardware.com has become a popular resource for those in the industry and has helped to provide access to the information and support that people need to get their projects done right.
Engineer Tamara Arafat
Engineer Tamara Arafat is a seasoned professional in the specialisation of product certification, factory production control auditing, fire safety engineering and fire sciences. With over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing, consulting, and TIC industry. She has made significant contributions to the TIC industry, especially working with fire safety products and systems, earning her a reputation as an expert in the area.
In her previous assignment as Certification Support Manager at Warringtonfire Testing and Certification, she was responsible for overseeing the certification process and factory auditing for key clients across the Middle East, North Africa and Indian Sub-continent regions of fire safety products and ensuring that these factories and production met international standards and best practice. During her time at Warringtonfire, Tamara demonstrated extensive knowledge and experience in fire safety engineering, and she quickly became renowned for her expertise.
In her current role as Certification Business Manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL), Tamara continues to positively impact the field of fire safety engineering and the TIC industry. Tamara’s work has profoundly influenced the Middle East’s fire safety industry and has been recognised for her contributions.
Engineer Tamara Arafat’s contributions to the Middle Eastern regions’ fire safety engineering, fire sciences and TIC sector cannot be overstated. Her work has helped advance the understanding of product certification and improved the safety of buildings and those who occupy them. Tamara’s dedication and commitment to her work have earned her the respect of the community and industry peers, and she continues to significantly influence the fire safety industry in the area of conformity assessment.
Conclusion
These scientists and engineers have significantly contributed to the fire sciences, fire safety engineering, fire testing, conformity assessment activities and codes and standards development. Their innovative ideas, critical thinking, and diversity of perspectives have brought new insights and approaches to the field and have significantly impacted fire protection as a whole. Their work has advanced fire protection engineering, fire testing, understanding material science and fire behaviour, its impact on people, property, and the environment, product certification and the development of fire safety practices and standards.
About the Author
Esther Gitau is a Testing Technician at Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL). She has a background in Mechanical Engineering, having earned her Bachelor’s in 2018. She worked at Kengen, Kipevu ( power production) in Kenya before joining ESL.
