Health, Safety and Security Review Middle East

Fire Safety

Sohar Port and Freezone enhances safety and emergency response

Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO). (Image source: Sohar Ports)

Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO).

This strategic initiative represents a comprehensive and advanced approach to emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, with the capabilities to address a wide range of incidents within the industrial area. The organisation is operated by Unity Fire and Safety, a company that specialises in safety and emergency response.

Increasing collaboration

Through its mutual aid agreement, SERO extends its coverage to effectively handle additional scenarios, with the support of Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) and OQ.

This strategic initiative represents a robust method for emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, ensuring readiness for various incidents within the industrial zone. Unity Fire and Safety operates SERO, and through a mutual aid agreement, it extends its response capabilities to include the support of CDAA and OQ.

This partnership is part of a Public-Private Partnership that includes collaborations with both global and local entities, such as the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. This collaboration aims to ensure efficient emergency responses at the port. Key aspects of this partnership include advanced equipment and training, regulatory compliance, updated emergency regulations, and the implementation of an Emergency Response Plan aligned with international safety standards and best practices.

Captain Majid bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Barahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, said, “With the launch, we are prioritising the safety and protection of people above all. This initiative goes beyond traditional measures, significantly boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses. It serves as a robust framework, seamlessly safeguarding both individuals and the continuity of essential operations during challenging times.”

Batti bin Mohammed Al Shibli, harbour master of Sohar Port commented, “By embracing innovative practices and cutting-edge technology, the organisation is setting new industry benchmarks for safety and establishing a gold standard for operational excellence. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety, resilience, and efficiency within Sohar. Paving a future where emergencies are met with unparalleled preparedness and adaptability.”

The organisation has undertaken a series of emergency drills over the past few months, with the support of various partners within the system, in collaboration with the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety District team from the Port of Rotterdam, as well as a team from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority. Furthermore, an audit was conducted to assess the system`s readiness in partnership with the technical partner, Kappetijn, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency and readiness.

Bahrain Civil Defence signs agreement with NFPA at US Conference

Bahrain Civil Defence, NFPA sign cooperation agreement. (Image source: Canva)

Brigadier Ali Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Director-General of Civil Defence, led the Interior Ministry delegation at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) conference in the USA.

During the conference, Bahrain Civil Defence signed a cooperation agreement with NFPA. This initiative aligns with directives from General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Interior Minister and Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, aiming to enhance the civil protection and safety system in Bahrain and update public safety and fire prevention standards.

Brigadier Al Kubaisi praised the Interior Minister's commitment to developing the civil defence system to ensure rapid response, professional handling of reports, preservation of lives and property, and the enhancement of public safety. He also acknowledged the Chief of Public Security's ongoing support for civil defence plans.

The agreement aims to strengthen the safety and fire prevention ecosystem, improve training and expertise in fire safety, and explore new technologies to enhance safety requirements in buildings and facilities. It will also facilitate joint action plans to elevate Bahrain's safety standards to a global level, involve civil defence in research, expert qualification, and media awareness, and provide consultancy for future projects and initiatives.

The conference featured over 350 exhibitors, more than 120 educational sessions and workshops, and offered a platform for networking with fire protection

IFSJ hosts fire safety conference in Dubai

The event took place in May this year.

Last month, the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference, in association with Reacton Fire Suppression, welcomed senior professionals to the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina, UAE.

The attendees, comprising influential decision-makers in the field, experienced an immersive event featuring expert presentations and engaging panel sessions.

These sessions addressed the most pressing issues currently faced by leaders in the fire and safety sector, including emerging technology, health and wellbeing, hazardous materials, equality and diversity, leadership strategies, and crisis management.

The conference has garnered widespread acclaim for its commitment to delivering high-quality content, thoroughly exploring the challenges that concern fire and safety leaders.

The event commenced with an engaging networking session in the Windsor Ballroom of this waterfront venue.

A highlight of the morning was a keynote address by Colonel Expert Abdul Rahman Abdul Nour Beshalat, Director of Smart Systems at Dubai Civil Defense.

His presence and insights underscored the conference’s importance and enriched the dialogue on regional fire and safety challenges.

Dubai Civil Defense (DCD), the emergency management organisation in Dubai, UAE, has been an invaluable strategic partner since the first conference in 2023.

With over 35 esteemed delegates in attendance, this organisation has been at the forefront of safeguarding lives, protecting properties, and preserving the environment in Dubai since its establishment in 1976.

In addition to the educational sessions, the conference provided an ideal platform for the industry’s luminaries to converge and interact.

Liban Cables showcases electrical fire safety solutions

Liban Cables raised awareness about critical issues such as electrical safety. (Image source: Liban Cables)

Liban Cables, a Nexans company and a leading provider of advanced cabling systems, solutions, and innovative services, reaffirmed its commitment to electrical fire safety in buildings during its participation in the Project Lebanon and Made in Lebanon 2024 exhibitions.

At the Project Lebanon exhibition, Liban Cables participated in panel discussions with representatives from public and private organisations, including the Order of Engineers and Architects (OEA), the Lebanese Standards Association (LIBNOR), and the Government Capital Civil Planning Department. Liban Cables provided valuable insights on critical issues related to building safety in the region.

Following recent seismic activity, the second panel focused on reducing electrical fire hazards in earthquake-prone regions. Liban Cables emphasised the importance of proactive measures, such as using Low Fire Hazard (LFH) cables, which are designed to contain fires and minimise smoke and hazardous emissions, thereby enhancing fire safety in high-risk areas.

Counterfeit cables

After their insightful participation at the Project Lebanon exhibition, Liban Cables continued their commitment to electrical fire safety at the Made in Lebanon 2024 exhibition. They showcased their latest innovations and raised awareness about critical issues such as electrical safety and the risks posed by counterfeit cables.

At Made in Lebanon 2024, Liban Cables highlighted the dangers of electrical fires caused by counterfeit cables, raising crucial awareness on this issue. Through live demonstrations, the technical team showed attendees the significant differences between genuine and fake cables. The fake cables burned more readily, dramatically increasing the risk of electrical fires. This demonstration underscored the urgent need for vigilance against counterfeit cables and the importance of verifying product authenticity.

Engaging with visitors, the Liban Cables team provided insights into the market landscape and delivered an informative presentation on electrical safety. The presentation focused on protecting individuals, families, and buildings from the threat of fires.

UAE Ministry of Interior reveals 2023 fire incident statistics

According to the Ministry of Interior, civil defence teams responded to 2,473 fires last year. (Image source: Canva)

The UAE experienced a decrease in the total number of fires last year, although official figures revealed increases in specific categories, particularly residential fires and major incidents.

According to the Ministry of Interior, civil defence teams responded to 2,473 fires last year, down from 3,000 in 2022. The majority of these incidents occurred in residential areas, with homes accounting for 1,636 fires, up from 1,385 the previous year.

The data did not include information on deaths or injuries. Among all recorded fires, 32 were classified as major, compared to 20 in 2022. Additionally, 57 fires were classified as medium, 1,309 as limited, and 12,075 as minor.

Commercial buildings experienced 293 fires, farms had 128, industrial properties 106, and public service buildings 97. Other areas, such as deserts, educational institutions, entertainment venues, government buildings, health centres, and tourist spots, saw an overall drop in incidents.

Breakdown by Emirate

Emergency services responded to 735 fires in Abu Dhabi last year, down from 860 the previous year. In the rest of the emirate, there were 578 incidents in Al Ain and 75 in Al Dhafra. Dubai dealt with 343 incidents, while Sharjah responded to 306 fires. Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain managed 165, 114, 111, and 46 blazes, respectively.

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