Fire Safety
Fire Safety
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 3 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
A Survitec white paper highlighting maritime fire safety risks has won the Safety in Maritime (Marine) award at the IBJ Awards
The paper, titled "Why Are the Fires Not Going Out? Unveiling the True Cost of Inadequate Fire Safety Inspections," exposes the widespread failures in fire safety practices that have led to an alarming increase in shipboard fire incidents worldwide.
Drawing on data and testimonies from Survitec’s certified service technicians, the white paper uncovers troubling lapses in fire safety practices. According to the paper, some ship operators are relying on untrained crews for fire safety maintenance due to post-COVID cost-cutting measures. These practices have led to avoidable system failures, such as the use of incorrect or counterfeit parts, poorly fitted equipment, and contamination of essential firefighting systems. Survitec also highlights instances of substandard inspections and approvals where safety certifications were granted despite glaring deficiencies.
Metkel Yohannes, director of Service & Rental Solutions at Survitec, said, “Shipboard fires have risen by 17% year-on-year, becoming one of the leading causes of maritime losses and the most expensive source of marine insurance claims, accounting for over 20% of total losses.
“While advancements in fire detection and protection technologies have been made, the industry is still seeing alarming levels of fire safety deficiencies, with thousands of incidents reported each year by international inspection authorities. This highlights an urgent need for improved oversight and maintenance practices across the sector.”
One example highlighted a vessel that experienced an engine room fire. While the crew successfully extinguished the flames, they discovered a fault in their high-expansion foam firefighting system, caused by a protective cap left inside the system after the installation of a new foam pump.
In another instance, a fire broke out aboard a bulk carrier in early 2024 after more than half the recently inspected and certified CO2 cylinders failed to activate.
The study also raises concerns about the growing risks of alternative fuels and lithium-ion batteries, which require specialised detection and firefighting systems. Survitec argues for more stringent oversight of service providers, urging the maritime industry to adopt higher quality control benchmarks and ensure that all fire safety inspections meet rigorous international standards.
Yohannes added, “Shipowners and operators need accredited partners with the expertise to ensure their safety systems perform under the most demanding conditions. Anything less is not only a false economy but a threat to crew safety and vessel integrity.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 19 November, 2024
- Year: 2024
The third edition of SIBEC, powered by SIBCA, a leading provider of fire, life safety, and ICT solutions, successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi from 13–15 November 2024.
This year’s event, themed ‘Innovation That Keeps You Safe,’ highlighted the critical role of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in advancing fire and life safety across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Drawing a record number of participants, the two-day event convened regional and global experts to explore emerging trends in sectors such as building management systems (BMS), extra-low voltage (ELV), audiovisual (AV), HVAC, lighting, and ICT.
A standout announcement during SIBEC was SIBCA’s launch of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Training Academy in Abu Dhabi.
Approved under the NFPA Network, the academy is set to offer professional training on fire protection, building safety, electrical hazards, and industrial safety.
Courses will be delivered by certified instructors, providing practitioners with up-to-date knowledge of NFPA codes and standards to enhance safety practices in the region.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in making the third edition of SIBEC a resounding success. More than just a conference, SIBEC provides attendees with an unparalleled chance to forge connections, pave the way for meaningful partnerships, and directly experience the latest high-quality products and services on the market, all in the interest of improving fire and life safety,” said Ibrahim Lari, Chairman & CEO of SIBCA.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 14 November, 2024
- Year: 2024
From 13-14 November 2024, the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi hosted SIBEC 2024, an event bringing together fire and life safety experts from around the world.
Organised by SIBCA, a leading provider of fire, life safety, and ICT solutions in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the two-day event focused on fostering collaboration and advancing safety and sustainability across the MENA region.
Themed ‘Innovation that Keeps You Safe,’ the 2024 edition spotlighted advancements in fire and life safety technologies, including building management systems (BMS), extra-low voltage (ELV) systems, audiovisual solutions, HVAC, lighting, and ICT. The event highlighted the transformative role of AI and IoT in smart building systems, along with the application of data analytics to enhance risk management and proactive safety measures.
SIBEC 2024 featured key industry players, supported by 30 major partners, including NFPA, UL Solutions, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Huawei, ABB, and Pelco by Motorola. Attendees engaged in presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitions that showcased innovative safety solutions. The event also offered training sessions and workshops for technical professionals, addressing the latest market trends and industry standards.
SIBEC 2024 marked the launch of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Academy Center in Abu Dhabi. Established in collaboration with the NFPA, the academy will offer NFPA-certified training programs to equip fire and life safety professionals with essential skills to protect lives and property, further strengthening the region's safety and sustainability framework.
“As the UAE and the GCC continue to expand vital infrastructure to accommodate the region’s rapidly developing economic and demographic trends, it is vital that the industry embraces the role of connectivity in driving innovation for a safer and more sustainable future. SIBEC provides a critical platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to come together to shape the future of safety and technology in the built environment,” said Ibrahim Lari, chairman of SIBCA and founder of SIBEC.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 12 November, 2024
- Year: 2024
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently participated in the 4th International Fire Operations Conference (IFOC), held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 3-7 November.
The conference explored emerging trends and technologies in fire prevention, safety protocols, emergency response, and crisis management.
Bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators from around the globe, the event provided participants with cutting-edge insights, strategies, and best practices to address current challenges in fire operations.
With 130 years of expertise in fire safety, encompassing wildfire preparedness, electrical safety, hazardous materials management, community risk reduction, and public safety, NFPA played a pivotal role as a technical partner. Collaborating with its IFOC committee members, NFPA helped shape the conference theme, agenda, and speaker lineup.
NFPA representatives, including Dana Kamal, actively contributed to the event through workshops and panel discussions on critical topics such as “NFPA Codes & Standards: How to Use Them Effectively,” “Critical Issue of Fires in Buildings Under Construction,” and “Future of Safety: AR & VR Interactive Workshop.” Attendees also benefited from insights on preparing for the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Certification using the new Fire Protection Handbook (FPH).
NFPA’s participation in the 4th IFOC underscored its commitment to advancing fire and life safety standards in the Middle East. By fostering collaboration with regional leaders and innovators, NFPA continues to champion global best practices, paving the way for safer communities and more resilient infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
“With over 300 codes and standards, and recognised globally for our innovative research, professional training, public education, outreach, and advocacy, NFPA is honoured to share its expertise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the 4th International Fire Operations Conference. We aspire to collaborate with leaders across the health and safety sectors to uphold the highest standards and create a future where everyone is safe, both at home and in the workplace,” said Dana Kamal, director of international business development, MENA at NFPA.
- Details
- Robert Daniels
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 7 November, 2024
- Year: 2024
International, a protective coating brand of AkzoNobel, has introduced the next evolution in epoxy passive fire protection (PFP)
Chartek ONE has been introduced as a single-coat, mesh-free solution that simplifies PFP application for assets in the energy sector by maximising efficiency, streamlining installation processes and enhancing health and safety.
As a 100% solids, boron-free two-pack material, Chartek ONE provides enhanced durability and combined corrosion, cryogenic and hydrocarbon protection. It provides three hours of jet and pool fire protection across a wide operating temperature range, effectively shielding assets from all fire types.
Chartek ONE can accelerate installation of PFP systems both in the workshop and onsite, lowering installed weight, reducing labour and material costs whilst achieving the same fire protection, which is particularly important for industries with strict weight requirements, such as offshore oil and gas. In doing so, Chartek ONE can reduce workshop hours by up to 59%, saving users both time and money throughout projects and over the lifetime of the asset.
Introduced for customers in the Middle East, Chartek ONE availability in other regions is planned for 2025.
Benefitting from technical experience
“Chartek stands at the forefront of the industry, offering a comprehensive range of solutions that reflect our heritage and track record of success,” remarked Robin Wade, global fire protection manager at AkzoNobel. “Our investment in research, development and PFP capabilities enable us to provide our customers with the best possible outcomes.
“Chartek ONE was developed in our Felling facility which is one of the world’s largest UKAS-accredited PFP testing centers for intumescent PFP. Patented polysiloxane modified thio-ether and epoxy technology resolves many of the pain points found in the provision and longevity of epoxy PFP in one simple solution. International is a dedicated partner and through the celebrated history of Chartek, we are committed to excellence in technical support, product specific engineering solutions, and delivering class-leading products.”
Chartek benefits from a presence in the industry spanning more than half a century. As passive fire protection, it excels in the most demanding conditions and the range is one of the world's most complete portfolio of epoxy intumescent PFP coatings available, according to the company.
Formulated and tested against critical industry standards for energy assets including NORSOK M-501:2022 Edition 7 and ISO 22899 (standard and high heat flux jet fires), Chartek ONE is free from boron and has a 100% solids formula to reduce occupational risks and improve HSE performance and footprint.
“We are thrilled to be introducing Chartek ONE for our Middle East customers at ADIPEC 2024,” added Andy Holt, business development manager - Middle East at International. “Crafted to offer our customers superior safety, reliability, and peace of mind, Chartek ONE showcases our continued dedication to sustainability and innovation.
“This single-coat, mesh-free solution will drastically simplify PFP projects for our customers, minimizing downtime and reducing overall project costs. Our commitment to considering the environmental impact of our work is an integral part of the development process. Chartek ONE’s 100% solids, boron-free formula, stands as a testament to this commitment.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 23 October, 2024
- Year: 2024
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, in collaboration with Core42, a G42 company specialising in sovereign cloud, AI infrastructure, and digital services, has unveiled an advanced digital portal aimed at improving fire and life safety standards across the emirate.
The portal allows the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, building owners, and maintenance companies to register, manage, and update safety protocols in real time. Developed as part of the Hassantuk programme by Core42, the new system enhances safety for residents by reducing property damage and accelerating emergency response times.
This innovative solution not only improves safety but also streamlines operational efficiency for maintenance firms and property owners, enabling them to monitor and maintain safety standards more effectively.
Introduced in 2018 by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, the Hassantuk programme requires the installation of fire detection devices and integration with the civil defence electronic system in residential and public buildings. The new digital portal, developed by Core42, strengthens this initiative by connecting buildings directly to a command centre, ensuring faster verification and response to fire incidents.
Establising a command centre
The command centre offers essential real-time insights into fire and life safety performance, enabling operators to identify non-compliant buildings, monitor maintenance companies' performance, and ensure transparency in the fulfilment of maintenance contracts.
This contributes significantly to enhancing community safety. The platform includes features such as real-time fault reporting, automated updates, and preventive maintenance tracking, creating a clear communication channel between building owners, maintenance companies, and Civil Defence. This ensures prompt action to address and prevent any safety issues.
Colonel Dr. Engineer Faisal Hassan Al-Qahtani, acting director of the Civil Protection Department, added, "The Hassantuk program has registered over 35,000 buildings in Abu Dhabi, significantly mitigating fire and life risks. With the new smart solution, we can now access real-time data, detect false alarms, and proactively monitor property maintenance, further enhancing safety in a controlled manner. This underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to leading in digital solutions that improve the well-being of its residents.”
"We are proud to deliver this state-of-the-art digital solution to the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and help advance fire and life safety standards in the Emirate," said Yousef Al Harmoodi, chief business development officer, Core42 and general manager, Hassantuk. “Core42 is committed to advancing the digital ambitions of the UAE. Through this portal and command center, we aim to empower the Civil Defence team to monitor compliance, ensure service-level agreements are met, and track maintenance activities in real time. This collaboration reflects Core42’s commitment to driving the nation's vision forward, and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in smart city initiatives."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 10 October, 2024
- Year: 2024
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has appointed Zahi Daher as the new manager of international business development for Saudi Arabia.
Joining Dana Kamal, director of international business development for the MENA region, Daher will focus on advancing NFPA initiatives in the Kingdom by promoting fire and life safety standards in line with the country’s rapid development.
Daher brings extensive expertise in fire protection, standards management, and business development, having previously worked at UL Standards & Engagement as the regional standards manager for the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). In his prior role, he played a key role in building strategic relationships with government bodies, industry associations, and regulatory entities, driving the adoption of international safety standards throughout the region.
His appointment follows the recent opening of NFPA’s regional office in Riyadh and marks a strategic move to enhance fire, electrical, and life safety efforts as part of the Saudi Building Code.
“Saudi Arabia is undergoing an incredible transformation, and I am honoured to help NFPA play a role as fire and life safety standards are implemented throughout this process, aligned with local risks and hazards,” said Daher, adding that, “I look forward to working with stakeholders across the Kingdom to foster an environment where safety continues to be prioritised at every level.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 17 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
From protective gear to cutting-edge technology, MSA Safety offers expertise and solutions that help firefighters and fire brigades safeguard both themselves and their communities. These comprehensive MSA Safety fire protection solutions will be showcased at the upcoming Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham taking place on 18-19 September.
A highlight of this year’s ESS will be MSA Bristol Managed Services, part of MSA Safety’s Services & Solutions portfolio. This end-to-end offering promotes first responder safety by providing full management and logistical support for the care and upkeep of fire protective clothing (FPC) and personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters. The Bristol Managed Services team has developed specialised repair routines based on extensive experience and proven outcomes, all while adhering to essential UK standards for cleaning and inspection.
“We help to keep our customers and their teams safe, here in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe and the Middle East,” said Dave Howells, president of MSA International. “We've been leading the way in driving advancements in safety solutions by focusing on customer-driven innovation. Throughout our history, this has been one of our main focuses. We remain committed to this and will continue working alongside our customers to help find or develop the solutions that address their challenges effectively.”
MSA Safety will also feature its full line of Bristol fire protective clothing at ESS, including:
- MSA Bristol Rescue Stretch: The latest addition to Bristol’s range, this design incorporates the innovative, lightweight GORE-TEX CROSSTECH PYRAD stretch fabric, offering flexibility, waterproofing, windproofing, and blood-borne pathogen protection.
- Bristol X4 Wildland Garment: Designed for long-term use in hot conditions, this lightweight garment is ideal for firefighters in scenarios where a structural suit may be less efficient.
- Bristol X4 TRW-Hybrid Suit: Tailored for the evolving needs of technical rescue teams and wildland firefighters, this suit can transition between technical rescue and wildland firefighting roles.
Products at display
ESS attendees will also get to explore the latest advancements in MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform, a suite of hardware and software solutions designed to help fire departments manage PPE and related data for usage and maintenance. This includes the M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), the MSA HUB, a cloud-connected wireless gateway for on-scene and remote monitoring, and FireGrid software.
MSA Safety will emphasise the benefits of the data generated by the Connected Firefighter Platform and how information transmitted from the M1 SCBA to the cloud integrates with FireGrid to enhance safety, improve on-scene decision-making, and simplify remote monitoring and post-event analysis. This year, MSA will also showcase FireGrid Inventory Management, highlighting how it can digitise tasks like equipment checks and inspection scheduling for SCBA and fire helmets. Inventory Manager helps fire departments better track equipment usage, locations, and maintenance needs, ultimately extending the lifespan of their gear.
“With our Connected Firefighter Platform, we’re continually working to provide valuable insights to firefighters and fire brigades without adding complexity or getting in the way,” said Bob Apel, MSA Safety executive director of fire service and digital experience. “At ESS, we’re looking forward to having conversations with our customers and showcasing how our solutions can help them make progress toward their safety goals and make compliance easier. We know the fire service market and environment are constantly evolving, and we are continually looking at ways to enhance our capabilities to bring innovative solutions to the fire service to help keep firefighters safe and ready to go.”
MSA Safety will also be presenting its Gallet range of fire helmets at ESS, including the GALLET F2XR Rescue Helmet. Designed to meet multiple challenges, the GALLET F2XR helmet is certified for wildland firefighting, technical rescue, urban search and rescue, climbing, and water rescue, offering firefighters a versatile option to enhance safety during operations.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 11 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
Kevin Killeen, global product line manager for Flame Detection at MSA Safety, outlines how advanced diagnostic technologies help minimise false alarms in flame detectors
In industrial environments where flammable materials are handled, flame detection systems are crucial for safety. They serve as an essential layer in safety programmes, helping to prevent fires and explosions by detecting the presence of flames early on. However, false alarms can be a significant issue, disrupting operations and potentially desensitising personnel to real alerts. Different flame detection methods exhibit varying false alarm profiles depending on the application, which is why advanced diagnostic technologies, like artificial neural networks (ANNs), have been developed to enhance these systems and reduce false alarms.
Traditional flame detection systems rely on sensors such as infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) detectors to identify flames. These sensors, however, can be prone to interference from sources like sunlight, arc welding, and hot surfaces, which may lead to false alarms. Environmental factors like dust, smoke, and fog can further limit the effectiveness of flame detectors, making it challenging to distinguish between genuine threats and false alarms.
Addressing the challenges
ANNs are a powerful solution to these challenges. They are computational models inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, capable of learning complex patterns and making decisions based on vast datasets. When applied to flame detection, ANNs can discern subtle differences between actual flames and potential sources of interference, significantly reducing false alarms.
ANNs are trained using extensive datasets of spectral data from both real flames and common sources of interference. Through supervised learning, the network adjusts its internal parameters to optimize its ability to accurately classify input data.
Once trained, the ANN can quickly analyse incoming sensor data and determine whether a detected anomaly corresponds to a genuine flame or a false alarm. Since 2005, MSA has been at the forefront of using artificial neural networks in flame detection technology.
Numerous industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, and manufacturing, have adopted ANNs for flame detection with remarkable results. By integrating ANNs into their safety systems, companies have reported significant reductions in false alarms, leading to enhanced operational continuity and improved worker safety.
Additionally, the scalability of ANNs allows them to be deployed in diverse environments, from offshore platforms to industrial plants, highlighting their versatility and effectiveness.
Key advantages
The key advantages of using ANNs in flame detection include:
1. Adaptability: ANNs can handle varying environmental conditions and sources of interference due to their extensive training library, making them robust in real-world applications.
2. Accuracy: ANNs leverage sophisticated pattern recognition capabilities to differentiate between genuine flames and false alarms with high precision.
3. Efficiency: ANNs can process large volumes of data in real-time, enabling rapid decision-making and minimizing response times in critical situations.
4. Reduced maintenance: With fewer false alarms, flame detection systems that incorporate ANNs require less frequent maintenance, resulting in cost savings and improved operational efficiency
The FL5000 Multi-Spectrum Infrared (MSIR) Flame Detector is our latest generation flame detector. It builds on the foundation set by the FL4000H, with increased neural network capabilities that further reduce false alarms. The proprietary MSIR flame algorithm ensures that the detector verifies the presence of a legitimate flame before initiating an alarm, protecting both assets and budget.
Additionally, the FL5000 is the first flame detector to incorporate Bluetooth technology. With the exclusive Flame Connect App, users can easily set up, configure, and download event logs from mobile devices.
Advanced diagnostic technologies, especially artificial neural networks, offer excellent accuracy and efficiency in flame detection while minimizing false alarms. By harnessing the power of ANNs, industries can mitigate risks, protect assets, and safeguard personnel. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of next-generation ANNs is poised to set new benchmarks for excellence in industrial flame detection.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 30 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
The sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place from 1-3 October at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), will underscore the importance of fire safety in the built environment.
This event, recognised as the country’s premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, will feature a significant discussion led by Neil Odin, chief fire officer of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, who is a prominent figure in fire safety.
Odin, with over three decades of experience in the UK fire service, will share his unique perspectives on the challenges faced by the Middle East during the panel discussion titled "Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management," set to take place on the opening day of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.
A construction surge
According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia currently hosts over 5,200 ongoing construction projects, collectively valued at more than US$819bn. These projects, spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, highlight the pressing need for effective fire-safe design strategies.
"A response strategy cannot stand alone; it must be intricately linked with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention strategies. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and sharing this knowledge is key to innovating effective solutions," said Odin.
“The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to lead in global fire management through its focus on designing out risks in new developments,” he added.
The session will delve into the critical phases following a fire, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, with a focus on restoring normality for affected communities, buildings, and emergency responders. Odin will be joined by Jamal Al Ghamdi, corporate process safety director at Sadara Chemical Company, on the panel.
Additional sessions on the first day of the Summit will cover topics such as promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness, fire safety hazards associated with electric vehicles, and lessons learned from past disasters.
The second day of the Summit will feature a full agenda addressing various topics, including the integration of IoT and AI in fire safety systems, the maturity of robotics in firefighting, safeguarding fire safety infrastructure against emerging threats, and fire challenges exacerbated by climate change. These sessions will be led by experts from diverse fields critical to fire safety.
Riham Sedik, show manager—Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Intersec Saudi Arabia has an integral role to play in providing a platform for some of the greatest minds and most experienced individuals to come together from around the world to discuss critical challenges, opportunities, standards & policies, and technology relating to fire safety.
“Our packed agenda ensures Intersec Saudi Arabia remains a key date for all concerned in this field.”
Alongside the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, the event will also host the Future Security and Safety Summit, focusing on the convergence of security thought leadership, innovation, and global expertise. Both summits are part of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s high-level content and conference programme, all of which are CPD-certified.
This year's exhibition will span five product categories: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health. With unprecedented demand from exhibitors, the show has sold out two months before its opening day, leading to a 34% increase in exhibition space from the previous year, now covering a total of 23,000 sqm across five halls and a dedicated outdoor area.
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences said, “I’m delighted to see such a high calibre of experts who will be able to share insights from their many years of experience. This secures our position as a must-attend exhibition.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 21 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
Alexander Castellanos, then head of Fire and Life Safety at WSP, explained how Building Information Modeling (BIM) could help increase fire safety measures at Intersec 2024, which was held from 16-17 January in Dubai.
Castellanos emphasised the importance of integrating BIM into fire safety design, highlighting the benefits of improved cooperation and enhanced collaboration. He discussed the benefits of using BIM in fire safety consulting, including a more accurate and efficient analysis of a building's fire safety features, and the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.
He also stressed that BIM can help create a comprehensive understanding of a building's fire safety features, leading to better fire safety outcomes.
“What happens now is that buildings are so complex, that in order to coordinate either internally with your design teams or with a client, but more importantly with authorities, there will be a point where 2D plans are not sufficient. And this is where BIM comes in,” he said.
BIM is important for multiple reasons, he said. “One reason is that BIM improves cooperation, for understanding complex projects, and bringing them together. It is also about the design lifecycle of a project: from design to construction to handing over a bid model, which will be important to the facilities management team. Clash detection is critical as well,” he said.
Read the full article here.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 4 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
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.