Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 7 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
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.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 6 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
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.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 5 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
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.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 4 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
Honeywell has opened its first assembly line dedicated to fire alarm and building management solutions in Saudi Arabia, in line with its strategy to increase localisation in the Kingdom in focus areas
The new facility in Dhahran will provide local and regional markets with Saudi-made products that meet the highest local and international industry standards and will boost the company’s building automation capabilities in the region. It will streamline the delivery process of world-class building automation and critical safety technologies, enabling faster and more efficient distribution of products to customers.
“Around the world, and especially within this region, we are seeing clear alignment between national visions and goals and the need for safer, efficient, smart and sustainable infrastructure,” said Phil Daniell, VP and GM of Honeywell - Business Automation in Middle East, Turkey and Africa. “Urban populations are increasing, and through automation technologies we are able to help cater to this expanded need while helping to tackle carbon emissions and driving efficiency through smarter and safer technology.”
Abdullah Al-Juffali, Honeywell country president of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, added, “This new facility not only enhances our capability to serve our customers with locally manufactured solutions, but also solidifies our commitment to contributing to the Kingdom’s industrial and technological advancements."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 3 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) recently held a meeting with human resources managers and executive directors from various government entities in the emirate.
Chaired by H.E. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, the meeting took place at Al Ittihad Museum to introduce attendees to the department's major ongoing and proposed projects aimed at improving workforce efficiency and integrating best practices into the government’s work system.
During the meeting, the DGHR team highlighted several projects aligned with the department's agenda to upgrade human resources in Dubai and establish methodologies to empower the government workforce. One key project discussed was the initiative for Measuring Workforce Productivity in the Government of Dubai, which offers precise data and indicators on workforce productivity across government entities. This framework aims to evaluate performance and improve government sector efficiency, supporting the objectives of ‘We the UAE 2031’ and sustainable development goals.
Another focal point was the ‘Dubai Government Jobs Engineering’ project, designed to enhance human resource practices, including compensation and wages, learning and career development, and workforce planning. This project addresses current and future workforce needs of government entities. The meeting also covered the ‘Empowering Human Resources Departments in Government Entities’ project, which provides departments with resources to stay updated on workplace changes and improve HR professionals' skills through specialised training and best practice applications.
Future skills
The ‘General Framework for Government Human Resources Training - Future Skills Dubai’ project was discussed for its role in creating a competitive workforce equipped with skills for future changes, supporting digital transformation, and bolstering the UAE’s national economy. This project will connect training, advisory, and academic entities through a smart platform to facilitate knowledge exchange and improve training effectiveness.
The meeting also reviewed the ‘Human Resources Law, Policies, and Regulations’ project, which aims to develop a unified framework for integrated government human resource management. This project focuses on creating flexible policies based on modern best practices. Additionally, the ‘Financial Allocations Decision Review’ project was discussed to evaluate the competitiveness of compensation and allowances to attract and retain top talent.
H.E. Iman Bin Khatam, Director of Policy and Programme Support at DGHR, said, “At DGHR, we recognise the significance of cooperation, coordination, and collaborative efforts between the department and various stakeholders of Dubai government and this meeting comes in line with this belief. The key goal of the meeting is to enhance human resource capabilities in the emirate and swiftly attain the desired outcomes, further shaping a better future for this sector. We seek to adopt innovative approaches and integrate global best practices in our efforts to enhance the Emirati workforce as well as to support them to seamlessly adapt to rapid changes and meet future requirements. These ambitious projects aid us to establish a cohesive and supportive work environment that improves employee productivity, contributes attaining Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ goals, and reinforces Dubai’s prominent position in the global economy.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 31 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
Engineer Majid Al Khumairi, Head of Training Institutes and Individuals Department at the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA), announced the launch of a new service called "Registration of Occupational Safety and Health Officers."
This service includes an online platform that allows applicants to obtain a registration certificate as safety and health officers in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Engineer Majid Al Khumairi stated that the authority aims to raise awareness and improve competency in occupational safety and health across the emirate. The service includes advanced training programs and specialised workshops held regularly to ensure the skills and knowledge of occupational safety and health officers in Sharjah remain current.
He emphasised that safety officers are responsible for overseeing facilities and institutions in the emirate and must comply with specific standards to ensure the highest levels of safety based on the risk and classification of the facility. The authority aims to provide full support to enable government and private entities to efficiently meet these requirements.
In conjunction with the new service, the authority has issued a guidebook for "Occupational Safety and Health Officers" that provides comprehensive information about the required qualification standards for officer registration according to the Sharjah Occupational Safety and Health System. The guide promotes compliance with local laws and guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Engineer Majid Al Khumairi added that government entities and private facilities classified under levels 3, 4, and 5 are required to appoint a registered safety and health officer through the authority. These entities can access the new guidebook and register for the service by visiting the website of the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority, simplifying the compliance process and reinforcing preventive measures in the emirate.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Training
- Topic: Training
- Date: 30 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
The Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA), in partnership with the Municipality of Al Dhaid, has launched an awareness campaign titled "Work Safety at Heights."
The campaign aims to improve safety practices for working at heights through specialised practical training programmes. These programmes include workshops led by expert specialists, focusing on safe practices for working on scaffolding, proper scaffold setup, and the correct use of safety equipment.
This initiative is part of the Prevention and Safety Authority's efforts to ensure worker safety in the Emirate of Sharjah. It targets all workers in the construction sector or those whose jobs require scaffold installation and usage. The campaign encourages all companies in the central region to provide necessary training to their employees and to register in the Sharjah Occupational Safety and Health System via the Authority's website, which is dedicated to ensuring minimum safety requirements at work sites.
His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority, emphasised the importance of such awareness campaigns and their vital role in achieving the Authority's vision of a safe, hazard-free community. He added that the campaign aims to meet the Emirate's future aspirations by raising awareness of fundamental procedures that ensure human protection, thereby enhancing worker safety, reducing workplace accidents and injuries, and preserving property.
This campaign addresses the growing need for a safe work environment and educates workers on the importance of following preventive measures to maintain their safety. The campaign will run for several weeks and will include various awareness activities such as distributing informative brochures, holding educational seminars, and organising field campaigns for inspection and awareness at different work sites. The Authority urges employers at construction sites to review the Scaffolding Guide OSHJ-GL-03 and the Mobile Scaffolding Guide OSHJ-GL-04 to understand the necessary safety requirements for working on scaffolding, ensuring the security and safety of workers.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Training
- Topic: Training
- Date: 29 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
The International SOS Foundation has announced the 2024 Duty of Care Awards & Summit, scheduled for 31 October 2024 in Sydney, Australia.
The event will bring together leading experts to discuss, debate, and share best practices while recognising organisations and individuals worldwide for their commitment to protecting the health, safety, security, and wellbeing of their global workforce. As organisations continue to navigate a changing risk environment, the theme of this year’s Awards is "Leading Change for a Re-Imagined Future."
This year’s Duty of Care Summit will feature industry experts discussing topics such as AI, climate resilience, geopolitical instability, workplace violence, diversity and inclusion, mental health and wellbeing, and travel and mobility trends.
Recognising that employees are the cornerstone of any successful business, organisations globally are prioritising their well-being and safety. The Middle East, emerging as a global business hub, is placing greater emphasis on fulfilling Duty of Care responsibilities. Businesses in the UAE and the broader Middle East are increasingly implementing measures to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of their workforce, which is essential for operational success and resilience.
Since 2016, the Awards have honoured outstanding organisations and individuals, including large technology companies, non-profits, airlines, financial services, and manufacturing firms.
Kai Boschmann, executive director of the International SOS Foundation said, “As a continuously rising risk environment puts pressure on organisations and executives to uphold their Duty of Care responsibilities, the purpose of the Summit & Awards could not be more pertinent. This year’s Duty of Care events look to reimagine the future of organisational resilience to bring positive change. We are pleased to have, again this year, received a high calibre of award entries spanning the globe. This will be our first ever International SOS Foundation Duty of Care Awards & Summit in Australia, a region with strong emphasis on health, safety, and security.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 28 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
NMDC Group reinforced its commitment to the national industrial strategy through its gold sponsorship and active participation in the third edition of the Make It In The Emirates (MIITE) Forum, which took place from 27-28 May in Abu Dhabi.
The company’s dredging and marine (D&M) division showcased the D&M Dredging Academy, which delivers specialised training across various fields including soil mechanics, fluid mechanics, pipelines, survey techniques, land reclamation, nautical knowledge, health and safety, and project management.
Tech for safety
Additionally, NMDC Energy demonstrated a suite of innovations aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies, safety, and sustainability, while advancing digital transformation within the industry. The Connected Workers Solution, an AI-driven system, enables real-time safety monitoring and optimisation of yard operations. This technology is part of a broader initiative, the Yard Modernisation Initiatives Program, which represents a significant investment of AED 100,000,000 aimed at increasing productivity, enhancing efficiency, and reducing operational costs.
The showcase also featured an augmented reality device designed to equip frontline workers with essential information through a voice-enabled, head-mounted display.
This technology significantly enhances safety and efficiency in task completion. Additionally, NMDC Energy exhibited Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) used for underwater tasks in harsh offshore conditions.
These vehicles utilise advanced technology to perform detailed inspections, maintenance, and repairs, eliminating the need for human divers and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Ahmed Al Dhaheri, NMDC Energy CEO, said, "Our participation in the Make It In The Emirates Forum was marked by exciting showcases that demonstrate our leadership in the sector and commitment to technological innovation. Our displays included state-of-the-art equipment designed for complex underwater operations and advanced wearable technology that provides critical information directly to our frontline teams, among others. These advancements reinforce our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our field, significantly enhancing operational capabilities in line with the UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy to transform the industrial sector.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 27 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
ENOC Group commemorated World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024 by honouring 55 winners at the Group’s annual HSE Excellence Awards ceremony held at Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, earlier this May.
Aligning with its goal of raising awareness on how to make the workplace safe and healthy, ENOC recognised the distinguished contributions of the winners across 15 awards categories. At the event, the Group also unveiled its 2023 HSE Performance, reaffirming the Group’s commitment towards excellence in occupational health and safety and promoting a sustainable and responsible working environment.
The HSE Excellence Awards were given across different categories including Best Performing Segment, Best Performing Business Unit, Best Performing Corporate Department, Partner Recognition, Best HSE Innovation/ Project, Best Education programme, Best Process Safety Initiative, Best Near Miss Reporting, Best OH /Wellness ProgramME, Best Environment Project, Best Risk Management Coordinator, Best Business Continuity Management Champion, HSE Champion and HSE Heroes.
ENOC Group’s HSE Performance data for 2023 revealed a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.088, which is 49% lower than the target of 0.18 set for the year.
Encouraging HSE best practice
Throughout the year, the Group launched several occupational health and wellbeing campaigns. These included the Safety Day campaign, organised in partnership with the Joint Committee for Security and Safety, to raise awareness about safety and security at service stations, particularly while refuelling vehicles, to ensure the safety of customers and service providers. Another initiative, the Incident Reporting campaign under the ‘ENOC Cares’ initiative, aimed to foster a transparent work culture by empowering employees to report incidents in the workplace.
In 2023, the Group received several prestigious certifications and accolades. ENOC was awarded the GC Mark Blue certification for excellence in energy efficiency and the IWA 42:2022 for its commitment to the ‘net zero’ target. Additionally, ENOC was honoured with the Impact Seal – Platinum Tier award by Majra, the UAE’s National CSR Fund, for its leading sustainable impact practices aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and national priorities.
Furthermore, the ENOC Group Emergency Response Centre (EERC) achieved certification in ISO standards 9001, 14001, and 45001 during 2023. In a notable achievement, the ENOC Fire Training Center obtained a license from Dubai Civil Defense to conduct fire-fighting training for all Dubai entities and received authorisation from Dubai Corporation Ambulance Services to provide in-house first aid training.
His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group CEO at ENOC, said, “Providing a safe and healthy work environment for our employees, customers and partners has fostered a thriving work environment at ENOC. HSE is a key pillar of our organisational culture, and we believe that practising safe and healthy behaviours will contribute to enhanced productivity and boost employee wellbeing. With climate change beginning to impact occupational safety and health, we remain committed to accelerating global climate action and improving energy efficiencies to promote best practices in HSE, which is also aligned with the long-term vision of Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.”
“On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we are proud to recognise the efforts of our employees in creating a safe working environment and contributing to a strong energy infrastructure for the nation.” Al Falasi added.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 24 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
Matthew Parr from Hughes Safety Showers discusses with SHP Online the growing importance of emergency safety showers and eye/face washes in gigafactories, as their prevalence increases across Europe.
As governments and policymakers recognise the urgency of prioritising sustainability, the shift towards electric vehicles is becoming more apparent in Europe.
In March 2023, the European Parliament approved new legislation to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2035. While the legislation awaits approval from the European Council, the momentum towards embracing all-electric vehicles is undeniably accelerating.
Unit sales of new electric vehicles in Europe are expected to reach 3.44 million by 2028, with an additional 1.4 million plug-in hybrid vehicles. As demand for electric vehicles grows, so does the need for lithium-ion batteries.
Currently, the UK has one gigafactory, AESC UK in Sunderland, which supplies batteries for Nissan’s electric vehicles. Across Europe, the number of gigafactories is expected to increase, with Germany, Hungary, and France projected to host 19 of them.
Given the nature of materials and processes involved, gigafactories are associated with significant risks. Understanding and addressing these risks is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of the growing workforce in this sector.
Manufacturing risks
Lithium-ion batteries are made up of four primary components: cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte. Improper handling, overcharging, short-circuiting, or overheating of these batteries can lead to significant dangers such as expansion, splintering, and leakage, which pose serious workplace hazards.
While automation in the manufacturing process and the correct use of PPE can help protect workers from hazardous materials, employers must remain vigilant. If electrolytes leak or spill from a battery, they can react with air and water to form hydrofluoric acid.
What are the effects of a hydrofluoric acid burn?
Abbas Kanani MRPharmS, superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, explained the dangers hydrofluoric acid poses when it comes into contact with the body.
He said, “Hydrofluoric acid is one of the strongest acids that causes corrosive burns and can also involve underlying bone. It is highly toxic and damaging. Contact with high-concentration products can be fatal.”
When a person first comes into contact with hydrofluoric acid, they’ll experience severe pain at the site of the burn. Kanani elaborated stating, “There may be swelling, slow-healing burns, blisters or a rash present and pain can occur even if there are no visible burns.”
The lasting damage can be significant too, with Kanani adding, “Skin damage can take a long time to heal and can result in severe scarring. Eye exposure can cause permanent blindness or total destruction of the eye.”
In the event of accidental contact with hydrochloric acid, a thorough decontamination as quickly as possible for at least 15 minutes is essential to remove any residual chemical.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 23 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
The UAE is participating in the fourth edition of the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future, organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 20-24 May at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
This event is being held in accordance with the resolution GC(66)/RES/7, adopted at the 66th General Conference in September 2022, which called for the continuation of organising the ICONS every four years.
The conference aims to raise awareness about nuclear security to maintain and strengthen national nuclear security regimes for nuclear and other radioactive materials. It seeks to share nuclear security experiences, achievements, and current trends among member states. The conference serves as a global platform for ministers, policymakers, senior officials, and nuclear security experts to discuss the future of nuclear security worldwide, providing opportunities for exchanging information, sharing best practices, and fostering international cooperation.
The UAE delegation, led by Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA, includes various national stakeholders such as the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), National Guard Command, National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, The Emergencies, Crisis and Disasters Management Centre - Abu Dhabi, and Nawah Energy Company.
Ambassador Al Kaabi delivered the UAE National Statement, highlighting the strong relationship between the IAEA and the UAE. He emphasised the robust partnership that has provided significant support over the past decade, aiding the country in developing a peaceful nuclear programme that meets the highest standards in nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.
“The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Programme has become a role model for being built and operated with excellence, and adhering to the highest standards of safety, security, and safeguards. Such a milestone reflects the unwavering government commitment in the UAE, coupled with the strong cooperation with our national and international partners that made us where we are today,” Ambassador Al Kaabi said.
Bilateral meetings
Over the five days of the conference, various themes will be addressed, including policy, law, and regulations for nuclear security; technology and infrastructure for nuclear security prevention, detection, and response; as well as capacity building.
FANR will present four technical papers to highlight the UAE’s experience in implementing nuclear security measures during Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, evaluate the implications of Small Modular Reactors on nuclear security, and discuss the challenges and benefits of technologies used for nuclear power plants and compliance assurance for the safe and secure transport of radioactive material. Additionally, a poster will be presented related to the regulatory programme for non-nuclear facilities, which assesses safety, security, and safeguards.
The UAE delegation will also participate in two side events: the first, titled “Nuclear Facilities in Times of Crisis,” will focus on improving the resilience of nuclear facilities amidst growing risks and climate change impacts. The second event, “Educating the Next Generation of Nuclear Security Professionals to Meet Future Global Demands,” will showcase the capacity-building needs of nuclear security at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and cooperation with educational institutions inside and outside the UAE.
Furthermore, the UAE delegation will hold several bilateral meetings with international stakeholders and other member states to discuss cooperation opportunities and exchange views on various nuclear security issues.
Additionally, FANR will chair a technical meeting titled “Regulations for the Future: Adapting and Implementing Regulatory Frameworks for Materials and Facilities,” where IAEA member states will present their efforts to prepare for the future in terms of regulations, addressing the growing needs of the nuclear sector to achieve energy security, mitigate climate change, and maintain the security of nuclear material.