Dubai World Fire Department upgrades capabilities

The Department, which is part of the group's EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) unit, provides fire, non-fire, rescue and emergency medical services to Dubai World properties such as The Palm Islands, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City, Techno Park, International City, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jumeirah Village and Discovery Gardens, among others.

With such a vast portfolio of high network properties and areas to cover, EHS has placed special focus on expanding and upgrading the emergency services under the Fire Department.

Ahmed A. Hussain, CEO of EHS, said, "We have upgraded the capabilities of Dubai World Fire Department and supported it with the necessary expertise and professionals who can develop and continue the improvement drive in order to be in line with world-class standards and provide the services required by all our Business units. The Fire Department was recently provided with the most up-to-date equipment which enables it to protect its assets and people and prevent losses to all."

The capacity and capability upgrading included new fire tenders, Ultra High Pressure Fire Fighting System, Chlorine Emergency Kit, Long Range Foam/Water Monitors, Thermal Imaging Camera, Rescue Tool Kit, Large Capacity (9,000 gallons) water tanker and foam concentrate (70,000 litres).

In 2007, the Department plans to acquire new fire and rescue boats, 54-meter hydraulic platforms, computer-aided Emergency Dispatch System and software packages, UN classification and special vehicles to transport patients with known infections.

Dubai World's Fire Department has demonstrated satisfactory compliance with ISO 14001, an auditable Environmental Management System (IMS), and works closely with Dubai Civil Defence Department. It has 3,477 trained and certified employees.

Mr A. Hussain said, "It is our aim to create an environment that is safe, free from hazards and risks. Our excellent cooperation with Dubai Civil Defence has resulted in mutual benefits by sharing responsibilities in locations which are close to both jurisdiction boundaries. I take this opportunity to thank the Dubai Civil Defence for their continued cooperation."

In 2006, the Fire Department handled 1,162 emergencies, including 68 fire calls, 10 cases of leakages and spills, and 1,084 medical emergencies. It also attended to 18 emergencies outside its jurisdiction on humanitarian grounds, reflecting a high level of cooperation with Dubai Civil Defence.

As part of its continuous service improvement process, the EHS Fire Department conducted 20 emergency exercises last year.

Its other activities included reviewing a record 2,342 building drawings and carrying out inspections at 555 buildings for safety compliance.