Dubai Aluminium successfully conducts major security exercise 'Cloud Burst'

The whole exercise was meticulously planned and systematically executed by DUBAL's employees.

The 'major' security exercise, organized in conjunction with Civil Defense, Dubai Police and the Dubai Department of Health, witnessed DUBAL and its staff coming out with flying colors in terms of crowd control, adhering to the high-level emergency plan at various levels of operation. The entire 'Cloud Burst' exercise is categorized as 'major' due to its level of importance.

'With a sprawling complex covering seven Potlines, power plant and several related units, DUBAL, one of major aluminium producers in the world, places significant importance to safety in its daily operations. The issue of safety is crucial as DUBAL uses chlorine in the manufacturing process. Several trucks deliver chlorine to the complex, raising the occasional possibility of 'chance fire' or even an 'explosion', said Mr. Abdullah Al Abbar, Manager, Security Services and Fire prevention of DUBAL.

The 'Cloud Burst' exercise was part of DUBAL's plan to ascertain its employees' alertness level and to find out whether all the procedures and policies are well in place. It is pertinent to note that DUBAL's senior management team was included in the security exercise in order to observe how every one in the complex will deal with a sudden crisis at times of such an emergency.

'DUBAL takes pride in the success of 'Cloud Burst' as everything worked out according to our detailed plan and schedule. Following this unprecedented success, we have decided to conduct this exercise annually,' said Mr. Abdullah Al Abbar of DUBAL.

DUBAL already has in place the 'Zero Harm' program, under which several safety plans are initiated continuously in each area of operation. Even contract employees have to undergo safety inductions prior to mobilization. The contractors also conduct daily crew meetings and weekly toolbox talks to address any safety related issue. All contractors are required to comply with the Site Specific Safety Management plan for approval prior to beginning any work. Contractors are also rewarded for working safely and achieving safety targets.

Keeping in mind the multi-discipline and multinational workforce, be it in Civil, Structural or Mechanical, DUBAL has appointed translators to ensure safety messages are clearly understood by all workers. Daily safety walks and monthly site safety audits are carried out to identify and rectify the possibility of any unsafe act or conditions.