Safety experts to gather in Dubai for the 3rd Middle East Fire Safe Conference

Over 200 representatives from various sectors including oil, gas and petrochemicals, construction, transportation and aviation, architectural and design, logistics, hospitality and healthcare have assembled this morning in what promises to be a series of lively discussions.

Colonel Salem Al Mugarrab, Assistant General to the Director General (Fire Safety) at the Department of Civil Defence, delivered the opening keynote address emphasising on the importance of proper safety against unfortunate fire accidents that have occurred off-late. He elaborated on initiatives implemented and measures undertaken in the form of national campaigns by UAE's Civil Defence to promote and encourage a robust fire safety framework within the UAE.

The keynote address was followed by a presentation on the importance of new and updated fire codes and regulations delivered by Sir Ken Knight, Chief Fire & Rescue Adviser of the UK Government; and Dr. Kevin Towler, Board Director from the BM Trada Group. Amongst discussed include how regulations and fire codes should work together to define fire safety goals; the need for fire codes to be amended to reflect up-to-date building methods and materials; the need for regulations to be in line with fire codes to enable fire safety engineering in delivering strategic fire plans and safer communities; and how codes, test methods and certification form a crucial part in ensuring correct materials are used.

Engineer Hao Giang Tay, International President at IFE, addressed the audience on sustainable fire safety engineering, its holistic approach and its future. Engr. Tay also shared case studies on international fire incidents.

Chaired by Morgan Hurley, Technical Director at SFPE, the first day of the conference progressed with two interactive panel discussions on the role of codes and standards towards a safer community-stringent policies and on analysing human behaviour in fire safety evacuation. Panelists include representatives from IFE, WSP Group, SFPE, GFPA, UK Government, BM Trada Group, ARUP, ACC, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Saudi Aramco, ATEIS and RTA.

Abdullah Maghrabi, Business Development Engineer from Al-Jazeera Paints, discussed topics focused on effective fire protection systems, fire protection requirement/building regulation and Al-Jazeera Firedamp 263.

The day culminated with a networking reception attended by speakers, sponsors, and delegates.

Tomorrow, day two, His Excellency Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Acting Director General at Department of Civil Defence, will grace the forum with his presence and will give a close look at the products and services from the exhibiting companies.

The headline speakers include representatives from German Fire Protection Association, COWI Fire, Dubai Drydocks World, Underwriters Laboratory, Ducab, Morgan Thermal Ceramics, Schott Middle East and Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants. Amongst the topics to be discussed include the determination of the number of fire and rescue stations in a major city, hypoxic air fire prevention systems: design challenges and overview on new standards and codes, identification and testing for fire performance of building cladding systems and a case study on the fire risk involved in absence of proper fire rated duct system and build code regulations.

Abdulaziz Hussni Zurub, EHS Division Manager at the Abu Dhabi Municipality, also participated as one of the speakers during the afternoon session presenting on the new EHS COP for building and construction in Abu Dhabi.

The Middle East Fire Safe will culminate on Wednesday with two workshops led by BM Trada on fire regulations and codes leading to testing and certification, and on protecting the value of businesses - loss prevention through engineering and product testing.

Participants sent early congratulatory remarks to the organiser, Fleming Gulf, for its efforts in organising this important forum. Speaking further, they said such occasions and gatherings are indeed important to provide a platform for discussion, constructive debates and sharing of diverse insights and experiences, that are meant to benefit the professional fraternity and help find solutions to the many challenges that we face in achieving an optimum level of fire safety.

The conference, along with its participants, made an effort to create awareness about sustainable fire protection, prevention and emergency preparedness.