Nanotech, apps for firefighting
dubai — The Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) has adopted nanotechnology for use in its firefighting operations and is also set to establish a factory for producing this technology in the emirate.
The UAE will be among the first countries to apply this technology.
This was revealed by Major-General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director-General of DCD, during the Intersec Fire Safety Conference 2017, held in Dubai. He unveiled the DCD’s futuristic concept and its complete readiness to apply the enablers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by using Nanotech in the fire suppression field. This is a technology that is widely applicable in many industrial, medical, chemical and physical specialties, thus enhancing their results.
“We work in line with a rational vision, having specific objectives and clear timeframes; we’re also committed to playing a prime role as the main partner in executing the objectives of the Dubai Future Accelerators (DFF) programme, by investing in reshaping the future of the fire industry by using Nanotech in fighting fire accidents, over 50 per cent of which are caused by electric sources,” Maj-Gen Al Matroushi said.
The DCD has completed all testing studies for using Nanotech in fire suppression operations, he noted.
Further, Maj-Gen Al Matroushi said that 2017 could see progress in the development of systems that support DCD’s long-term nanotechnology programme, which would help reduce the need for huge fire extinguishing devices. Nanotechnology units can be as small 2cm x 2cm, making firefighting that much easier and efficient.
Nanotech can also be used to produce different-sized adhesive plates which can be placed normally in a confined place, where it can be automatically activated within the intended space when the temperature exceeds the permissible levels. In the event of a fire, the exact amount of gas needed for extinguishing it is released, targeting the source and thus preventing its spread.
Nanotech can be used to rapidly suppress fires from electrical power sockets, breaker panels, circuit breaker panels, consumer units, CU electrical panels, fuse boards, load centres, DB boards, ACDB (alternating current distribution boards), DCDB (direct current distribution boards).
Elastic adhesive plates are place inside a protected device, above the potential source of fire, covering electrical installations in buildings, structures, factories, warehouses and apartments.
The use of Nanotech and fire suppression adhesive plates is a real quantum leap in the field of firefighting, being effective, lightweight, eco-friendly, cost-effective and easy to install. Direct contact with water or high humidity do not affect the products, which don’t need any energy source too. These are highly effective, providing the highest level of safety to firemen.
Other DCD smart applications
Another expert, Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director General of DCD, said that the force has displayed new smart applications and completed infrastructure services, according to the vision and strategic plan covering all the civil defence services and homes.
Among these are the Automated Stirring System, which measure the response time and quality of the civil defence team, since rapid alert and reaching an accident site fast are vital to the safety and survival of those involved.
The sophisticated Automated Stirring System have features such as electronic maps, real-time GPS tracking for the shortest route, a selection of fire engine sites, wireless internal communication and hazardous materials information, ensuring that firefighters can move quickly and easily to the spot.
The second application is Fire Safety, works as a sort of window through which residents can reach the DCD in emergencies, accessing the application via the DCD site or smart government appl. Visitors can access to quick services such as payment and smart billing details and the emergency button.
The third application, Accident Leaders, provides the DCD team with accurate, reliable information during and of all phases of its managed incidents. The innovative technical solution collects all major data during each event and provides comprehensive real-time data and decision-making process, allowing fast movement at critical
We’re committed to... investing in the future of the fire industry by using Nanotech in fighting fires, over 50 per cent of which are caused by electrical sources. Major-General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, DG of DCD
times. The fourth application is Smart City Panel, with all information about the city displayed on a single screen. This greatly enhances the DCD’s operations capacity and improves their decision-making process and institutional performance, besides enhancing performance levels through information sharing.
The fifth application is the Civil Defence Stations Panel which gives the user information about the level of safety in civil defence stations buildings, providing a deeper understanding of the performance of each fire station and the challenges faced. This enables the user to direct DCD vehicles in the best possible manner and to the right accident spots.
The sixth application, E-Services, has introduced 45 e-services to the public, include the application for accreditation and participation certificates. This is available round the clock. Vehicles Management, the seventh application, allows the user to monitor the locations of vehicles on a computer, gauging the movement of fire engines, operation timings and and other necessary information like speed and defaults, through GPS, the Internet, digital mapping and special software for tracking. The advanced features such as digital mapping and alert maintenance and reporting ensures the easy management of the fleet. The Smart Inspector, the eigth and final app, is used by analyst field officers to facilitate their operations at the accident sites.
amira@khaleejtimes.com