Strong fire safety rules in place
Alertness and precaution can raise defence against flame-induced accidents
Both commercial and residential premises have many types of fire protection systems and equipment. These are for the most part, provided to meet the mandatory life safety measures required by law. Fire safety arrangements have become the basic necessity for all properties such as offices, schools, and multi-storey buildings. Installing fire alarms and proper evacuation signage is just the first step of minimising fire damage.
Recently, the updated UAE Fire and Life Safety Code was unveiled at the Intersec Fire Safety Conference 2017, which includes updated guidelines related to cladding, such as testing and installation, and maintenance responsibilities of each building development party – such as clients, consultants, and contractors. The Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) launched it and its aim is to reduce the risk of fires spreading.
Reportedly, the updated code has also listed specific techniques about how cladding panels are to be installed. The updated chapters include those related to fire doors, cladding in buildings, access for Civil Defence trucks to reduce incident response times and educating consultants, contractors and end-users on the latest modifications, according to reports. The code was developed with public and private stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of safety and prevention from fires.
A One Technology LLC is a company that was established keeping in mind the high importance of fire protection, which comprises mainly of fire alarm and fire fighting systems in the UAE and the emerging need for technological input.
The company has developed a professional team of technically trained staff providing quick response to the time and need of its valued customers in fire protection. It is among the companies that provide high quality service and is a civil defence approved company in the field of design, supply, installation and maintenance of fire protection systems in residential, industrial and oil field facilities.
Another example is the UAE-based firm Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants (TBWIC) that has many firsts to its credit. It was the first façade consultant, the first laboratory with permanent curtain-wall testing equipment, the first fire-testing laboratory, and is now the first certification body located in the Gulf region.
TBWIC has typically added new tests to support the requirements of the latest version of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice. However, the test equipment currently on order or being commissioned will place the lab among the best in the world by the spring of next year.