a supplement of:
Fire SaFety & Building Security REPORT
tHe iMportaNce of traiNiNg WHY THE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO EDUCATE END USERS discrete defeNce HOW BUILDING DESIGN CAN INCORPORATE HOSTILE VEHICLE MITIGATION
a big step forward INDUSTRY EXPERTS ASSESS THE IMPACT OF THE CHANGES TO DUBAI’S FIRE SAFETY LANDSCAPE
Install. Maintain. Relax. With a host of innovative features, approvals and an open protocol, our fire detection equipment gives you total peace of mind.
It is really an honour to work as a distributor for Hochiki products in our market. We aim to establish Hochiki as the number one brand for fire alarm systems in Pakistan. ECO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES
STAND NO:
www.hochiki.ae
January 21-23, 2018 Dubai, UAE
3-D12
Introduction
2
A BIG STEP FORWARDS
GROUP MANAGING DIREctOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 EDItORIAL DIREctOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 EDItORIAL EDItOR GAVIN DAVIDS gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5480 ONLINE EDItOR BEN FLANAGAN ben.flanagan@cpitrademedia.com SUB EDItOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVERtISING cOMMERcIAL DIREctOR JUDE SLANN jude.slann@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5714 SALES ExEcUtIVE TOM BROMLEY tom.bromley@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5496 DESIGN ARt DIREctOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOtOGRAPHY MAkSYM PORIECHkIN MARKEtING MARKEtING MANAGER SHEENA SAPSFORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 cIRcULAtION & PRODUctION DIStRIBUtION MANAGER SUNIL kUMAR sunil.kumar@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODUctION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 WEB DEVELOPMENt MOHAMMAD AwAIS SADIq SIDDIqUI FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINtED BY PRINTwELL PRINTING PRESS LLC PUBLISHED BY
Keeping safe
T
he 2018 edition of the Security and Fire Safety Supplement takes a strong look at how the industry has reacted to the many changes that have occurred over the last year. The introduction of the new Fire Code by Dubai Civil Defence has spurred a lot of dialogue and thought about how to best approach the subject in 2018. One of the most interesting aspects of this change is how the industry is now looking to integrate fire safety systems with smart technology, making buildings and systems that are more responsive to threats and danger. However, what is also crucial to consider is the human element – how individuals react in such high-stress situations. Finally, in the wake of truly awful terrorist attacks with vehicles, we now see how building designers are having to come up with solutions and systems that mitigate these threats.
8
THE FUTURE OF FIRE SAFETY
18
SAFETY ON TOP
6
16
Licensed by TECOM to registered company, CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE www.cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2018 CPI Trade Media. All rights reserved A supplement of Big Project Middle East while the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.
Gavin Davids Editor gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com
22
INTERSEC 2018 PREVIEW Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 1
Industry Insight
A Big Step ForwArd
Big Project ME gets feedback from leading experts about the changes in Dubai’s fire safety landscape
Craig ross Owners’ associations will soon have to contend with new laws that will govern how they are supposed to function.
Following a number of major incidents in recent years, the UAE Civil Defence authorities have begun enforcing stringent measures to improve the standards and regulations around fire safety in buildings, particularly in Dubai. These measures have been bought into by other authorities as well, with the likes of the Dubai Land Department launching a programme to replace non-fire-resistant building facades across the emirate through its regulatory arm, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
As a result of the changing mindsets across the board, contractors and consultants have begun examining how the changes to laws and regulations could impact the way companies operate and plan for fire safety. In order to get a clearer idea of the challenges facing the sector, experts from across
Luay Salih Design for fire safety during the construction phase is largely ignored.
Dubai’s construction sector have outlined some of the key issues for Big Project ME, in conjunction with the Safety Design in Buildings Campaign, a GCC-wide initiative to debate safety standards and practices in the built environment. Scheduled to be held on December 11, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the conference will feature expert voices from the construction industry (including the ones in this article) debating and discussing crucial topics around the safe design of buildings in the region. The first events for SDiB in 2018 will be in Riyadh and Jeddah on April 16 and April 18, taking place a week before Intersec Saudi, a partner of SDiB. How much of an impact will the DLD programme to replace facades
2 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
peter van gorp Will RERA have the authority to compel owners to retrofit buildings and replace facades that are a fire hazard?
“In the new draft of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice, the owner, programme manager and consultant are the only three duty holders identified in the proposed code”
have? What are some of the likely issues it could run into? Peter van Gorp, director of Fire and Life Safety at AESG: The Civil
Defence has taken a big step forwards with the UAE Fire Code, attempting to institute an overarching code. They are implementing the new code already and consulting professionals are aware of the code and have access to it. If you design something, you have to use the latest code now. Mick Dalton, former chairman of the British Institute of Facilities Management and a Director of FM for Meraas: Civil Defence in
Dubai have just launched a new fire code stating that facades are the developer’s responsibility. There are now defined roles and responsibilities in the new code. It was revealed by a speaker
Industry Insight
in Civil Defence that there may be a thousand buildings in Dubai with potentially the same material that contributed to the fire spreading in the Grenfell Tower fire in London. RERA has also entered the fray by stating that owners’ associations will be compelled to replace the
facade if a major refurbishment of facade is undertaken. The owners’ association of a building comprises a board of diverse residents, with no expertise in fire or engineering. They are in charge of what is called the reserve fund or sinking fund, which is intended to be used to pay for the replacement
of the asset over a lifespan. The asset lifespan used by RERA is unlike CIBSE or BOMA, which state that each asset has a life expectancy and is not limited to a short period. This means that the owners’ associations may have insufficient fund reserves to replace their facades. They may need to approach the
building owners and ask them to contribute the necessary funding. Craig Ross, head of Project and Building Consultancy at Cavendish Maxwell: We work closely with
RERA, and there are new laws coming into play for owners’ associations in terms of changes to processes, service charges and how the OA managers
“RERA has also entered the fray by stating that owners’ associations will be compelled to replace the facade if a major refurbishment of facade is undertaken”
defined roles Dubai’s new fire code has clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders on a building project.
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 3
Industry Insight
are expected to function. The safety aspects of operational buildings are of huge interest to us – not just for fire, but all safety elements, like security and accessibility. We often see alarm systems with multiple faults, and a tendency to ignore alarms due to the frequency of false alarms. I have also seen instances where buildings have had their completion certificates signed off, yet when checking the fire suppression systems, we find that these have not been connected properly or there are other issues affecting the operation of the fire and life safety systems. It is the responsibility of the consultant to make sure these systems are operating properly before the subcontractors’ work is paid for, and the new code will assist in making this happen. Has there been a visible improvement in standards and monitoring in recent years? Peter van Gorp: Since I arrived
here 13 years ago, the influx of international consultants
has improved standards. More experts in the market has resulted in improvements, such as the new Fire Code. It is not that the Civil Defence has just started compiling the new code from scratch. It is based on input from a lot of people. The responsibilities of all stakeholders are now defined clearly, which I think is a major step. It may not be something that everybody approves of, but there is now much needed clarity. What is often overlooked is the maintainability and commissioning viability. For instance, the code states that a main alarm valve needs to be tested at regular intervals. That means you need to open the main valve, usually a two-inch connection, to see if everything works properly. A lot of water flow will be produced during the main drain test causing flooding if the main drain valve is not connected properly with the drainage system. As a result, the main drain test is often not done due to the impracticality and complexity.
What is being done about fire safety design during the construction phase? Luay Salih, Vice Chairman, IIRSM and Regional HSE Manager for Dar Al Handasah: Design for fire
safety during the construction phase is largely ignored. In the new draft of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice, the owner, programme manager and consultant are the only three duty holders identified in the proposed code. There is no specific mention of the contractor, other than the fact that he is responsible for implementing what the consultant instructs him to do. This in effect means that the consultant is required to: 1. Identify the risk factors and prepare risk management and emergency preparedness studies for the construction site from the design stage. 2. Prepare all written fire safety strategies, training programmes, safety checklists and fire systems to be implemented during construction,
modification, alteration and demolition operations. 3. Prepare a fire plan and ensure the contractor’s implementation of the same. 4. Ensure that the general contractor is implementing and carrying out provisions of the fire protection plan. Peter van Gorp: The contractor has a responsibility to ensure correct installation. It needs to demonstrate to the consultant that the façade has been installed properly. In many cases the contractor employs a façade inspector. This means that, instead of working under the auspices of the consultant of record, which is supposed to be unbiased, the contractor is now beholden to the façade contractor. In the oil and gas industry, for instance the company carrying out the design cannot conduct the necessary safety assessments, as they need to be done by an independent party. The same should go for the witnessing of the commissioning, which should not be carried out by the contractor.
SAFETy DESign in bUiLDingS 2018: Safety Design in Buildings (SDiB) was initiated in collaboration with Intersec in 2012, as a platform to debate safety standards and practices in the built environment. 35 conferences have taken place to date across the GCC, with leading fire safety consultants, architects, engineers and testing experts coming together with government authorities to give updates and discuss best practice. Speakers:
Major Eng Salem Hashem Alhebshi, Head of Resources and Support Services – UAE General Directorate Civil Defence Headquarter (CDHQ) Brigadier Hilal A. Almazrouei, Head of Resources and Support Services General Directorate, UAE General Directorate Civil Defence Headquarters (CDHQ) Bassem Gamil Faragalla Khalil, Senior Fire Safety Engineer, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence
4 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
Andy Dean, Head of Facades, WSP Shamim Rashid-Sumar, VP-Development – Middle East, Jensen Hughes Aziz Zerban, Regional HSEQ Manager (MENA Region), CH2M HILL Mike Cairney, Managing Director, PMK Consult Benjamin Legg, Vice President – HSE, Middle East, Aecom Charles Dunk, Associate Director – Immersive Technologies, AECOM Peter van Gorp, Head of Fire
Safety, AESG Ian Roy, Head of Property Risk Consulting (MENA), Marsh Luay Salih, Vice Chairman, IIRSM Scott Lambert, Head of Construction & Infrastructure, Al Tamimi Prof Abdul-Rahim Sabouni, CEO, Span M Consulting and President & CEO, Emirates College of Technology John Noone, co-founder – Fire Engineering, Joule Group
Comment
Rajat Kharbanda
burning brightly
Rajat Kharbanda, senior consultant, 6Wresearch, outlines how rising infrastructure investments, government regulations and upcoming mega events are driving the GCC fire safety market Fire safety equipment is the core building block in modern building infrastructure. The growing number of high-rise buildings, the increasing number of fire incidents, stringent government regulation, and the rise in public and private building infrastructure have spurred the market for fire safety equipment across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
According to 6Wresearch, the GCC Fire Safety Market touched $1.1 billion in 2015, registering marginal growth over 2014 due to a decline recorded primarily in the Saudi Arabian market. The market growth previously
estimated in 2015 was in double digits, but that was significantly downgraded to single digits in recent updates, due to weak economic conditions. Various projects have been halted in Saudi Arabia, and there was a sharp decline in the number of new construction contracts in the first half of 2016. This factor has had a significant impact on the growth of the entire GCC fire safety market. The market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8% during 2016-2022. Saudi Arabia will maintain its
6 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
market leadership, followed by the UAE, over the next six years. The UAE and Qatar are anticipated to be the key driving countries for the growth of the GCC region overall, due to upcoming mega events such as Dubai Expo 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. More than $350 billion will be invested to build the supporting infrastructure for these upcoming events. Apart from infrastructure development activities, the rising number of fire incidents in various chemical plants and residential complexes has led governments to revise the
existing fire safety regulations. Significant changes in fire safety norms are expected, especially in the UAE, to replace outdated fire safety equipment. In the GCC fire safety market, fire protection systems are the leading revenue generating segment, led by fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems and fire pumps and controllers. However, key growth is exhibited in the fire detection segment – smoke detectors, gas detectors, heat detectors and so on. Among all applications, the residential and industrial sectors have captured the majority of
Comment
revising existing regulations The rising number of fire incidents in various chemical plants has led to GCC governments revising existing safety regulations.
the pie in the overall market. In the coming years, the growth of the fire safety systems market will depend on the construction industry, investment, government regulations and replacement of existing infrastructure. Iran, meanwhile is one of the most untapped markets in the entire Middle East. The country is the second largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) after Saudi Arabia and has the second largest population. Over the years, the Iranian economy has been adversely affected due to UN sanctions. Further, since the country’s
economy depends on the export of hydrocarbons, with the recent oil price turmoil market conditions are expected to remain challenging. However, with the easing of sanctions, the country anticipates new business opportunities due to a flow of fresh investment. These developments will spur the construction industry in Iran, primarily driving expansion activities in the transportation, energy, residential and hospitality sectors. According to 6Wresearch, Iran’s fire safety market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 10% during 2016-22.
Over the next six years, with the growth in the construction market, demand for fire safety equipment will increase. Iran’s construction market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the same period. The rising number of fire incidents in the country is driving the need for the installation of fire detection and suppression equipment. Oil & gas is one of the major sectors where key deployment of these will registed in the coming years. The recent fire incident at a petrochemical facility in the province of Khuzestan is expected
“The rising number of fire incidents in the country is driving the need for the installation of fire detection and suppression equipment. Oil & gas is one of the major sectors where key deployment of these will register in the coming years”
to influence safety measures in all major petrochemical facilities across the country. The fire safety market growth depends on new construction, with fire detection equipment emerging as the key growth segment. Replacement of old fire safety equipment in existing infrastructure will be led by stringent government rules and regulations. In the coming years, many new players are expected to enter Iran’s fire safety market; competition will surge, leading to a decline in the price of fire safety equipment.
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 7
Fire-safety Technology
Tapping into technology Modern cities are now linking fire safety technology with the infrastructure of buildings to create smarter and more responsive structures.
8 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
Fire-safety Technology
LighTing The way: The FuTure oF Fire SaFeTy
Assistant managing director of Hochiki Middle East Robert Head discusses key topics in the fire safety industry, including the impact that effective education can have on changing attitudes towards life safety, and how the sector is continuously developing in line with new, innovative technologies The future of fire safety looks bright. Technological advances and the growing demand for connectivity have powered new legislation, new products and improved fire risk management on a global scale. Although these progressive changes are impacting the life safety industry in an undoubtedly positive way, the evolution of our sector brings with it new challenges. As representatives of the profession, it is our job to ensure building owners and duty holders are suitably educated on the legislative landscape and the latest life safety technology. The importance of education
Over the past three years, there has been a series of fire and safety failures in the Middle East. It has become apparent that there is an ongoing, industry-wide
need to effectively educate those responsible for building safety. Research conducted by our European operation, Hochiki Europe, suggests that installers are becoming increasingly concerned with customers’ understanding of life safety systems, with 70% of installers believing their clients view system maintenance as purely a tick-box exercise. The research further identifies that 32% of European installers regularly visit properties with outdated or incorrectly installed life safety equipment. More worryingly still, over a third believe that 80% of the sites they visit fail to comply with current fire safety regulations. Tackling this lack of education about the importance of investing – not just in the latest technologies, but in
understanding and undertaking fire safety – is one of the biggest challenges our profession faces. We must develop a global environment in which every building is equipped with the system it requires, and performing at an optimum level, to keep occupants safe. In the larger high-rise buildings which populate our emirates, this is an especially critical consideration. In case of a fire incident, the earliest possible warning must be given so that the building can be evacuated as quickly and safely as possible. Tapping in to technology
In most modern cities all over the world, advanced information and communication systems are integrated into the very infrastructure of a building.
“Widespread digitisation is making us rethink the way buildings, towns and cities are designed. Fire safety equipment, and the way it is being used, is changing as part of this”
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 9
Fire-safety Technology
C
M
Y
The growth of these smart cities is driving some of the biggest changes across our sector. Building information modelling (BIM) is one of the ways in which technology is changing the shape of our built environment. BIM allows all parties involved with a building project to access, contribute towards and share data regarding every aspect of a building’s design, construction and, ultimately, demolition. For the life safety sector, BIM offers a number of notable advantages. Firstly, it allows us to gauge how fire might move through a building, so we can identify, even during the design process, where the quickest and safest escape routes will be for building occupants. BIM also allows specifiers to access the credentials of all building materials used on a project, from roof insulation to flooring. Collating this information during the earliest stages of a building project means builders and specifiers can choose the most
“We must develop a global environment in which every building is equipped with the system it requires, and performing at an optimum level. In the larger highrise buildings which populate our emirates, this is an especially critical consideration�
10 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
appropriate fire-rated materials and systems. This helps minimise the risk of events such as the Dubai Torch Tower fire in 2015, where the external cladding was blamed for the rapid spread of fire. Responding to an increasingly digital world
The inter-connectivity which commands our smart cities is already an active feature of advanced life safety systems and technologies. The majority of modern systems function from a single centralised panel which monitors all fire safety and emergency lighting equipment in a building. Facilities managers can use this location to observe the entire performance of the life safety network, helping save time when carrying out inspections. Widespread digitisation is making us rethink the way buildings, towns and cities are designed. Fire safety equipment, and the way it is being used, is changing as part of this. As smart cities develop, the life safety
industry is forecast to see a greater emphasis on the integration of building control systems. As an industry, we need to ensure intelligent new technologies are being used productively, as well as maintain current system efficiency so that in case of a fire incident, building occupants are warned as soon as possible, helping to improve safe evacuation. A bright future for fire safety
Our industry has responded to a rapidly evolving world with innovation and determination. We have been developing new and improved solutions over the past few decades which are set to have a positive impact for years to come. Looking to the future, we should prioritise a proactive approach to education across the sector, and continue to develop the smart systems which are making our built environment a safer place to live and work. For more information on Hochiki Middle East, visit: www.hochiki.ae
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Safety Training
Beyond the Cladding – the importanCe of fire Safety training Steve Morte, head of Training at Restrata, explains why it’s important for fire safety awareness to go beyond the developer, contractor and consultant, to reach the end users who need to react in the case of an emergency
In recent years, the UAE has been rocked by a number of highly publicised fire incidents, from the New Year’s Eve 2015-2016 fire that broke out at The Address Hotel in Downtown Dubai, to the fires in Tamweel Tower and The Torch.
2017 saw several fire incidents of varying severity, from the October incident at Al Khaleej National School in Garhoud to an August incident at the Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah. There have even been fire incidents on sites still under construction, such as the One Palm development. These events cause damage to the physical asset and affect those working or living inside, with
repair work in some instances taking years to complete, affecting business revenues and quality of life. Damaged towers can also be a blight on an otherwise photogenic skyline, something which Dubai as a tourist destination uses to attract millions of tourists each year. The threat posed by fire incidents to people living and working in the city, and to its environment and real estate assets, has motivated the Dubai government to assess how it regulates fire safety in the region, what measures can be taken to improve the way developers and the construction industry,
12 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
Safety Training
“Dubai strongly enforces 505 for training, meaning if your business operates in the city, the correct percentage of staff will need to be trained to Civil Defenceapproved Level 1 Basic Fire Awareness standard�
assessing the threat Dubai’s government is now taking steps to assess how it regulates fire safety in the region, and how developers, the construction industry, property owners and tenants can attempt to prevent fires.
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 13
Safety Training
businesses and property owners attempt to prevent fire, and how they plan to respond to a crisis to minimise the impact should the worst-case scenario occur. In the news, we read a great deal about the focus on cladding, which is often blamed for the rapid spread of many fires. The Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) has made several attempts to ensure that materials with lower flammability are used, with Lt Taher al Taher of the DCD explaining earlier this year that “there is a requirement to minimise it to zero”. The amended UAE Fire Safety and Life Protection code specifies procedures for the installation of cladding and contains detailed guidelines for consultants, contractors and manufacturers. Those who break the rules face prosecution and fines of up to AED50,000. However, preventative measure like cladding are not the only focus of the authorities. Another key area under consideration by the DCD is training. Speaking earlier this year at the annual Intersec event in Dubai, Al Taher stated that responsibility for fire safety will “start at the developer and go all the way to the tenant”. UAE Ministerial Resolution 505 identifies the need for fire safety training, with regular drills and exercises to develop employee skills and the overall safety response, as well as to evaluate the adequacy of emergency plans. The most recent updates to Resolution 505 outline that an organisation or facility must enrol a percentage of its employees on training courses from an approved supplier in accordance with the building classification, type of activity and occupancy, in order to be awarded certificates with the Civil Defence stamp
Strongly enforced Dubai strongly enforces UAE Ministerial Resolution 505, which identifies the need for fire safety training, with regular drills and exercises to develop employee skills and the overall safety response, says Steve Morte.
that means they have met federal law requirements. Dubai strongly enforces 505 for training, meaning if your business operates in the city, the correct percentage of staff will need to be trained to Civil Defence-approved Level 1 Basic Fire Awareness standard. Enrolling in training courses on the basics of preventive fire safety and firefighting every two years is mandatory to maintain certification stating that preventive safety requirements are met. Businesses in the UAE may initially choose to ignore legislation, but it is important that they understand that doing nothing is not an option. Ignorance proved to be no
14 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
“Businesses in the UAE may initially choose to ignore legislation, but it is important that they understand that doing nothing is not an option”
defence in a court of law when the UK introduced a Fire Safety Order in 2006, with those failing to comply facing fines and possible imprisonment. Companies like The Co-operative Group and New Look Retailers faced huge fines following incidents on their premises. However, some organisations are investigating their obligations and potential requirements in this area, and we have clients who have begun implementing solutions that include training staff on-site and running mock emergency evacuation drills to ensure procedures are understood and tested at offices across the UAE. The provision of compliant fire safety measures, including fire risk assessments, procedures, staff training and evacuation plans, will do a lot to convince the enforcing authorities that an organisation is emergencyprepared and compliant. More importantly, it will demonstrate that it cares about the safety of employees and anybody else who visits the premises. The full extent of the changes to UAE legislation, and how they will be enforced in 2018, remains to be seen; however, these reforms are an important step on the road to safer cities in the region, and an opportunity to further educate those living and working in the region about the importance of assessing hazards and threats to people and property, acting to mitigate the risk, and preparing staff to deliver an effective emergency response to an incident. Everyone must do their part to ensure that the UAE becomes synonymous with safety. Expo 2020 will see the UAE present itself to the world for all industries; meeting international safety standards will be key to its success.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
“Please visit us at the Big 5 Show, Main Concourse, Stand No. 626”
Comment
Ashish Chaturvedy
The Burning issue
Ashish Chaturvedy of Ducab examines how the cabling industry is taking steps to improve fire safety in the region, through the use of products that keep pace with evolving industry standards In recent memory, the Middle East has unfortunately witnessed a series of fire incidents in a range of settings. As the number of high-rise towers and urban developments grows, complacency or ignorance is no longer an option. While there has been an appreciable check on the casualties due to the swift response from Civil Defence authorities, property loss and the wreckage of buildings remains a significant cause of concern.
There are two key issues facing the cabling industry today. First is the lack of awareness of the dangers of using substandard, untested
and fake cables. The second comes down to the testing and compliance of premium products to evolving industry standards. The use of substandard wires is one of the largest causes of fire in buildings the world over. In countries like the UAE, safety codes specify procedures for the installation of materials and contain detailed guidelines and responsibilities for consultants, contractors and manufacturers. The new fire safety code launched in 2017 also seeks to link vital building to a smart fire safety system of the Civil Defence. Installation of the correct cables
16 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
is the responsibility of the professional electrical contractor, who must be fully aware of the types of approved cables that meet building requirements. To help close this awareness gap, Ducab worked in association with Dubai Civil Defence on an educational awareness initiative titled PowerOverFire, to educate professionals and organisations on the importance of using standardscompliant electrical wiring. The campaign message was ultimately that electrical products and accessories need to be chosen for quality, reliability and endurance to international standards, and
that basing decisions on price alone is rarely the best option. PowerOverFire was run as a mobile roadshow in a custom 40-foot shipping container with fire performance cables displayed and training units that travelled the country to distribute information to the general public, traders and retailers in the electrical product supply chain. The truck was essentially an activity centre which featured interactive touchscreen kiosks and a classroom for seminars to raise fire safety awareness. Over one year, a staggering 93% of visitors to our last roadshow said they would immediately
Comment
rigorous testing One important step towards fire safety is ensuring that the quality of products is maintained by putting them through a rigorous testing procedure.
“Today there is a growing awareness and incentive for fire protection among developers and contractors who need to rethink their approach”
check their homes or offices using the Civil Defence checklists to ensure optimal fire safety. While spreading awareness is one step towards fire safety, the quality of products must also be ensured through aggressive testing. In addition to global third-party testing, at Ducab rigorous fire tests are conducted at our newlybuilt fire testing laboratory in the UAE. For the Ducab FlamBICC series of Fire Performance cables, tests are carried out for a period of up to three hours at temperatures of 950 degrees Celsius and involve assessment of resistance to fire, water and
mechanical shock, as would be experienced in a real-life situation. As a result, Ducab’s FlamBICC series is a certified range of low-smoke and halogen-free cables proven to perform and operate during time frame fire conditions. The Ducab FlamBICC range is third-party certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) UK and BASEC, which ensures that the range meets international fire and safety standards. As a UAE corporate citizen, we consider it our responsibility to educate our customers as well as the wider public on the importance
of safety in our field. Today there is a high level of awareness of the importance of fire safety standards in buildings, and now there are even greater attempts being made to ensure that the highest standards are understood and met. Prior to the updated UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice, the responsibility for building fire safety was largely with owners and tenants. However, today there is a growing awareness and incentive for fire protection among developers and contractors who need to rethink their approach. We are also pleased to see an increased focus on the certification of products installed to supply power to equipment used in firefighting, elevators and sprinkler pumps, and in large complex buildings where the fire response strategy involves evacuation of occupants in a phased manner. These cables generate very low smoke and are halogen-free, helping to save human life and protect sensitive equipment. Such work has been supported in the community this year as people are coming together more frequently to share knowledge and discuss policy within the industry. Moving forward, we know that the region’s city centres will continue to grow, with an increasing number of highrise towers dotting the skyline. Building safety is an increasingly important item on the agenda of today’s urban planners. Moreover, the technology and expertise is there to significantly reduce the likelihood of future building fires. Fire accidents in the UAE alone have already fallen 41% during the first half of 2017, compared to targets set as part of the General Command of the Civil Defence (GCCD) 2017-2021 strategy. Moving forward, we must continue to emphasise fire safety and ensure adherence to standards and requirements at all levels.
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 17
Safety Equipment
Safety on top
UK over-the-neck safety products specialist Centurion tells Big Project ME about its new Middle East focus on the region’s construction industry, after establishing the dominance of its helmets in the oil & gas sector It is common knowledge that the Middle East construction sector doesn’t exactly rank at the top globally for its track record of safety for personnel. Even without going through official figures, which can sometimes be suspect due to the region’s relative lack of transparency and a penchant for under-reporting accidents, it is safe to assume that safety often does not get the importance here that it should. Just a cursory glance through the sector, especially in GCC countries, is enough to reveal a cavalier attitude to safety that has periodically resulted in dangerous incidents where men and equipment have come to harm.
Just recount the incidents of job-site fires and crane collapses and you get the picture. Or, for a first-hand account, take a look at some of the numerous construction projects in almost any city in the region and you’ll find a few where flip-flops and caps are common where you’d expect steel-toed boots and hard hats. While the region’s safety record has improved exponentially over the years through governments setting and enforcing stringent safety standards and large, established construction companies, both
local and international, bringing in their global best practices – more can still be done. Into this scenario comes Centurion, one of the world’s best-known names for abovethe-neck safety equipment. Not only does the UK company have more than a century of tradition and expertise in developing and manufacturing safety headgear and eye protection globally, it also has a significant presence in the oil & gas sector in the GCC. And along with Dubai regional partner SAS Hardware & Safety Equipment (SAS), it has now embarked on a major focus on the Middle East market. “Our association with Centurion in the region started more than seven years ago,” says Simon M. Jasser, SAS managing director. “The reason we started the association was first of all because we’ve seen that the products are innovative. We found that there is something different than the other helmets in the market. There are many brands and many helmets, many types, but I think what made us look at Centurion is the style, the quality, the features. With their products, you feel that there is innovation and quality of a high standard.”
18 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
“We’ve seen that the products are innovative. There are many brands and many helmets on the market, but what made us look at Centurion is their style, quality and features. With their products, you feel that there is innovation and quality of a high standard”
Safety Equipment
Quality of a high standard Centurion products are known for their high quality, innovation, comfort and design.
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 19
Safety Equipment
Middle East investment
Ahmed Kamel, Centurion Middle East and Africa regional sales manager, adds: “We were not so active in the Middle East as a company, but we are active through our distributor. Not all people know Centurion, but now that is changing with the new vision of our CEO Jeff Ward, whose plan is to invest more in the Middle East.” “We already had a presence here with SAS, and we have our own production facility in Ajman now for around 15 years, from where we supply helmets throughout the GCC. Centurion produces many styles of helmets, and while some styles are imported from the UK, two types are being made in Ajman. Going ahead, our Saudi manufacturing facility will supply another helmet model.”
“Centurion Concept is a very famous and very safe helmet. It is the lightest in the market, and its lack of weight makes a huge difference when you’re wearing a helmet for eight or 10 hours on the job”
Researching end users Centurion says it researches target markets before introducing products, to ensure that they fit market needs and requirements.
20 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
HElMEts for all rEasons Centurion’s new technology for helmets makes for lighter and tougher products. The Concept series uses acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (ABS) shells of thinner wall thickness and therefore has a lighter weight to be moulded. Centurion says that from a design perspective, ABS material moulded at higher temperatures provides much greater scope for helmet shells which have scoops and indent in them. Impact performance is also Improved, as at a constant temperature the ABS shell can sustain a drop of an object from a greater height and pass the standards. Moreover, when under stress, ABS keeps the shape it is moulded to, improving structural Integrity of the helmet. Performance in extreme temperatures is another plus. Under En397 standards testing, ABS is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius; and under the American ANSI type 1 standards testing – which has a higher drop height – at -30 degrees Celsius, ABS is the only material to continue to pass the test.
The Saudi manufacturing facility is the next phase of Centurion’s plan in the Middle East, Kamel adds. “Because of the Vision 2030 that the kingdom has embarked on, a lot of things are set to change, including the way the industrial sector functions. So we are pioneers in a way, being the first to have a locally made helmet in KSA. We’ve already hosted a seminar at the end of last year, where we invited and interacted with prospective end users.” While the decision to move to the mass market is recent, Centurion has long been a top supplier to standard companies and especially active in the oil & gas sector, where it is a known and preferred name. “If you go to the petroleum facilities and oil ports of the UAE, you will find heavy use of Centurion products. There are more than 176 oil tankers here where everyone wears Centurion helmets. Then there are companies such as Emirates Steel, who use our helmets, eye protection and other products,” says Louay Jasser, business development manager at SAS. Among other top users of Centurion products, he adds, are DP World, Al Bahari Shipping and ADNOC. And there are top construction sector customers as well, such as Al Rostamani Piegel. “We actually research our end users and customers before we introduce a product. This is because we want our products to fit in the market. Centurion listens to its distributors in the GCC, they ask questions and take feedback, they listen to what the distributor and end user have to say. This is what has made Centurion stand out with its products and what will keep us ahead as we focus on the Middle East,” Jasser signs off.
Safety Equipment
Made for the region ing tools to Centurion has put in place manufactur Arabia, the mould products for the region in Saudi do so. first head protec tion company to
MIddlE East foCus at IntErsEC The last Intersec trade fair in Dubai saw Centurion officially unveil a major global rebrand with its focus squarely on the Middle East. With a commitment to driving safety standards in the region, the world leader in above-the-neck protection has put in place manufacturing tools to mould products for the region in Saudi Arabia, the first head protection company to do so. The commitment to the Middle East has been further underlined with the appointment of a dedicated sales manager for the Middle East and Africa, as part of the company’s ongoing support for the
region and its strategic imperative moving forward. This was the first time Centurion exhibited at the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection, which doubled as a backdrop to unveil its vision to key customers and industry insiders at a seminar held to outline the new company vision. The rebrand is based on extensive consumer research which focuses on what is unique about protecting the head, which in turn serves as a driver for product innovation and other behaviours such as head trauma research, insight and education, and many more sectors.
PPE SPECIALISTS
MANUFACTURING FOR SAFETY HEAD PROTECTION RESPIRATORY PROTECTION EYE PROTECTION HEARING PROTECTION WORKING AT HEIGHT Tel: +44 (0)1993 826050 export@jsp.co.uk www.jsp.co.uk
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 21
Event Preview
Security in FocuS
Middle East homeland security revenues to double by 2022 to $19.7 billion The Middle East homeland security market is on course for significant growth over the next five years, with revenues more than doubling in value from an estimated $9.6 billion in 2017 to $19.7 billion by 2022, new research reveals.
According to analysts Frost & Sullivan (F&S), the regional homeland security market, comprising monitoring and surveillance systems, restricted entry systems and perimeter security solutions, will grow annually by 15.5% between 2017 and 2022, fuelled by security investments in major infrastructure projects and the ongoing expansion in the building and construction industry.
The growth is particularly evident in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as governments prepare to bolster internal security measures in preparation for large-scale global events such as the 2022 Qatar World Cup and Dubai Expo 2020. Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominate the regional F&S market, with Saudi holding a 45% share of revenue in 2017 ($4.3 billion), followed by the UAE with a 16.6% share ($1.6 billion). Demand is high for integrated solutions, with regional governments prioritising public safety and security of critical assets. In response, global players are lining up their latest wares
22 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
at Intersec 2018, the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection. The 20th edition of the threeday event takes place 21-23 January at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and features a Homeland Security & Policing Section. More than 100 of the 1,300plus exhibitors will showcase their frontline range of products and solutions at the dedicated show section, from airport security technology, armoured vehicles and special forces equipment to electronics, surveillance and detection systems. “Vulnerability of large
infrastructure has been a matter of concern for Middle East governments, prompting investment toward enhancing homeland security,” says Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East. “Internal police forces and public infrastructure projects, including street utilities, public car parking, stadiums, roads and buildings, will create huge demand as regional countries, especially in the GCC, look to create a smart and secure environment.” “For its part, Intersec has served as an unmatched business facilitator and networking platform for the international
Event Preview
Launching pad The exhibition has historically been a popular launch pad for many security solutions that have gone on to be used in society.
safety and security community for the last two decades. The exhibition has proved to be a popular launch pad for many security solutions in use today that ensure the safety and security of society and citizens.” According to F&S, monitoring and surveillance will account for the largest share of the Middle East homeland security market, and it is estimated that it will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% to reach $9.5 billion by 2022, from $4.4 billion in 2017. A notable Homeland Security & Policing exhibitor at Intersec 2018 specialises in counter surveillance. Research Electronics International (REI) has designed and manufactured technical security equipment to protect against illicit information theft and corporate espionage for more than 30 years. The
American company will showcase a suite of portable technical surveillance countermeasures equipment that quickly detects electronic surveillance devices including hidden cameras and microphones, eavesdropping bugs and other transmitters. Michael Scantland, REI international sales manager, says that due to the sensitive nature of the counter surveillance industry, the discovery of illicit eavesdropping devices is not universally shared. “Wrongful exposure of sensitive information including merger or acquisition planning, financial projections, or executive behaviour can severely harm an organisation,” he says. “The mere perception of compromised information can lead to stock decline, negative publicity, damaged business relationships and loss of customer confidence.”
“From a counter surveillance perspective, there’s a growing trend where traditional eavesdropping techniques are coupling with advanced technology to create a greater threat. Examples include GSMmodified wireless keyloggers, Wi-Fi IP cameras and security cameras being hacked using malware and infrared light. As technology advances, these trends will continue.” According to F&S, upcoming stadiums for the 2022 World Cup and public transportation projects are set to boost the Middle East homeland security market’s restricted entry systems segment from $3.14 billion in 2017 to $6.18 billion in 2022, a CAGR of 14.5%. Backed by several cultural and political infrastructure projects, especially in Saudi Arabia, perimeter security solutions will also double in size, at a
CAGR of 14.8%, from $2 billion in 2017 to $4 billion in 2022. That will come as good news for Russian manufacturer RADIOBARRIER, which will introduce at Intersec 2018 its Autonomous Perimeter Security System, an unattended ground sensor-based system for area surveillance and perimeter protection for zones with no power and communication infrastructure. CEO Ravil Kalimulin says RADIOBARRIER is an ideal security solution for a wide range of public and commercial applications, from oil well clusters, refineries, nuclear plants and power towers to remote facilities, military and air bases. “RADIOBARRIER is currently supplied to 25 countries and is securing more than 7,500km worldwide,” says Kalimulin. “Intersec 2018 has been selected
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 23
Event Preview
as a universal platform to showcase our products in the Middle East and North African region focusing on homeland security and infrastructure protection, and to open up the new niche for us. We are at the demonstration stage in the region at the moment, but we’re sure that our system is in high demand and will be used in coming projects in the region very soon.” Elsewhere, another US manufacturer, Gatekeeper, will shine the spotlight on its Automatic Under Vehicle Inspection (AUVIS) systems as well as both Automatic Licence Plate Readers (ALPR) and driver-focused (DriverCam) camera systems. CEO Christopher Millar says the versatility of its products, inclusive of the overall solutions provided, means its target markets are varied and wide. “This is inclusive of everything from oil & gas sectors, to sea and airports, to critical infrastructure projects as well as numerous other sectors,” he said. “We’ve noticed an active change in the market for which customers and consumers are looking for pre-existing or new screening technologies that work automatically. This feature alone is what Gatekeeper prides itself on, in which we apply automated solutions to each and every one of our products.” Also looking to make an impact with its long-range motorised zoom lenses and fixed focal length lenses is VS Technology from Japan. The company designs and manufactures a range of over 500 machine vision lenses as well as a complete range of customised lenses. VS Technology’s Yamano Security Lens division
24 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
A variety of topics and sectors Intersec 2018 will feature a comprehensive three-day conference programme covering everything from cyber security to artificial intelligence, fire protection and drone technology.
also manufacturers some of the world’s highest quality CCTV lenses. Tatsushi Oda, Managing Director of VST Europe, says: “The main reason for exhibiting at Intersec is to improve our presence in the market. In addition, it’s a great opportunity to showcase our product range in one of the biggest security exhibitions worldwide. We’ll demonstrate our recently developed long-range motorised zoom lenses, and at the same time we’ll show off our near infrared as well as short-wave infrared fixed focal length lenses for the first time. These can be used in facial recognition or number plate recognition systems.” Intersec 2018 will occupy 60,000sqm across 13 halls, with the show’s other six sections covering Commercial Security, Fire & Rescue, Perimeter & Physical Security, Information & Cyber Security, Safety & Health and Smart Home & Building Automation. New developments include a Drones Pavilion and an indoor Drone Zone, while returning features include the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion in the Fire & Rescue section, and an Outdoor Demonstration Zone of the latest fire rescue applications in action. A comprehensive three-day conference programme will be spearheaded by Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) Forum, while other topics will cover cyber security, drones, artificial intelligence, commercial security and fire protection. Intersec 2018 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and supported by the Dubai Police, the Dubai Civil Defence, the Dubai Police Academy, SIRA and Dubai Municipality.
Bringing the latest
construction news from across the GCC
www.meconstructionnews.com
Comment
Evan Kerr
discreet defence
Evan Kerr, senior design consultant at Restrata, looks at how building design can incorporate hostile vehicle mitigation measures in an understated manner The need for hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) dates back as far as the first use of horses in combat. The planning of HVM strategies follows the age-old reality of any arms race – once a new form of attack is developed and used effectively, a countermeasure or defence is established out of necessity. The reality of cars and other vehicles being a part of modern life increases the complexity of establishing appropriate HVM plans, as we must first establish if a vehicle is hostile. The simplicity of creating barriers to all vehicle access as a defensive measure is
often undercut by the need to allow access to some vehicles some of the time, for emergency access or maintenance, for example.
Where we can exclude all vehicles from accessing an area, we can employ a wide array of static HVM methods to achieve this. Fences and walls are the most common method, which may not always suit the required purpose if pedestrian movement or clear lines of sight are important to the character of an area. Effective use of landscaping can prove less visually intrusive but just as effective at separating pedestrian areas and preventing
26 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
vehicle access. Berms, ditches and the ha-ha are all common landscaping treatments where sudden changes in terrain height can be very effective against vehicle encroachment. The ha-ha (effectively a small retaining wall invisible to the observer looking out from within) dates back to 17thcentury England, where its use as a HVM barrier was primarily to stop cattle from wandering up to houses and gardens. In more modern settings, the use of terrain as a vehicle barrier remains just as effective, but may not always be pedestrian-
friendly or appropriate when space is limited. Modern streetscapes are increasingly an excellent example of elements that, when reinforced, can form an effective HVM line without being visually obtrusive. Benches, bollards, rubbish bins, trees, planters, sculptures, light poles and other street furniture can all provide some level of protection against vehicle ingress into footpaths and pedestrian areas. Augmenting and reinforcing common items of street furniture can increase the effectiveness of this line of protection without
Comment
finding a balance Designers need to find a way between maintaining inviting, pedestrianfriendly spaces and developing secure barriers against vehicles.
drastically altering the visual character of an area. The crux of HVM design comes when some vehicles must be allowed to pass the line of security. Adding active HVM elements to a secure perimeter means we must now allow access to authorised vehicles while still providing a barrier to all other traffic. The most common active barriers vehicles encounter, boom gates, are largely a psychological barrier to the driver and offer no real resistance if a hostile vehicle attempts to force entry through the secure line. The use of retractable bollards, road
blockers or reinforced gates can provide the strength of resistance required to stop a vehicle in its tracks. These heavy-duty barriers are often used in concert with lighter booms barriers to provide the required levels of throughput for busy vehicle entry/exit points. The myriad options available mean a solution can be developed to suit the needs of the site – traffic density, available space and aesthetic requirements. Innovative solutions to providing secure separation of vehicle and pedestrian spaces are being implemented all over the world in response to
increased concern about the use of vehicles as weapons, and pressure from governments and cities to produce safe environments without resorting to overly obtrusive security barriers. Finding a balance between maintaining inviting, pedestrian-friendly spaces and developing secure barriers against vehicles continues to shape the implementation of HVM design. Building safer cities without reducing visual and functional qualities requires proportional design and considered application. In our drive for greater
“Innovative solutions to providing secure separation of vehicle and pedestrian spaces are being implemented all over the world in response to increased concern about the use of vehicles as weapons, and pressure from governments and cities to produce safe environments”
resilience, we shouldn’t forget the need to ensure that people and processes are in place to support successful HVM delivery. Without the correct training in place to guarantee effective use of systems like retractable bollards, even the best security design can fail. Equally, implementing the right procedures to follow can minimise the impact of an attack if the worst should happen. Regularly drilling staff to test their skills and company procedures is the best way to identify gaps, which can then be addressed as a step towards a more secure environment.
Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018 27
Last Word
Progression of fire safety in the UAE Craig Ross, partner and head of project and building consultancy at Cavendish Maxwell, outlines what further steps need to be taken to ensure the security and safety of buildings across the country Prior to 2010, the UAE had limited fire regulations, the design of towers being dependent on the Building Code and designer adoption of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Building Contracting (IBC) guidelines. Due to recent tower fires, Dubai has been working towards adopting tougher fire regulations.
The revisions in the UAE’s 2013 Fire and Life Safety Code ensured fire-resistant cladding for new buildings over 15 metres tall; however, a considerable number of buildings in the region were constructed prior to the stricter regulations. The 2015 fires in the Torch Tower and Address Hotel, both completed prior to 2011, shifted focus back to the cladding used, as the type of insulation, fixings and voids behind the cladding contributed to the speed and intensity of the blazes. The 2017 UAE Fire and
“Although the city has implemented smart systems and alarms, building management control and ongoing maintenance checks are factors that are often overlooked” Life Safety Code is a 1,426page document, double that of 2011, providing detailed explanations of fire safety design elements such as accessibility and cladding, with respect to
28 Security & Fire Safety Supplement 2018
the various stakeholders held accountable. The code formulation team dedicated six months solely to setting the requirements for the cladding chapter. With regard to the exterior cladding, the 2017 edition aims to raise the standards for supplement materials and reduce cladding flammability to zero. Additionally, buildings completed prior to strict regulations must be audited individually to identify the risk specific to each building and must meet the new code requirements when it is time for maintenance. There has been an increased focus on cladding as the main contributor to tower fires, but a variety of other fire safety issues must also be considered, including means of escape and lack of or damage to proper fire stopping, meaning regular audits are essential. Dubai has demonstrated timely
responses to previous fire accidents, using modern fire prevention technology and qualified firefighters. Although the city has implemented smart systems and alarms, building management control and ongoing maintenance checks are factors that are often overlooked. According to Dubai Civil Defence, nine minutes was the average response time to fires in 2017, most of which were caused by faulty electric outlets or cigarette butts discarded recklessly. It is important for property owners and managers to take the necessary steps that emphasise the precautions that prevent a fire from starting. Some owners tend to ignore degrading areas in the building, basements, service floors and roof tops, common start points for tower fires. Such issues can be avoided by a good facility management (FM) strategy that
ensures the safety of residents. Frequent team replacements may lead to minor issues being ignored and fire safety plans falling by the wayside, so it is important to develop a long-standing relationship with the FM team. The UAE Ministry of Interior and Civil Defence Headquarters are launching the region’s largest automated integrated system of fire safety monitoring, which will connect all UAE buildings to improve emergency responses and regular maintenance activity. Dubai Civil Defence aims to position the UAE among the leading global countries in achieving safety and security. By following best practices in line with international standards, the UAE is shifting towards a community of enhanced life standards, with raised awareness of fire prevention and safety.
Register online today www.IntersecExpo.com/R
January 21 – 23, 2018 Dubai, UAE
The leading trade fair for Security, Safety and Fire Protection. Show Highlights
7 Show Sections
33,000+ Industry Professionals 1,300+ Exhibitors 84% International Exhibitors 15 Country Pavilions 10 World’s Top Security Companies
Commercial Security Cyber / Information Security Smart Home & Building Automation Fire & Rescue Safety & Health Homeland Security & Policing Perimeter & Physical Security
www.IntersecExpo.com