In light of recent fires in Industrial neighbourhoods, Duval Messien today stated that this may be linked to poor adherence of basic protocol for electrical fault prevention including earthing, such as those applicable in the EU where enforcement of maintenance protocols is stringently followed.
The recent fire at Al Quoz in Dubai, which engulfed more than 70 warehouses and caused a staggering Dhs. 600 million in damage, is but a shocking reminder of the destructive powers of fire and the way we are ignoring to safeguard from it. The Al Qouz area itself has had a history of fire related incidents, with eight fires since 2003 reported Gulf News recently.
Reuters in another report stated that the world's largest artificial islands ‘the palm’ also experienced similar devastation last year, wounding three people and charring two unfinished buildings due to an apparent electrical fault.
“With soaring temperatures and hi-rise buildings in Dubai, these incidents can increase manifold if corrective measures are not taken fast”, advises Mr. Sonjib Banerjee, Technical Director, Duval Messien, he goes on to add, ‘through our state of the art products we are ensuring maximum electrical safety and are dedicating ourselves to increasing awareness on electrical safety issues in the region’
Personal initiative
Inspite of all technological safeguards, it becomes important to equip oneself against such causalities. There need to be safety measures, which are in built in the system.
Mr. Banerjee further lays emphasis on this and says, “The issue of electrical safety impacts the community at large including the environment. The intelligent community needs to be more aware of each component of safety, options available, and how electrical faults are filtered, collected, transmitted and dissipated”.
The choice to adhere to these safety rules is a personal one and therefore an individual initiative is needed. Duval Messien gives a few tips to alert home dwellers and business proprietors:
• Over crowding of goods and inflammable materials catch fire faster and therefore care should be taken to take preventive measures to avoid such a situation.
• Periodic checks of electrical distribution system and fire alarms should be done in order to ensure electrical safety and prevent electrical fires.
• Smoke detectors should be installed at every floor. There should also be regular inspections of the alarms, switches and wires.
• An escape plan should be laid out before hand and necessary training should be given to all dwellers, especially children, as to the necessary steps to be taken in event of a fire. Children can also be taught of these safety measures in their environmental studies class.
• Last but not least, only tested and certified equipment should be used.
Implementation of standards
Companies themselves should be responsible and produce products adhering to international standards. Also with an absence of stringent lightning and earthing protection regulations in Dubai, incidences of faulty electrical installations can increase. The implication of such compromise may directly affect safety of life and asset. The electrical safety system of buildings in Dubai, like all parts of the world, must adhere to proven standards like IEEE, BS, NFPA, NEC. The need of the hour is to formulate such regulations that would go hand in hand with the high standards set by the U.A.E government and the safety and security of its residents.
In the Emirates, where temperatures can reach a scorching 500C, the most commonly used earthing mixes are salt water based, which tend to dry up within a few months, rendering them ineffective. Moreover, the land of UAE comprises of sand, which cannot retain moisture. Low soil resistance in the earth pits is critical to ground the excess current in the event of a fault. TEREC+, Duval Messien’s earthing compound is excellent in retaining low soil resistance and grounds fault currents efficiently. TEREC+ proves to be ideal high-tech earthing system delivering a maintenance-free solution for 10-15 years – a boon to the people in the region.
© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
