Global safety science company UL said it has embarked on a key mission to bring the UAE to the forefront of fire safety and prevention in co-ordination with Civil Defence officials.

The company recently hosted a training session for UAE Civil Defence inspection teams who were briefed on international codes and standards requirements of design, installation, testing, inspection and maintenance of fire pumps.

The event, which took place at the Civil Defence Academy in Abu Dhabi, saw officials representing Civil Defence departments from each emirate carry out detailed inspections and testing of a wide range of fire pumps and related equipments.

UL’s team, which included fire safety experts - Ghaith Bakir, Sheeba Sivaraj, Jaganathan Lakshmanan, and Mariusz Pyrcik - discussed the dangers posed to both the public and fire fire-fighters by the improper use and installation of fake equipment.

During the training programme, experts from UL also held detailed workshops to advise officials on how to spot counterfeit equipment and the importance of brand protection.

They explained the importance of rigorous checks and the certification of all fire-safety products in residential and commercial buildings.

Among the issues also raised during the training programme were the latest advances in fire-safety systems, techniques and technologies for use in homes and businesses.

Vice-president and general manager (Middle East) Hamid Syed said: “The recent two-day fire-safety and fire-pump training programme was an opportunity for UL’s team of highly trained experts to meet with Civil Defence teams and senior officers.”

“This event helped to bring those working on the front line of fire safety and protection up to date with the latest developments, techniques and technologies currently available. It puts the UAE at the forefront of fire safety and prevention,” he added.