Fire safety hot topic 
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) returned to Limitless for its Gulf regional autumn conference, which took place on November 3.
The event, was attended by representatives of 40 consultants and engineers from the Middle East and Europe, who discussed how the GGF, police and civil defence can work together to improve fire prevention and safety in the construction industry.
Fire safety standards and regulations for facades and curtain walls are soon to hit Dubai, with a comprehensive product approval, certification and testing system under development.
Dubai Civil Defence has been working on a system to fill the void of fire prevention standards for the outer parts of buildings, which can be critical to the prevention and spread of fire.
The new system is to be rolled out in phases since its initial introduction in 2008, and will be fully launched to the construction industry by the end of this year, according to Andy Dean, general manager of Exova Warringtonfire Middle East, which has been working with the government body.
“One problem we have to accept locally is the issue of facade engineering and fire safety,” he told delegates at the meeting. “Facades on buildings from a fire safety perspective are inadequate.”
Nigel Rees, GGF’s chief executive, explained that exporting knowledge and experience was a key strength of the federation, which led to improved commercial links between the two regions. “The GGF represents some of the very best companies in the UK,” he said. “It is fantastic that we can effectively export this to regions, such as the Middle East, which is undergoing a period of fantastic growth.
“Exova Warringtonfire Middle East, for example, is playing a hugely important role in the region, offering advice on fire safety, suitable construction inspections and adequate approval and certification.”
Abdulla Al Janahi, executive director, Limitless Corporate Operations, said: "We are delighted to welcome back the GGF and look forward to more events at our state-of-the art venue."
