Emergency fire training at ABU DHABI — A rubbish bin inside the labour bunkhouse was set on fire, and smoke billowed along the camp’s roof when Mohammed Roshdi opened the door. The 25-year-old computer assistant with Al Geemi Contracting had never before faced flames, smoke, and the intense heat of a fire. However, he didn’t hesitate.
A Realistic Fire Safety Simulation
“Fire! ” Roshdi shouted as he rushed into the room. He grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher, pulled out the pin, and aimed it at the flames. But instead of water or chemicals, a green laser fired at the blaze, simulating the firefighting experience.
The fire wasn’t real, but the simulation was designed to give Roshdi and over 50 other workers a chance to practice firefighting in a realistic setting. The room where the simulation took place was identical to where the workers live, enhancing the intensity of the experience.
A Crucial Experience in Fire Safety Training
“It’s the same room we are living in,” Roshdi laughed. “The smoke was so heavy, but you could still see.”
Given the rise in fires across the country, both the government and businesses are now focusing on fire safety. One of the innovative approaches to training is a fire simulator offered by an Abu Dhabi-based company.
Jason Hicks, Operations Manager at Hedgehog Safety Consultancy, shared that their mobile fire simulator is one of only eight in the world. The simulation has workers enter an eight-foot-wide bunker to put out a fire in a rubbish bin beneath an air conditioning unit. They must also unplug the unit to remove the source of the fire.
How the Fire Simulator Works
The simulation includes a closed-circuit camera that allows colleagues standing outside to observe the action. Afterward, workers put out real flames with a water extinguisher. Participants feel the heat, smell the smoke, and experience limited visibility, making the training as realistic as possible.
“We want people to feel the emotions they would experience in a real fire,” Hicks explained. “Our goal is to foster a fire safety culture in the workplace.”
Quick Response is Key: Fire Safety in Action
Adsecc, an Abu Dhabi security firm, supervises fire safety training for more than 60,000 workers across the capital. Charles Mallice, Director of Operations at Adsecc, emphasized the importance of rapid response times. Small electrical fires are common in labor camps and require quick action before they escalate.
“Trained workers can contain fires quickly,” Mallice said. “It’s crucial to act within the first few seconds.”
During a recent session, workers were asked how long a six-kilogram fire extinguisher would last. Some guessed it would last 10 to 15 minutes, but the correct answer was just 30 seconds. This quick burn time reinforces the importance of knowing when to evacuate and when to fight a fire.
Investing in Fire Safety at Al Geemi Complex
Gil Pagkaliwangen, Facility Manager at the Al Geemi complex near Mafraq, highlighted the need for proper fire safety training. He noted that traditional fire drills often involve simply extinguishing a real blaze with a hose. In contrast, the fire simulator offers a far more effective approach. For a facility worth millions of dirhams, this training is an important investment.
“I’m worried about kitchen fires,” Pagkaliwangen said. “If workers panic, the fire will spread. This training will make all the difference.”
Ongoing Training for Workers and Staff
More than 130 staff members, including fire brigade members, supervisors, and security personnel, have already undergone fire safety training. In the coming months, kitchen workers will also receive their training, ensuring that the entire team is prepared for any emergency.
Source : The National