EMPOWERING FIRE SAFETY THROUGH DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

BY IBRAHIM IMAM, CO-FOUNDER, GROUP-CO-CEO, CEO MENA & APAC AT PLANRADAR

The safety and security of residential and commercial buildings are of paramount importance, and one critical aspect that demands our attention is the risk of fire. Understanding the causes of potential fire hazards and adopting proactive measures to mitigate this risk is crucial in safeguarding lives, promoting health and safety, and preventing damage or loss of property. A number of potential factors can contribute to fire risks within buildings, such as electrical faults, the presence of combustible materials, deficiencies in fire safety procedures, and insufficient fire protection systems. As a result, it is crucial for facility managers to grasp the underlying causes of fire to enhance the protection and maintenance of their facilities.

What is fire safety?

Fire safety refers to a set of measures and precautions taken to prevent and minimize the risk of fires in buildings. It involves identifying potential fire hazards, implementing preventive measures, and establishing protocols for emergency response and evacuation. It encompasses a range of safety-related activities and processes, including:

> The installation and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems.

> Proper storage and handling of flammable materials.

> Ensuring clear pathways for evacuation.

> Conducting regular fire drills and educating individuals on fire safety practices.

Fire safety is an essential part of maintaining a safe building or workplace. Fires can cause serious injuries and damage to property, making it critical that relevant personnel, stakeholders, and safety managers understand the basics of fire safety processes.

Using digital technology to improve fire safety

In recent years, the adoption of digital technology in fire safety has continued to grow, with more and more facility managers recognizing its potential benefits. Digital technology can also improve fire safety by providing facility managers with real-time data and a detailed overview of the fire safety systems in a building, allowing them to easily identify potential risks and take necessary actions to mitigate them.

From smart sensors and interconnected sprinkler systems to cloud-based fire safety software, there are a variety of digital technologies available to help improve fire safety in any premises:

IoT-based fire systems

The integration of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology into fire protection systems provides real-time monitoring and reporting of conditions that help to quickly detect and respond to fire threats. IoT systems can also provide first responders with accurate and real-time information about the location of the fire and its potential size, helping them to respond more quickly and efficiently.

In 2020, the UAE Cabinet mandated “Hassantuk” smart fire alarm system for all villas. By 2023, the Dubai Readiness programme offers targeted safety messages to residents, using AI to identify fire-prone areas and warn over 80,000 buildings connected to the 24/7 alert system.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality is another powerful tool for developing fire safety training. It enables staff to practice fire safety techniques in a virtual environment that mimics real-life scenarios, allowing them to become familiar with the appropriate responses and procedures. Additionally, virtual reality fire safety training can be easily scalable and accessible, making it cost-effective and convenient for organizations to simultaneously train large groups individuals in various locations.

Fire safety software

Fire safety management software, such as PlanRadar, makes it much easier for building operation teams to meet the complex fire safety requirements of their buildings. By automating many of the processes and providing them with a centralized platform for managing their safety data, it eliminates a significant amount of manual work and makes auditing and fire safety compliance processes much more straightforward. It also enables facility managers to quickly identify potential building safety risks, create action plans to address any identified issues, and track progress. With software like PlanRadar, facility managers can:

> Access a comprehensive list of all safety requirements specific to the building.

> Create detailed fire safety plans in an easy-to-use platform.

> Document and track all compliance activities, including fire drills and inspections.

> Receive automated alerts whenever a safety requirement is due.

> Generate reports to monitor the status and performance of all safety activities; and store relevant fire safety data in a secure, cloud-based platform.

Fire safety software facilitates the quick capture of fire safety data, allowing for better monitoring and managing fire safety risks. It also helps ensuring regular update of fire protection measures, resulting in improved fire safety compliance in buildings and facilities. With fire safety software, facility managers can be confident that their fire risk assessments are accurate, upto-date, and compliant with fire safety regulations.

BIM technology

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of the building’s physical and functional characteristics. It integrates information about the building’s design, construction, and operation, facilitating collaboration and data sharing among stakeholders.

Integrating BIM into fire safety software improves accuracy of data during building operations. BIM can be used to track the location, size, and other details of building components that could affect fire safety, ensuring that all components are properly maintained and inspected according to their respective fire safety requirements.

The integration of digital technology solutions presents immense potential in enhancing fire safety measures. By leveraging digital fire safety management tools, stakeholders can equip themselves with the tools and knowledge necessary to prevent, mitigate, and respond to fires more effectively.

Embracing these advancements enables us to empower fire safety practices, safeguarding lives, minimizing property damage, and creating safer built environments for all.