DUBAI // An online directory of fire-safety experts in the region has been launched for use by the public and industry staff.
The resource was compiled as part of the Safety Design in Buildings campaign, a GCC-wide initiative that has encouraged debate on safety standards.
“The directory is a way for people to stay in touch with experts because in our industry of fire safety it was very much word of mouth, and depended on who you know,” said Shamim Rashid-Sumar, a fire protection engineer with Rolf Jensen & Associates.
“Now in a central location people can see who are the experts available and who they can choose if they have a specific issue, whether it is smoke control or maintenance of systems..”
Ms Rashid-Sumar features in the list of more than 35 safety experts from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including officials drawn from government, municipality and civil defence departments.
There are plans to regularly add to the list of bios on www.safetydesigninbuildings.com. The experts can be reached by email and contact will be encouraged by the Safety Design campaign.
The directory is divided into fields including safety consulting, systems suppliers and local authorities and associations which have been vocal on safety, said Philipp von Zitzewitz, the Safety Design campaign manager and deputy general manager of Sesam Business Consultants.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
