Safety First – Design Middle East
Sam Alcock, Dubai Director, Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy, addresses the importance of hiring fire engineering professionals early in the concept phase, working closely with fit-out suppliers and designers, and the company’s expansion plans
Tell us the importance of getting Tenable FEC involved in the pre-construction phase of a project and how architects would benefit from seeking out your services?
In our experience, engaging with a fire engineering consultant during a project’s concept phase has significant long-term benefits, specifically when preventing abortive works further down the line. However, this is often overlooked as a critical component. For a lot of projects, we see developers, architects and main contractors having to significantly redesign a building before construction or, most commonly, during the construction phase, where significant and costly rectifications are required.
Naturally, the design is most flexible during the concept phase, and this flexibility is vital when ensuring all the key fire and life safety code requirements are implemented. These can include the number of staircases and their location, arrangement of the core and, subject to the building’s height, you may be required to provide a firefighting lift lobby arrangement. All of these components, and many more, must meet the relevant country fire and life safety codes and will vary depending on the type and size of a project. For example, if a mall project doesn’t consider corridor width during the design phase, the widths may need to be increased during the Authority approval stage, and potentially the developer will lose out on sellable square footage. This poses further problems if the retail units have already been sold and the size requirements subsequently change.
How do you ensure design intent while still adhering to the relevant fire and life safety codes?
Value engineering runs throughout each element of a project – we believe in cost efficiency without jeopardising overall safety. Respecting the architect’s vision is a crucial part of our approach. However, preservation of life is our main focus and, with each project, we aim to guide the design team through the relevant code requirements while still keeping the design intent at the forefront. For this process to be a success, it takes compromise and communication. We will always explain the reasoning that drives our recommendations and a solution to non-compliances, thinking beyond the boundaries of the code when making rectifications. This approach helps with the current project and encourages the architect to apply fire and life safety principles when designing future projects by bringing us on board as early as possible. We are seeing more and more architects and designers engage with us during a project’s pre-concept phase. They are beginning to see the value in identifying the potential pitfalls as early as possible to reduce the potential time and money wasted further down the line.
In terms of interior designs and fit-out projects – how does Tenable FEC work closely with designers to ensure an office or retail space is designed with adequate fire and life safety in mind?
Fit-out projects, in particular, rely on the base build design having adequate documentation in place. For example, all buildings must have a fire strategy report in place alongside approved civil defence fire and life safety drawings. These documents outline elements such as sprinkler system design, egress strategy, fire rating of walls and doors, etc.
Provided these documents are in place and well-defined, and the fit-out is carried out in line with the base build, there shouldn’t be any requirements to make any rectifications. However, with offices, we often see base build information specifying one occupant load. Then the interior design layout shows the future usage of the space, which exceeds the approved occupant load. This is often due to open communal spaces such as team assembly areas and cafeterias, where more employees gather in a particular space than anticipated, especially if the office is split over two floors with a central communal space. Similarly, with a mall fit-out, the information provided in the fire strategy is crucial. If, for example, an open space will house a gym, food court or general assembly area with a high occupant load, and the relevant metrics are not provided, there is the potential the project will run into delays and additional costs. In addition to high occupancy levels, interior designers must also take the materials used for finishings into consideration. While the majority of finishing materials comply with the relevant country codes, there are instances where this is not the case. If a selected material doesn’t meet the code, it will not be granted civil defence approval.
How does Tenable FEC use technology and 3D modelling to assist with projects?
Specific projects require us to take a performance-based design approach. For example, a project may include an atrium, and the design requires a smoke management system to protect the space. In this instance, we will run a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to ensure the available extract and supply air provides a tenable environment. There have also been projects where we have been brought on board at a later stage, only to find there were not be adequate staircases already in place post-construction. In this instance, we will run a CFD and an evacuation model to determine the time it will take for occupants to evacuate safely versus how long the area remained tenable. Provided the tenability time was longer than the evacuation time, the design is deemed safe.
What are Tenable’s objectives and goals for the next 12 months?
There has been a recent internal restructure to enable our growth and expansion plans for the next twelve months and beyond. We are seeing a variety of projects coming through both our Dubai and Muscat offices. These range from new hotel and residential projects and fit-out projects to data centres and healthcare facilities. Geographically, Saudi Arabia is a target growth market for us, and we are already engaged in elements of the key giga projects such as The Red Sea Project’s Coral Bloom, AMAALA, Diriyah Gate and NEOM. However, people are often quick to overlook the developments taking place in other parts of the Kingdom, and we are excited to be part of projects, ranging from Al Khobar down to Medina. Further afield and COVID-19 permitting, we aim to relaunch our London office in the coming months, which will enable us to work more freely on European projects.
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Khansaheb achieves a crucial safety milestone as the University of Birmingham Dubai Campus nears completion
More than four million work-hours without a lost-time incident (LTI) have been recorded by Khansaheb on the University of Birmingham Dubai’s upcoming campus in Dubai International Academic City.
The achievement reflects the successful implementation of the highest health, safety, and environment (HSE) procedures and puts the construction project on track for completion in Q3 2021, with 100 per cent of structural works already finished.
Rigorous measures have been adopted to ensure the safety of the more than 6,000 workers deployed to deliver the campus in Dubai’s largest academic ecosystem, home to more than 27,000 students from over 100 countries.
Khansaheb, the main contractor, worked in collaboration with the University of Birmingham Dubai and Dubai International Academic City to implement stringent HSE protocols. This included working with certified third-party operators, machines, and equipment to deliver complex and potentially dangerous work at high and low heights, such as façade fixing, MEP services, plastering, and gypsum application.
Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, said: “The safety milestones marked in the construction of the new University of Birmingham Dubai campus have been remarkable, not just due to the unique environment we currently operate in, but because the project itself involves such intricate levels of attention to detail. We are excited to see the new campus take shape. The University of Birmingham is a world-class academic institution and ranked in the top 100 universities in the world. We are confident that it will further cement Dubai’s position as an attractive and competitive destination for higher education and promote the knowledge-based economy.”
Professor David Sadler, University of Birmingham Dubai Provost, said: “This milestone is an important step forward in the construction of the University of Birmingham Dubai’s iconic new campus and a testament to the collaborative manner in which this is taking shape. It not only reflects Khansahab’s strong commitment to the highest safety protocols but excellent planning and execution. We look forward to opening the doors to our innovative new building to students in Dubai International Academic City, which is a vibrant destination for learning, and providing a first-class British education to thousands of students.”
As part of the safety measures, dedicated pedestrian access has been created for workers, staff, and visitors at the new campus to minimise the man-machine interface, reducing incident probability. As even minor heights may cause severe accidents, industrial hop-ups have been provided for all high-access work.
Bi-weekly maintenance services, constant atmospheric inspections around manholes, regular job rotations, good lighting and cooling in work areas, and strict barricading ensure that the construction site is safe and secure.
More than 56 water stations have been erected at different locations across the project providing sufficient access to cool drinking water and isotonic solutions to avoid the risk of dehydration, alongside on-site dining facilities that can accommodate over 250 workers with COVID-19 social distancing requirements in place. Provisions have also been made to heat food before consumption.
The new University of Birmingham Dubai campus will eventually be home to up to 2,900 students and features innovative teaching and research spaces to encourage cross-disciplinary working. There will also be a focus on learning spaces incorporating digital technology and a student hub to support student needs across teaching and well-being.
Dubai International Academic City stands as one of the region’s largest academic ecosystems that is home to 27 universities from nine countries. Some of the most well-known global institutions are based in the business district.
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W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island reopens with new safety measures
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island has to re-opened its doors to the public now with exciting packages to look forward to. The hotel recently played host to a world renowned sporting event through July 2020, and was also the first hotel in the Capital to be certified by DCT Abu Dhabi as part of the Go Safe initiative.
The vibrant 499 guest rooms and suites at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island offer spectacular views of the race track or Yas Marina. With six restaurants and bars to choose from, one can explore a unique dining destination with bold cuisines. Sample inspiring gastronomy at Garage, a multi-kitchen dining hub housing five distinct cuisines or immerse yourself in the vibes of Sicily at Amici for an authentic Italian experience. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is filled with hidden gems. Take in killer views and bold beats over a drink at W Lounge or kick back with a beverage at WET Deck, where playlists by our Music Curator set the scene.
Make a splash in any of two pools or hit FIT to achieve those fitness goals. A modern and sophisticated destination for an exhilarating Island escape, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is located in the heart of buzzing Yas Island revealing the best of Abu Dhabi’s history, heritage and culture and is just 10 minutes away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The hotel is well connected to island attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Water World, Warner Bros. theme park, Yas Mall, a golf course, the beach as well as the Marina, all just a few minutes away, and is located on top of the Yas Marina Circuit. Get ready to Rev Up on or off track!
In line with directives from local authorities and ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island has enhanced its cleaning and safety measures to ensure that the hotel remains a comfortable and safe environment for guests. Amongst the initiatives launched by DCT Abu Dhabi to address the need for elevated standards of health and safety is the Go Safe Certification, a unique programme that aims to enforce global standards of safety and cleanliness at hotels, attractions, and venues across the emirate. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the first hotel in the emirate to be certified by DCT Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort to re-open with luxury updates alongside new safety features
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara announced extensive luxury updates to its resort facilities, alongside new health and safety features that ensure unforgettable stays with absolute peace of mind. With enhanced leisure, wellness and family offerings, the legendary palace re-opens from August 15, 2020, more opulent and indulgent than ever.
Adhering to the highest operational standards for “new normal” travel, Qasr Al Sarab has adopted a 360-degree approach to hygiene and safety, including sanitising stations, physical distancing and health checks for team members. An Anantara Guest Guardian has been appointed to oversee the programme, which has earned the resort the Go Safe Certification from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
The resort has also enriched its children’s offerings with irresistibly fun-filled amenities and activities for kids. These include upgrades to the kids’ club, a new soft-play zone in the pool, nutritious and delicious menu options, and complimentary activities and experiences designed to keep younger travellers engaged throughout their stay.
For indulgent days of relaxation and fun in the sun, the pool area has been refurbished to provide multiple zones for guests of all ages. Upgrades include children’s splash pad area, luxurious in-water loungers and an in-water swing, new cabanas providing enhanced guest privacy, a 50m stretch for laps, striking poolside decor, and more. The new Resort Lifestyle Guru will be available for guests and provide them with inside tips and recommendations.
In addition to the existing suite of leisure amenities, fitness facilities have received cutting-edge upgrades. The gym now features new Technogym equipment, including the Zwift virtual cycling system. Outdoors, a desert volleyball court and super-sized Jenga and chess create even more opportunities for active fun. The tennis and basketball courts are open 24 hours and free to use for all guests.
A desert palace stay is not complete without indulgent spa experiences, now enhanced with the latest in technology and treatments. The wellness centre relaunches with new relaxation spaces for men and women, indoor and outdoor meditation zones and Psammo therapy sand-heat.
New green initiatives at the resort include complete phasing out of plastic water bottles and the introduction of solar panels to support power and hot water, emphasising its focus towards a sustainable resort.
Expo 2020 Dubai uses pioneering wellness wearables to help improve workers’ safety
Expo 2020 Dubai is creating a new roadmap to help future major construction projects and mega-events lift safety standards thanks to its pioneering Worker Wellness Programme, a massive project to measure workers’ health and well-being using the latest wearable wellness technology.
The first phase of the programme ran for 30 months from October 2017, using Whoop wearable wrist-strap wellness devices for round-the-clock measuring of construction workers’ well-being on the Expo 2020 site. A total of 5,540 workers participated on a voluntary basis, with the project focusing on preventative health through monitoring and reporting, health treatment, and health research.
The programme forms part of Expo 2020’s wider approach to worker welfare and health and safety, designed to set new benchmarks for major construction projects and mega-events in the region and beyond, and leave a positive legacy long after Expo 2020 closes its doors on 31 March 2022.
Rashid Mohammed, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Expo 2020, said: “Given the number of workers on site, this programme is unique – we haven’t come across any other project that tracks human physiology at this scale. The data gathered will form part of the legacy that Expo 2020 leaves the world, taking us one step closer to predictive models that can save lives.”
In tandem, medical experts from Expo 2020’s on-site Emergency Centre carried out 1,467 preventative screenings for workers whose reports highlighted any potential underlying condition, with appropriate treatment given to those found to have a health issue.
Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO, Whoop, said: “Construction is one of the biggest sectors in the world, yet from a health monitoring standpoint these sites are being developed in the same way as 200 years ago. By using Whoop technology, we can understand what it will take to prevent injuries and to make a workforce healthier. All of this will lead to a better and safer working environment for construction workers from around the world.”
More than 13 terabytes of data have been collected via the wellness wearable devices, and this huge amount of information is forming the basis for research by internationally recognised academics from the UAE’s University of Sharjah. The research focuses on cardiovascular health and sleep disorders, with the overarching aim to inform the future of worker wellness and ensure the well-being of construction workforces at future major construction sites and mega-events.
Toufik Refki, Director, Worker Wellness Programme, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Our construction workers are the lifeblood of Expo 2020, and their safety and welfare are overriding priorities for us. Through this programme, we are able to shed more light on the health habits, routines and needs of construction workers and help create a safer workplace for them.”
The technology used in the programme was developed by Expo 2020 in collaboration with American fitness tech company Whoop. The wellness wearable ‘Whoop Straps’, regularly used by elite athletes around the world, have been adapted to the needs of construction workers – with a bespoke charging/syncing system devised to collect data daily during their lunch breaks, and printed reports provided to all participants in multiple languages.
Returning to work after COVID-19: How Dubai’s businesses are ensuring the safety of their clients and employees
It’s time to go back to the office- albeit with masks and gloves on.
Following the Dubai government’s directive of allowing people to get back to their workplaces, businesses are taking hygienic measures, social distancing, and safety protocols to ensure the prevention and contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus among their employees and customers.
As an entity whose mission is to support the Emirate’s business community, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is leading the way for the private sector by walking the talk and being an earnest adopter of precautionary measures advised by the authorities in the Emirate. Rami Halawani, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry explains that prior to re-opening offices, the Dubai Chamber team have adopted a wide range of measures to protect the health and safety of employees.
These include thermal screening, social distancing signage, contactless access powered by artificial intelligence tech, reduced capacity within elevators, glass partitions, and of course mandatory face masks, while all internal and external meetings at the Chamber are held virtually. “We are encouraged to see just how smooth this transition has been for our employees,” Halawani adds. “The feedback from various departments has been extremely positive and many are realising the benefits of teleconferencing, which has really made interactions more efficient and cost effective.”
The Chamber has also continued to provide all of its services to customers seamlessly through its website and mobile app. “Earlier this year, Dubai Chamber launched the #BeSafeWorkSmart campaign, which supported companies as they shifted to remote working,” Halawani notes. “Now we are well into the next phase of this process, as we offer guidance on best practices and employee safety standards, and we hope to serve as an example to businesses in this regard and share our experience with them.”
For other entities planning to have their employees return to their workplaces, Halawani advises to plan ahead before bringing staff back to the office. “It is essential to have a comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan in place that includes guidelines and procedures,” he says. Halawani also advises maintaining close communication with employees for new changes or developments, as well as provide personal protective equipment, instructions, training, guidance, and supervision, if needed. At the end of the day, Halawani points out how it’s always worth an enterprise’s time to involve employees through processes like these to not only provide feedback and suggestions, but to become “ambassadors in a sense, as they do their part to ensure a safe working environment.”
This is the approach that has been taken up by large-scale conglomerates in Dubai, one of which is luxury goods retailer and distributor Chalhoub Group. Mansour Hajjar, Country Manager for UAE & India, says that most employees have highly welcomed the idea of getting back to the office to connect again with their colleagues “through human interactions,” and are satisfied with measures taken by the Group to protect their health and well-being.
Even before the lockdown, Hajjar explains that the health and safety of employees and customers have been a top priority, and the Group is now simply following the government’s directives given how they effective are. “The effectiveness of the actions allowed us to come back to the new normal life faster than expected,” Hajjar notes. “It is our responsibility to continue enforcing all safety measures for our team members and our guests, and to guarantee high level of customer service.”
Hajjar says the Group has implemented a range of measures in offices and outlet stores, such as sanitization, cleaning protocols, workplace distancing, limited capacity as per government directives, temperature checks, desk dividers, and lunch delivered at employees’ desks, to name a few. And for employees who have expressed concerns on returning to work from to the office, the company has also been quick to implement a flexible work policy to allow them to work from home.
For Samer S Hamadeh, founder of Aegis Hospitality, the precautionary measures he has taken at his venture have been well-received. Hamadeh, who is the entrepreneur behind the Dubai Design District-based F&B concept Akiba Dori, says customer convenience is an aspect they have always valued, with tables having already been at least 1.5 meters apart from each other at the restaurant, and now, they are at 2 meters apart.
Besides having a dedicated in-house housekeeper, Akiba Dori has also always required staff to care of their sections to ensure they are clean and disinfected. “This was all there pre-COVID, because we’re in a busy business district, and couldn’t risk our staff getting sick,” Hamadeh explains. Additional precautionary measures now includes temperature scanning procedures at the door, weekly COVID-19 tests for staff, as well as a weekly disinfection of the entire operation by a Dubai Municipality-approved third-party, “which we’ve decided to take upon ourselves, and were not required to do so by the authorities,” notes Hamadeh. “We even have a third-party health and safety auditor that comes in randomly and grades us on our operation, and has been doing so for two years.”
Both his employers and customers seem receptive of these measures, says Hamadeh. “Given how fast our customers have come back, I believe they’re happy with the measures we’ve taken and will continue to take long after this pandemic is contained; this is our company culture. We are responsible for our staff and customers when they’re in our establishments; we have to act accordingly.”