11 Jun 2007
Dubai: Metro stations will have automatic sprinkler systems and the central operations room that controls the movement of trains will be connected to the civil defence's operations room, said a senior official.
Brigadier Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director of Dubai Civil Defence, said the stations will be equipped with advanced mechanical ventilation systems, highly-effective air and smoke exhaust devices, as well as a water supply network inside the tunnel. There will be an average of one hydrant every 100 metres.
Brigadier Al Matroushi, who said the department was among the first to join the Metro's safety and security committee, stressed all stations will have automatic fire extinguishers and firefighting pipes supplied with water. The stations will also have additional water tanks apart from the ground water supply network.
Rooms and offices that have electronic equipment will be installed with a gas firefighting system. The metro's central control operations room will control the movement of trains and the safety mechanism of the coaches, including fire protection systems. It will also control the opening and closing of doors. The interiors of the trains and materials used to build stations are also fire-resistant.
He said: "The Metro will have the best international safety standards. Fire protection systems used in the Dubai Metro and their design will be similar to those used in Hong Kong and Singapore."
All directors of Metro stations and workers will undergo training courses on the basics of firefighting, prevention of fires and safety measures.
Captain Ebrahim Saif, Civil Defence's representative at the Metro's safety and security committee, said all 60 directors of stations and workers will be trained in the basics of firefighting, protection measures and safety and they will be given certificates from international companies approved by civil defence.
Facilities: Advanced ventilation and sprinkler systems
Metros will be equipped with an advanced mechanical ventilation system, highly-effective air and smoke exhaust devices, as well as a water supply network inside the tunnel.
The stations will be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system and the central operations room that controls the movement of trains and safety facilities will be connected to the civil defence's operations room.
All stations will have automatic fire extinguishers, firefighting pipes and additional water tanks apart from the ground water supply network. Rooms and offices that have electronic equipment will have a gas fire fighting system.
By Alia Al Theeb
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
