Sheikh Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Deputy Ruler of Fujairah, yesterday opened an exhibition on Civil Defence equipment.
It was organised by the Civil Defence Department to celebrate World Civil Defence Day. The exhibition, held at the Fujairah Exhibition Centre, marked the UAE's observance of the day celebrated under the theme "Civil Defence for the Protection of Oil Industries".
The celebration was attended by Major General Mohammed Salem bin Kardous Al Amiri, Director General of the Civil Defence Directorate in the UAE, Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaiali, Undersecretary Assistant of the Ministry of Interior for Planning Affairs, Colonel Juma Saif Al Ghashemi, Director General of the Fujairah Civil Defence Department, Colonel Saleh Ali Al Mutawa, Director General of Sharjah Police Department, managers of Civil Defence departments in the UAE and officers from Fujairah and other emirates, as well as heads of local government departments.
Sheikh Hamad and senior Civil Defence officers toured the exhibition which featured firefighting and rescue equipment. Around 24 local government establishments involved in ensuring safety and security also participated in the exhibition.
Sheikh Hamad and the guests were briefed about the different sections of the exhibition which included the latest firefighting equipment received recently by the Civil Defence.
The Fujairah Civil Defence pavilion featured fire-proof uniforms and tools to pump out heavy smoke, masks, explosive-resistant clothes and an explosives sniffing robot.
The exhibition also included products of companies which manufacture fire extinguishers, equipment and quick response vehicles. Vopac Enoc, Emirates Gas, Takreer petrol company, Police's Air Wing, Fujairah Municipality, Fujairah Police, Red Crescent Authority and Fujairah Educational Zone also took part in the exhibition.
Sheikh Hamad and the guests attended a short play about the importance of adhering to safety rules.
Colonel Al Ghashemi spoke about the importance of selecting the theme of this year's celebration since the UAE is one of the most important oil and gas producing and exporting countries in the world.
He said: "As the country is developing rapidly, the Civil Defence also had to improve its services to ensure more protection of national property, mainly oil industries and their workforce."
The Civil Defence always collaborates with all oil sectors by training staff on how to deal with fires.
Lt Col Mohammed Saleh Badah, head of Civil Protection at Fujairah Civil Defence Department and head of the Media Committee of the celebration, said Civil Defence personnel are well qualified and have the equipment to deal with fires at oil rigs and production sites.
"The most dangerous risks are sudden blazes in these flammable areas. A disaster might be caused because of a small fault or neglect by a worker who may not be aware of safety precautions at such dangerous locations."
He said the role of the Civil Defence can be introduced in four terms: preventive precautions, training and qualifying staff of oil industries, firefighting and confronting the disaster and coordination with other authorities to ensure a safe atmosphere for workers.
"The Civil Defence plays another significant role in enhancing safety awareness of manpower at oil industries and trains them on how to use firefighting equipment."
Safety procedures should also be followed at petrol stations. Some motorists do not follow safety instructions and expose themselves and others to danger.
Sheikh Hamad concluded the celebration by honouring more than 30 officers and warrant officers from all the Civil Defence departments in the UAE, along with some government establishments which participated in the celebration.
Schoolchildren will pay visits to the exhibition to enhance their awareness about firefighting and the use of fire extinguishers.
Gulf News 2003
