International Fire Protection (IFP) recently took the opportunity to speak with Johan Larsson, General Manager of Dafo Middle East and Africa, and Fredrik Rosen, Business Manager of Dafo Middle East and Africa Vehicle Fire Protection AB to learn how the introduction of new legislation is being used to mitigate the risks of fire within public transport.
IFP: What is happening regulation wise in the UAE regarding fire-protection systems for buses and coaches?
JL: UAE authorities have decided to increase the fire safety in public transport. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, vice president and Prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai announced in Al Bayan news on July 8, 2021 that it will be mandatory to install fire suppression system in the engine compartment of buses in the UAE.
IFP: Has this requirement been published in a regulation?
JL: Yes this was published on August 16 2020, with the technical regulation UAE.S 5012 :2020 – Motor Vehicles – Safety Requirements for School Buses. It specifies that school buses must be equipped with an automatic fire detection and suppression system in the engine compartment.
IFP: So, the requirement only applies to school buses?
JL: Yes, in the beginning. Once all school buses have been equipped with fire-suppression systems there will be a new evaluation deciding when to start equipping public transit buses and coaches.
IFP: Are the school bus operators aware of this new requirement?
JL: Yes, on 1 September 2021 an article was published in the Khaleej Times describing that the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has informed all school bus operators that smoke detectors and a fire suppression system must be installed in their buses.
IFP: How will these fire suppression systems be tested?
JL: On 16 July 2021 the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) published a new fire testing standard UAE.S 5041-2021.
IFP: Does the standard include any additional requirements except testing of fire performance?
FR: In addition to the requirement to test the fire performance of the complete system, the standard also includes requirements for testing of components included in thermal cycling resistance, mechanical stress resistance and corrosion resistance etc.
IFP: Is this new fire testing standard based on any international recognized standard such as UNECE Regulation 107 or the P-mark certification in accordance with SPCR 183?
FR: The UAE.S 5041-2021 standard is based on UNECE Regulation 107, SPCR 183 but includes local UAE adaptations.
IFP: When will regulation UAE.S 5012 be enforced?
JL: 1 February 2022.
IFP: So, all school buses must be equipped with fire suppression systems or otherwise they are not allowed to operate?
JL: Just like in any country there is a mandatory motor vehicle inspection required once a year in the UAE in order for the vehicle to be authorized for road transportation. As we understand, but it is yet to be confirmed by the authorities, that vehicles with authorizations expiring after 1 February 2022 must be equipped with fire suppression systems.
IFP: What will the certification process look like for fire suppression system manufacturers?
JL: The certification process is as of now not yet known and specified.
IFP: Will Dafo Vehicle be prepared to meet the high demand?
FR: Yes, through our local office, Dafo Middle East, we are confident that we will meet the increased market demand and be able to support our customers with superior products and good service.
For more information, go to www.dafo-middle-east.com
Johan Larsson
