Codes, Compliance and Fire Safety ( UAE & KSA comparison)

Summary

In this webinar, Abhishek Chabra discusses fire safety, risk assessment, and compliance with building codes in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He highlights the importance of understanding the origin and evolution of building codes, the role of various stakeholders, and the implementation of conformity assessment mechanisms for materials. Chabra emphasizes the need for accurate specifications, third-party inspections, and proper documentation to ensure fire safety throughout a building's lifecycle. The session also addresses the gaps between the Saudi Building Code and SASO technical regulations and the challenges of aligning them.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The webinar is recorded and all interactions, including Q&A sessions, are captured for future reference.
• 📚 There is no CPD accreditation for this session, but the speaker is open to suggestions for free CPD registration.
• 📝 The audience is encouraged to familiarize themselves with the controls in Zoom for chat and Q&A participation.
• 🔍 The webinar will include opinion polls to gauge audience thoughts, with the presenter emphasizing their value for understanding the audience's perspective.
• ⚠️ A disclaimer is provided regarding the potential for changes or inaccuracies in the interpretation of regulations related to codes.
• 👤 Abhishek Chabra introduces himself as an engineer and finance professional with a passion for the conformity industry and involvement in standard development and accreditation bodies.
• 🏢 Abhishek works for Thomas Bell Wright International Consultants, a company with a history in curtain wall testing, fire testing, and conformity assessment for materials.
• 🏗️ The session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of fire safety, conformity, and the link between fire risks, building codes, and material conformity.
• 🔗 The speaker discusses the importance of understanding the origin and evolution of building codes, influenced by geography, climate, and local knowledge.
• 📈 The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code is highlighted for its progressive approach, including a chapter on stakeholder responsibilities, which has gained international recognition.
• 🛑 The Saudi Building Code, based on the International Building Code (IBC), is noted for its comprehensive nature and the involvement of multiple government entities in its implementation.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of today's webinar session?

The primary purpose of the webinar is to provide a comprehensive understanding of fire safety, the link between fire risks, building codes, and conformity to codes, with a special focus on building codes in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

How does the webinar plan to address the topic of conformity in the construction industry?

The webinar discusses the conformity of materials ensuring fire safety in construction, the evolution of building codes, and the different mechanisms in place in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to validate and ensure conformity of products and materials.

What is the significance of the 'roles and responsibilities' chapter in the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code?

The 'roles and responsibilities' chapter in the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code is significant as it clearly defines the duties and responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in construction, from building owners to tenants, ensuring everyone is aware of their part in maintaining fire safety.

How does the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code handle the conformity of building materials?

The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code requires mandatory certification and listing for each product used for fire safety. It also details the certification process, including aspects like sampling before testing, and expects manufacturers to apply the latest published version of the standards.

What is unique about the Saudi Building Code's approach to conformity of materials?

The Saudi Building Code, managed by SASO, has a separate set of technical regulations that dictate the conformity of materials. It uses a combination of mandatory and voluntary conformity schemes and is working towards aligning these regulations with the requirements set in the building code.

What is the role of the Saudi Building Code National Committee (SBC NC) in implementing the building code?

The SBC NC is responsible for publishing and maintaining the Saudi Building Code. It ensures that the code evolves and localizes over time, adapting to the country's specific needs while maintaining a cohesive approach to infrastructure growth.

How does the implementation of building codes differ between the UAE and Saudi Arabia?

In the UAE, the Civil Defense is both the authority that writes and implements the Fire and Life Safety Code. In contrast, Saudi Arabia has the SBC NC as a separate entity responsible for the code, with three key government entities - Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, General Directorate of Civil Defense, and Ministry of Energy - implementing the code.

What are some of the challenges faced in ensuring fire safety through building codes?

Challenges include the gaps between the requirements set in building codes and the actual implementation, the evolving conformity mechanisms, and the need for continuous verification of compliance to products and materials throughout the construction process.

Why is it important to have a clear understanding of the origin and evolution of building codes?

Understanding the origin and evolution of building codes is crucial as it provides insight into the factors that influence the codes, such as geography, climate, and local construction practices. This knowledge helps in the effective implementation and enforcement of fire safety measures.

How can stakeholders ensure that the fire safety requirements are met during a construction project?

Stakeholders can ensure fire safety by starting with correct specifications in the design phase, verifying compliance during construction, using well-trained inspectors, and maintaining clear documentation to preserve the course of action throughout the life cycle of the building.

What resources are available for further understanding of conformity assessment mechanisms?

Additional information on conformity assessment mechanisms can be found in technical sessions available on Thomas Bell Wright's YouTube page, which provides insights into how different mechanisms operate and can be validated.