DuPont, one of the leading science companies, in collaboration with Dubai Civil Defence has launched the Thermo-Man demonstration unit to accurately assess safety and performance of fire-protection gear used by workers and firefighters.

The Thermo-Man demonstration unit is a life-sized instrumented mannequin system developed by the company for observing the quality of fire fighting materials in an open flame.

The unit's demonstration was held in the presence of Dubai Civil Defence general commander-in-chief, Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi recently at Dubai’s DCD Fire Training Centre.

DuPont Thermo-Man is one of the most advanced thermal burn injury evaluation devices in the world and tests conducted on the Thermo-Man unit make it possible to observe differences in the quality of materials used by workers when exposed to an open flame.

The test was done on a 6’1” mannequin, covered with 122 heat sensors is engulfed in flames with temperatures rising up to 1,000°C; first wearing ordinary clothing and then dressed in DuPont Nomex test garments. Test results demonstrate the effectiveness of Nomex in providing the highest possible level of protection.

DuPont team was represented by Thomas G. Powell, the President of DuPont Protection Technologies and Amr El-Moniem, the regional manager, DuPont Protection Technologies - Mena at the launch.

"Civil Defence is keen to provide all the requirements for individual firefighter’s protection, especially fire-protection clothing, according to the most stringent global specifications and applications, while taking into account the nature of firefighters’ field work in the UAE and the Gulf region," stated Al Matrooshi.

Adequate protection of the firefighters is imperative for the protection of others, he said. "Therefore, Dubai Civil Defence cooperates with the best companies from around the world to achieve this purpose," he added.

“To find high-quality techniques for testing firefighters’ protection clothing, we have co-operated with DuPont, which is recognized globally for its innovative technologies providing safer and sustainable solutions. In this way, we can meet local needs and address issues related to safety.”  

Al Matrooshi said DCD was pleased to make Dubai the home-base for a DuPont Thermo-Man unit, thereby giving us unprecedented easy access to the cutting-edge device.

"We anticipate that Thermo-Man will enhance our ability to assess various work hazards and enable us to maintain the highest level of safety and protection for all our crew, as they respond to various emergency situations across the emirate," he added.

Commenting on the launch, Powell said, "We are delighted to collaborate with Dubai Civil Defence. No one organization alone can solve the difficult protection challenges of today. Our work with DCD is a great example of how DuPont will play a key role in enhancing safety awareness and helping to save the lives of our local heroes."

"We look forward to leveraging DuPont scientific knowledge and effectively giving it back to the local community," Powell added.-TradeArabia News Service