Alert system introduced for the hearing impaired

A new product, designed solely to cater to the needs of those suffering from hearing impairment, on display for the first time in the UAE at the opening day of Intersec 2014.

The deafening sound of a fire alarm ringing or the constant announcements bellowing through the departures and arrivals halls of an airport are often a nuisance for those with the ability to hear, but what about those without?

Naffco’s Fire Falcon, a fire rescue vehicle, is a new model used to fight fires on planes.

In situations where individuals are alerted of an incident by sound, the deaf have to rely on warnings or notifications from other people. But not anymore.

A new product, designed solely to cater to the needs of those suffering from hearing impairment, went on display for the first time in the UAE at the opening day of the 16th edition of Intersec 2014, the region’s foremost event addressing the safety, security and fire protection industry.

The Deaf Alerter System equips those suffering from hearing loss or deafness with the ability to act alone when a sound is heard, eliminating the risk in emergency situations, with the multi-device system relying primarily on a transmitter and alerter. Similar to a pager, the alerter is connected up to a hub transmitter which can be located in a variety of buildings such as shopping malls, market areas, airports etc., meaning the device is operational in more than one location, using a roaming system. The individual simply carries the alerter and will receive high priority messages through strong vibrations when the device is prompted by the transmitter. This can range from fire alarm warnings to public announcements.

Deaf Alerter’s sales director Chris Haseldine says people can use the device anywhere they see the symbol and although not implemented anywhere in the UAE as yet, he is hopeful the market will catch on here. “This isn’t a one-time use device. Individuals can take it home with them and they can use it at work, in shopping malls, wherever they see the sign. For safety reasons it is always switched on, so that creates peace of mind for users too.”

Haseldine says the fact the transmitter can be installed after the construction of a building “means it is a very adaptable product”. “Our focus is on the lesser-abled individuals.

They need independence as much as the next person and the Deaf Alerter gives them this. And in situations where they are alone, their safety, to some degree, is taken care of by the alert system.”

With safety and security continuing to be a high-priority issue in the region, Dubai’s recent success at winning Expo 2020 means an influx of tourists, and surge in construction is just around the corner. With that in mind, safety standards are being pushed to an all-time high and after reviewing and adapting some of the most stringent regulations from around the world, Dubai has created a standard universal code to be implemented at every level to help facilitate its transition into becoming a frontrunner in world safety standards.

More safety products

The opening day of Intersec 2014 showcased some of the industry’s most reputable, as well as exclusive safety products, from high-standard safety textiles to state-of-the-art alarm systems, from world renowned exhibitors including Naffco, G4S and Honeywell. With tourist figures set to rise in the coming years and Gulf carriers witnessed as one of the most aggressively priced products within the aviation industry today, a clear focus at this year’s Intersec is aviation safety.

With its newest fire rescue vehicle dominating Hall 1 of the Dubai World Trade Centre, Naffco general manager Emad Kassab told Khaleej Times that this year they have added new features to the Fire Falcon Series. “This is not a new concept, but it’s a new model with extra features.” Kassab says the rescue vehicle is a new and exclusive model used to fight fires on planes.

“This vehicle can move at the same speed when the plane is landing. For example if the wheel does not open out due to a fire, the rescue team can start extinguishing the fire before the plane touches the ground.” He said the new feature consists of a cutting device which allows an apparatus on the vehicle to cut through the plane to tackle internal fires.

Based in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Kassab says its products like the Fire Falcon allows them to compete successfully with some of the world’s biggest aviation brands.

“Our main market is Arab countries and Africa, but also some of Europe and the Far East. Our design and manufacturing processes are all in accordance with the highest standards, either American or British standards, but we are moving up and competing with these big brands.”

This year’s Intersec, organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt and held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is expected to attract up to 25,000 visitors and is 22 per cent larger in terms of participating exhibitors with 1,210 on show from 54 countries.

kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE