Latest news with #CBRNE
Barnama
3 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Toxic Fumes From Waste Site Fires Pose Added Dangers To Firefighters
P laying a vital role in all types of rescue operations, firefighters frequently risk their own lives in the line of duty. Some of the dangers they face are invisible – lurking in the form of toxic fumes with every breath they take. This is especially the case when extinguishing fires at waste disposal sites, a task frequently handled by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) Kelantan. Unlike other states in Peninsular Malaysia, waste disposal in Kelantan is often done directly by residents in areas designated by the local authorities. As a result, all kinds of waste, including hazardous materials that should never be disposed of there, end up at the dumpsites. Unsurprisingly, fires frequently break out at these sites, sometimes releasing toxic gases that pose serious risks to the safety of firefighting teams. According to JBPM Kelantan, it handled 1,827 open burning cases last year, with 207 involving incidents at garbage collection sites. 'In Kelantan, residents bring their waste directly to centralised locations… a practice that differs from other states where scheduled door-to-door collection is done. So, the waste is not filtered (separated) and left to pile up. 'When a fire breaks out, it's hard to detect it… we're talking about smouldering fires, that is, slow-burning fires beneath the surface that can spread without warning. That's the most dangerous type,' Kelantan JBPM director Farhan Sufyan Borhan said in a recent interview with Bernama. FIRST RESPONDER He said despite the high risk of inhaling toxic gases, JBPM is always the first agency to respond when a fire occurs at a waste disposal site. He said under the National Security Council (NSC) Directive No. 20, JBPM is the first responder for any chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) incident. 'In other words, our team's role is to first eliminate immediate hazards – such as fire – so that the relevant authorities can enter and manage the disaster,' he said. In the context of fires at waste disposal sites, Farhan Sufyan stressed that these incidents should not be viewed merely as fire outbreaks but rather as 'systemic disasters' involving multiple agencies due to the different types of waste present. The four main categories of waste found at such sites are sewage, solid waste (including domestic and scheduled waste), radioactive waste and chemical waste, which are managed by different agencies, namely Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd, the Department of Environment, Atomic Energy Licensing Board, local authorities and Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp). Farhan Sufyan added that extinguishing fires at landfill sites is no simple task and often requires heavy machinery. 'We use the 'dig up and extinguish' method, where excavators are used to break apart piles of waste. These operations also demand a large volume of water, and sometimes we have to pump it in from rivers located several kilometres away from the site. 'However, JBPM does not have its own heavy machinery, so we need to request help from other agencies. If none are available, we have no choice but to wait – even though the fire doesn't wait for us,' he said. FIRST 48 HOURS CRITICAL Farhan Sufyan also explained that under JBPM's operating protocol, the department will take full control of firefighting operations during the first 48 hours. After that, responsibility is handed back to the local authority or the appointed agency. If the fire continues to burn beyond that period, JBPM will only provide additional assistance on a paid basis, unless the incident poses a threat to public safety. 'Many people don't know this. The fire department isn't a free service that can be deployed at all times. There are limits and there is a legal framework. 'Even so, when lives are at stake, jurisdictional boundaries often become blurred. Our team will act without hesitation but the core issue still remains: who manages the waste, who prevents the fires, who controls the pollution?' he said. Commenting on the toxic fumes that firemen are exposed to when putting out landfill fires, he said burning materials like tyres and plastic release toxins that can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting and even long-term health effects. 'If the toxicity is too high, we need to bring in the (JBPM's) special HAZMAT (Hazardous Material) unit but not every dumpsite fire requires their involvement,' he said, adding in Kelantan, a HAZMAT team is on standby and will be deployed if the toxins' danger levels exceed normal thresholds, with the assessment done on-site based on initial monitoring.
Al Bawaba
09-04-2025
- Science
- Al Bawaba
UAE Defense Ministry develops AI robot to detect suspicious packages
Published April 9th, 2025 - 07:29 GMT ALBAWABA – The UAE Ministry of Defense has announced the unveiling of an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) robot. The robot is set to begin operation in a few months and will be capable of detecting suspicious packages remotely. UAE's new AI TIGR robot The UAE Ministry of Defense unveiled an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robot capable of remotely detecting suspicious packages from up to 800 meters. The robot can easily identify chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) to ministry officials, the robot will begin official operations in six months. The Tactical Ground Identification Robot (TIGR) was revealed during the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit (WCEMS) in Abu Dhabi. 'Instead of sending human personnel, we can deploy the AI robot. It is equipped with sensors that detect potential threats remotely by transmitting live footage and data back to the operator in real time,' stated a spokesperson from the ministry. وزارة الدفاع تبرز دورها كشريك استراتيجي في القمة العالمية للطوارئ والأزمات 2025 بتقنيات متقدمة وحلول متبكرة تشارك وزارة الدفاع في القمة العالمية للطوارئ والأزمات 2025، المقامة في مركز أبوظبي الوطني للمعارض (أدنيك)، بصفتها شريكًا استراتيجيًا لهيئة الطوارئ والأزمات والكوارث، حيث… — وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) April 8, 2025 The robot was tested in front of the audience at WCEMS, and upon detecting and identifying a threat, the TIGR robot notified the defense team to take security measures and actions in the surrounding area. Additionally, the robot can collect samples from the soil, air, and overall environment to assist the ministry in conducting further analysis. The TIGR robot was designed and manufactured entirely by the UAE Ministry of Defense. It has undergone several tests and training over the past year and is expected to be in service within the next six months. Also Read Meet the AI robot from UAE that picks strawberries © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Watch: UAE-made AI robot can now detect suspicious packages from afar
An artificial intelligence-powered robot that can remotely identify threats from suspicious packages — including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) materials from a distance of up to 800 metres, was unveiled by the UAE Ministry of Defence on Tuesday. The Tactical Identification Ground Robot (TIGR) was showcased at the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit (WCEMS) in Abu Dhabi. 'Instead of sending human personnel, we can deploy the AI robot,' said a Ministry of Defence spokesperson. 'It is equipped with sensors that detect potential threats remotely by transmitting live footage and data back to the operator in real time.' If TIGR identifies the nature of the threat, the defence team can immediately take action to secure the area. If it cannot determine the exact risk, it is capable of collecting environmental samples, from soil or air, which are then sent directly to the Ministry's laboratories for further analysis. Designed and built entirely in-house by the Ministry of Defence, the robot has been undergoing testing in emergency drills over the past year. It is expected to be operational within the next six months. 'It is continuously being upgraded. We're exploring enhancements, including increasing its range and adding amphibious capabilities. Science is infinite,' the spokesperson added. 'Fortunately, we haven't needed to deploy it for a real-life threat yet.'
Associated Press
14-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Key Takeaways From the London EHSxTech Meeting
As organizations navigate an increasingly complex business environment, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals play a critical role in risk management and operational resilience. The February 2025 EMEA London EHSxTech meeting, highlighted essential strategies for positioning EHS as a key contributor to business productivity and resilience. Discussions centered around influencing leadership, demonstrating business value, and leveraging AI for safety advancements. Below are more details on the key themes and takeaways from the presentations and discussions. 1. EHS: A Strategic Partner in Crisis Management By Eithne Clinton, Google EMEA EHS Lead In today's volatile landscape, with challenges ranging from geopolitical instability and civil unrest to the increasing impact of severe weather events, crisis management and preparedness are more important than ever. Eithne emphasized the critical role of EHS in this context. Google's Crisis Management Framework, encompassing preparation, response, and recovery, was detailed, highlighting EHS's vital contributions at each stage. This includes proactive risk assessment and planning before a crisis, effective communication during, and thorough recovery, including conducting thorough post-crisis reviews, afterward. Preparedness for events like CBRNE incidents, through programs such as Shelter-in-Place, was also discussed. Key takeaways underscore that EHS is a vital partner in supporting business crisis management. Proactive planning is paramount, and continuous improvement through collaboration and training is crucial. Ultimately, EHS serves as a trusted advisor in navigating crises, solidifying our position at the leadership table in the post-COVID era. 2. Influencing Without Authority Facilitated Discussion EHS professionals often need to drive internal change without having direct authority. The key to influencing leadership and stakeholders lies in strategic engagement, financial justification, and personalizing risks. Effective Strategies for Influence Takeaway: By linking EHS initiatives to business risk, employee well-being, and legal compliance, professionals can drive change even without direct authority. 3. EHS in the Age of AI Presented by Karl Huntzicker, Salesforce As AI continues to shape industries, EHS leaders have an opportunity to integrate new technologies for better risk management, compliance, and employee well-being. 'As EHS professionals we need to steer how AI will be used in the field, the future is what we make it' – Karl Huntzicker, Salesforce. AI's Role in EHS Management At the end of the day, it's important to remember 'it's not AI replacing humans, it's humans using AI.' By automating routine tasks, AI allows EHS professionals to focus on high-level decision-making and strategy. Takeaway: We are in the early days of AI, and the future is bright. We expect AI to be a game-changer in EHS by reducing administrative burden, improving crisis response, and providing actionable insights into workplace safety risks. 4. Proactively Addressing Occupational Health (OH) for a Healthier Workforce There is often a lack of understanding around Occupational Health (OH) in the tech industry. Think of approaching it through two perspectives: risk management and long-term strategy. Risk mitigation is taking care of the employees today, and the strategy component is how we improve things for tomorrow and provide that healthy working space. Proactive health management in the workplace is not just about compliance—it's about creating an environment where employees can thrive. Best Practices in Occupational Health Workforce Well-Being as a Competitive Advantage Takeaway: A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Organizations that invest in employee well-being position themselves as employers of choice while mitigating long-term business risks. Final Thoughts: The Future of EHS Across all discussions, a few central themes emerged:
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Prometheus Medical International showcases emergency medical training capabilities at IDEX 2025
Abu Dhabi: Prometheus Medical International, experts in providing emergency medical training services in the Middle East, is showcasing its cutting-edge medical training capabilities in the defence and military sector at IDEX 2025, currently under way in Abu Dhabi. The company also hosted a Medical Workshop on CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) led by Stuart Ward, a distinguished expert in CBRNE defence and medical training, as part of IDEX Talks Programme during the exhibition. The talk focused on emergency medical training, emergency response, and CBRNE scenarios.
