Latest news with #DanaKamal
Khaleej Times
08-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
New Emirates rule: Power banks can catch fire, cause explosions, say UAE experts
Power banks can pose serious safety risks on flights, including the potential to emit toxic smoke, ignite flames, or even trigger major explosions, safety experts have warned. Earlier on Friday, Emirates Airlines announced a ban on the use of power banks during all its flights, effective from October 1. 'Power banks indeed pose a significant fire hazard because they contain lithium-ion batteries, which have a high energy density,' said Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development, MENA at NFPA. 'When exposed to physical or thermal stress, they can overheat, catch fire or even explode. In the confined and controlled environment of an aircraft, where factors such as cabin pressure, temperature fluctuations, and limited oxygen can impact battery performance, these devices can pose a significant fire safety risk.' According to David C., General Manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory, power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which could cause the device to overheat when used. In a statement, Emirates said that customers will be permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions, but they may not be used while in the aircraft cabin—neither to charge devices nor to be charged themselves using the aircraft's power source. For several months now, airlines across the world have been updating their rules regarding lithium batteries, after an increase in the incidence of accidents. A Reuters report revealed that in 2024, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded an average of three incidents every two weeks involving overheating lithium batteries on planes worldwide — a sharp rise compared to just under one incident per week in 2018. Dangers Pilot and aviation expert Hans-Georg Rabacher explained that a power bank can overheat due to direct sunlight, poor ventilation, overcharging, or physical damage, and this can lead to a dangerous reaction called thermal runaway. 'This usually starts in one battery cell, which overheats and triggers a chain reaction. The result can be an explosion, toxic gas release, and open flames with temperatures over 1,000°C,' he said. Dana said that this was one of the 'key reasons' why airlines banned power banks from checked-in luggage. 'If a power bank begins to overheat, passengers or crew in the cabin can quickly notice signs such as smoke, heat, or unusual odours coming from the device, and can immediately notify the crew,' he said. 'Early detection allows rapid intervention from the cabin crew members, who are usually well-trained and equipped to handle such incidents, thereby minimising risks and limiting potential damage.' Low-quality items David added that some issues stem from low-quality power banks manufactured in various countries worldwide. 'Here in the UAE, we have excellent safety standards,' he said. 'However, some very low-quality power banks are manufactured in different geographies, and these could pose a significant danger during flights.' He states that these devices may look the same on the outside, but often lack the rigorous safety testing to ensure internal mechanisms prevent overheating or fire. 'This is why people need to invest in good quality power banks with international certifications, which will be indicated on their labels,' he said. David said that it was important for power bank users to ensure they are correctly stored when taking them on a plane. 'When they are stuffed in the overhead cabin or put in the seat pocket whilst charging devices, they could more likely overheat due to the lack of ventilation trapping the heat,' he said. Earlier this year, Air Busan became one of the first airlines to restrict power banks in overhead cabin bins after one of its planes caught fire; an incident thought to be caused by a power bank overheating. Experts added that physical damage, like banging a power bank, could cause the device to malfunction and overheat. 'I always stress the importance of a thorough visual inspection,' said Dana. 'Check for any visible damage, such as scratches or other signs of wear. Be alert for subtle warning signs such as unusual odours or chemical smells, as well as excessive heat. While it's normal for electronics to generate some heat during use, if a power bank feels unusually hot, it's a warning you should not ignore.' David said that technology is progressing quickly, allowing manufacturers to make a power bank without lithium ion batteries. Some are not producing power banks with nickel-metal hydride, alkaline batteries, and even capacitors.
Daily Tribune
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Alba, NFPA ink deal to strengthen fire safety and occupational health measures
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), a global self-funded US-based non-profit organization, dedicated to advancing fire prevention and safety on a global scale for nearly 130 years. The signing ceremony took place between Alba's Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali and NFPA MENA's Director of International Business Development Director Eng. Dana Kamal on 12 May 2025, marking the beginning of a three-year strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing knowledge-sharing and exchanging best practices in occupational health, safety, and fire prevention initiatives. Commenting on the partnership, Alba's CEO Ali Al Baqali stated: 'As the first aluminium smelter in the region and the first manufacturing company in Bahrain to embark on this journey, we are proud to lead the way, learning from the best while sharing our advancements to contribute to a safer and more sustainable industrial world starting from Bahrain.' Adding further, Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development MENA at NFPA, said: 'By aligning with the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™, we aim to help Alba maintain high safety standards as it continues to grow its operational footprint.' Through this partnership, Alba and NFPA will jointly develop and implement an action plan that includes hosting awareness forums, training sessions, certification programmes, and conferences to promote best practices in fire safety. Additionally, both organisations will collaborate on alignment of standards related to fire prevention and occupational safety based on shared lessons, research and data analysis.
Biz Bahrain
28-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Alba Signs MoU with NFPA to Strengthen Fire Safety and Occupational Health Measures
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), a global self-funded U.S.-based non-profit organization, dedicated to advancing fire prevention and safety on a global scale for nearly 130 years. The signing ceremony took place between Alba's Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali and NFPA MENA's Director of International Business Development Director Eng. Dana Kamal on 12 May 2025, marking the beginning of a three-year strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing knowledge-sharing and exchanging best practices in occupational health, safety, and fire prevention initiatives. Commenting on the partnership, Alba's CEO Ali Al Baqali stated: 'Joining forces with NFPA translates Alba's ambition to not only be the world's largest aluminium smelter but also a global leader in industrial safety. As the first aluminium smelter in the region and the first manufacturing company in Bahrain to embark on this journey, we are proud to lead the way, learning from the best while sharing our advancements to contribute to a safer and more sustainable industrial world starting from Bahrain.' Adding further, Eng. Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development MENA at NFPA, said: 'We are proud to work with Alba, one of the world's largest aluminium smelters. This agreement marks a shared commitment to advancing fire and life safety standards within Bahrain's industrial sector. By aligning with the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™, we aim to help Alba maintain high safety standards as it continues to grow its operational footprint.' Through this partnership, Alba and NFPA will jointly develop and implement an action plan that includes hosting awareness forums, training sessions, certification programmes, and conferences to promote best practices in fire safety. Additionally, both organisations will collaborate on alignment of standards related to fire prevention and occupational safety based on shared lessons, research and data analysis.
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NFPA joins the global ‘Billion Readiness Initiative' led by Dubai Civil Defense to advance global fire safety awareness
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is pleased to be an active member and contribute to the 'Billion Readiness Initiative' led by Dubai Civil Defense. This pioneering global initiative seeks to enhance fire safety awareness and reduce fire-related incidents worldwide. It aims to educate and train 1 billion people across the globe from 2025 to 2027, empowering communities to respond effectively and safely to fire emergencies. A total of 34 countries and 18 major firefighting organizations, including the NFPA, are involved in this ambitious effort. ' As a global leader in fire and life safety, NFPA is proud to be part of the Billion Readiness Initiative, the largest of its kind. We are excited to share our expertise to help raise fire safety awareness worldwide. Working alongside Dubai Civil Defense, our goal is to use our knowledge, information, and expertise to create a safer, more resilient future. We achieve this by empowering individuals with the resources and tools they need to prevent fires and protect lives on an unprecedented scale, ' said Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development, MENA, NFPA. As part of this initiative, NFPA will continue to collaborate and communicate with governments and regulatory bodies throughout the region to promote its codes and standards, encouraging their use and effective implementation through impactful workshops and training sessions aimed at reducing fire-related incidents and the emissions that they cause. It will also support countries in developing policies that align with the campaign's objectives while addressing emerging risks and technological advancements. In addition to policy adoption, NFPA will encourage subject matter experts to stay updated with code requirements and technical developments in their fields. It will also emphasize the importance of continuous education and qualifications for the skilled workforce, which is a fundamental aspect of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety EcosystemTM. In addition, NFPA is also a member of the World Fire Emission Reduction Alliance (WFERA), launched at COP28, which aims to reduce global fire-related emissions by 80% by 2050. This unique initiative unites countries and firefighting organizations in a global effort to tackle the environmental impact of fires and improve fire safety worldwide. As part of its broader commitment to fire and life safety, NFPA also works to promote an informed public by sharing important information on fire, electrical, and other related hazards ensuring that people and communities have the knowledge needed to lower risk and enhance safety. NFPA is dedicated to working alongside WFERA partners to support the objectives of the Billion Readiness Initiative. About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global, self-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at Contact: Ronak Thakkar – Associate Director - FleishmanHillard Mail:
