Dubai Civil Defence and DuPont launch DuPont Thermo-Man demonstration unit

In the presence of Dubai Civil Defence General Commander in Chief, Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) in collaboration with DuPont, one of the leading science companies, have launched DuPont Thermo-Man demonstration unit, a life-sized instrumented mannequin system DuPont developed for observing the quality of fire fighting materials in an open flame. At a recent event, held at Dubai’s DCD Fire Training Centre, DuPont was represented by Thomas G. Powell, President of DuPont Protection Technologies and Amr El-Moniem, Regional Manager, DuPont Protection Technologies - Middle East & North Africa. 

UAE Civil Defence General Commander in Chief, Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, said: “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 Arabian Gulf region. Adequate protection of the firefighters is imperative for the protection of others. Therefore, Dubai Civil Defence cooperates with the best companies from around the world to achieve this purpose.” 

“To find high-quality techniques for testing firefighters’ protection clothing, we have cooperated 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.”  

“Dubai Civil Defence is therefore 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. DuPont can also help local manufacturers offer reliable and trusted protection at the highest level,” added Major General Al Matrooshi. 

Thomas G. Powell, President of DuPont Protection Technologies, said: “With the world’s growing global population there is an increased need to protect more people with advanced materials. DuPont is uniquely positioned to address the rising demand for protective materials in the UAE. The launch of Thermo-Man in Dubai demonstrates our commitment to provide solutions to critical challenges through DuPont science and innovation. We are elevating our presence and investment in the region, fulfilling UAE’s local needs, working with our customers to help ensure the protection of those who protect us.” 

“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.  

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. 

The DuPont Thermo-Man has been used for various tests since the early 1970s, covering a broad range of fields including the petroleum, petrochemical, and chemical industries, electric and gas utilities and fire services. It has also been used by various manufacturers worldwide to develop and introduce better and safer products.

DuPont further announced that the Thermo-Man demonstration unit will be leveraged across Gulf Cooperation Council to address regional needs. To secure the personal safety of our workers in humanitarian and economic sectors that face high-risks, protection of these firefighters at the scene is critical and that they reach the people who need to be saved from the fire and the high heat temperature environment.