EMAAR Company: Fire Alarm System Outsourcing, Contract Law & OH&S

This report examines EMAAR's strategy for outsourcing its fire alarm system, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Dubai's health and safety regulations. It details the asset management processes involved, workload attributes, and the work breakdown structure for implementing a fire alarm system. The report also covers situation appraisal, competitive analysis, outsourcing decisions, partnering and alliance contracts, and the legal aspects of contract law and OH&S compliance. The analysis highlights the benefits of outsourcing, such as allowing EMAAR to focus on its core competencies while ensuring the safety and security of building occupants through effective fire alarm systems and maintenance.

EMAAR Company: Outsourcing

Executive Summary
The outsourcing of fire alarm system in this report projects a wide scope for the workers in the
building. With respect to health and safety of the occupants in the building, according to the laws
in Dubai, the owners of the building are held responsible if they fail to abide to the laws. A
Dubai based company EMAAR is focused in this report for its outsourcing services. Outsourcing
of services aids to concentration on the best function of the company. Whereby relieving from
distraction caused by the other important services. Thus, saving a lot of time and efforts. Fire
alarm system has prominent role in providing safety for the occupants, by prior notifications and
alerts, which help in evacuation. Work breakdown structure for the fire alarm system
implementation is presented. This report aims to discuss the asset management processes;
workload attributes, situation appraisal, competitive analysis, outsourcing decisions; partnering
and alliance contracts followed by Contract law and OH&S.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1
2. Asset Management Processes............................................................................................................1
3. Workload Attributes.........................................................................................................................2
3.1 Characteristics of Fire Alarm System......................................................................................2
3.2 Work Description.......................................................................................................................3
3.3 Resources Required...................................................................................................................3
3.4 Time Requirement.....................................................................................................................4
3.5 Strategic Level of Analysis........................................................................................................4
3.6 Risk Assessment.........................................................................................................................4
3.7 Work Breakdown Structure.....................................................................................................5
4. Situation Appraisal............................................................................................................................6
5. Competitive Analysis.........................................................................................................................7
6. Outsourcing Decisions, Partnering and Alliance Contracts...........................................................7
7. Contract Law and OH&S.................................................................................................................8
References..................................................................................................................................................9

1. Introduction
This report focusses on the company named EMAAR, which is a big holding company. It
is located in Dubai and it has many buildings under their development. EMAAR successfully
outsources various services. There are various services which the companies outsource like
security, waste management, pest control, elevator maintenance and so on. Generally,
outsourcing services helps to decrease the time spent on the non-core activities and helps the
company to focus on what it does the best. This report highlights on outsourcing the fire alarm
system. Any building which lacks fire alarm system is suggested to install one as it secure the
building and its assets.
The objective of this report is to discuss on asset management processes; workload
attributes; Work breakdown structure; situation appraisal; competitive analysis; outsourcing
decisions; partnering and alliance contracts; then on Contract law and OH&S.
2. Asset Management Processes
As a main device that detects and signals fire notification and protection, the fire alarm
system is worthy for high level of care and maintenance. The fire alarm system can be effective
based on the quality of care and maintenance the system receives.
Asset management process is referred as a systematic process that ensures maintenance
of physical assets in terms of upgradation and their operations with less cost. The asset
management process is illustrated in the below figure.
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High standards of safety and health are fulfilled by asset management. Thus, asset
management must have a strategic and proactive approach. t Asset management processes allow
the following:
1) Ensures to measure the performance and policy objectives of the facility
established.
2) Ensures to avoid any potential crisis and related issues.
3) Provides data management.
4) Enforces better and effective service.
5) Decreases the risk for stakeholders.
6) Ensures to decrease the life cycle cost.
7) Provides better financial plan.
8) Helps to take better decisions in terms of resource allocation.
9) Ensures to have a positive change in the organization.
The essential components of the asset management plan includes:
a) Performance management
b) Value of the asset
c) Integration of financial and technical plans.
d) Sustainability
e) Assessment of risk
f) life cycle management
3. Workload Attributes
3.1 Characteristics of Fire Alarm System
The characteristics are (Diong, 2004);
1) The fire incidents are survived based on timely and orderly evacuation.
2) Prior notification about the evacuation, for the existence of fire has a great
impact in the overall process, through fire alarm system.
3) Shuts downs the AHUs, for stopping the fire from spreading and decreasing the
occupant’s smoke exposure.
4) Electronically closes the doors for stopping the fire from spreading.
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5) Provides automatic alerts for the fire brigade.
6) Monitoring of sprinklers.
7) Ensures to pressurize the fans, for clearing smoke from the stairways, to ease the
escape process.
8) Helps to bring the passenger lifts to the ground floor.
9) Monitoring of CO2
3.2 Work Description
For the installation of fire alarm system in the building, effective communication between
the outsourcing partner and the company maintenance department is essential. Before installing
the fire alarm system, the technicians are required to calculate and provide an estimate price for
fire alarm system installation. The company has to provide the electrical layouts and building
blueprints for the technicians, to locate the best and secure spot for the system to run effectively.
Only on agreeing the price the installation work starts. The installed fire alarm system
requires maintenance, which includes any repair issues, general maintenance, non-functioning
parts and its replacement.
3.3 Resources Required
The required resources are listed below ("Total Solutions Providers for Fire & Security
Systems", 2010):
1) Experienced and skilled technicians
2) Wiring circuits
3) Gas, heat, smoke and flame Detection
4) Linear heat detection
5) Early warning fire detection and control
6) Cables
7) Drilling machines
8) Tools for installation
9) Blueprint of the building.
10) Mobile Equipment
11) Electrical layout of the building
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12) CCTV and Monitors
13) Fire alarm systems
14) Extinguishers
15) Bladder Tanks
16) Foam Deluge
17) Foam Agents
18) Foam Skids
19) Hydrants
20) Hose Reels
21) Foam Pourers
3.4 Time Requirement
The time varies based on the area of the building and its requirements. Because, the time
required for drilling the holes for the electrical wiring and circuits, for mounting the system, and
for attaching the cabling completely relies on the size and necessity of the building. Only then,
the system is tested to ensure its working. The escape or evacuation time can be favored by
alerting the fire engine and the occupants early, by the fire alarm system.
3.5 Strategic Level of Analysis
The strategy revolves around the cost of lifecycle and additional expenses, where the
lifecycle cost must be decreased; adequate level service must be maintained; and service level
with less cost must be maintained to decrease the cash flow. On the other hand, the company's
long term financial investment on the life cycle of the asset must be identified along with the
additional expenses that are necessary to meet the technical plan.
The above mentioned aspects can be implemented by conducting and analyzing a survey,
which covers all these areas. Further, following the local and standard laws with respect to fire
safety is also an essential part of the strategy.
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3.6 Risk Assessment
It is better to include the requirement of the organization and employees in the planning,
design, installation, commissioning, verification, handover and electronic maintenance of the
systems.
The risk assessment can be managed by maintenance service based on the following:
a) Weekly Testing
b) Annual Service
c) Full-time Site Management
d) System Inspections
e) Modifications and Extensions
f) Training
g) Refilling
h) Spares and Refurbishment
i) Calibration
3.7 Work Breakdown Structure
The work breakdown system for selecting and implementing the fire alarm system is
depicted in the below figure.
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Figure: Work Breakdown System
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EMAAR
Company
Feasibility
analysis
Identify the
current
situation
Create a
strategic
analysis and
plan
Fire alarm
System
testing
Hire multi
skilled fire
alarm system
installation
contractor
Calculate
estimated price
for installation
and get
approval
Develop the
integration
plan
Current
Market
Analysis
Check
Competency
Expected
Market
Potential
Train the
technicians
Check
efficiency
of the
plan
Get
approval
Impro
ve the
worki
ng
Check
for
Quality
perform
ance
Cost
control
Strategic
Survey
Estimate
Budget
Designing Installation CommissioningPlanning
Verification &
Risk
Management
nt
Handover &
Electronic
Maintenance

4. Situation Appraisal
The situation Appraisal comprises of evaluative methods that helps to select and use the
analytical techniques. Situation Appraisal helps to develop a framework for the routine activities.
This frame work helps to answer the following question:
a) Where to start?
b) How to identify the situation which requires action?
c) How to effectively manage the activities?
d) How to set the priorities for the activities?
e) How to stop the problem of overlapping?
f) What are the threats and opportunities?
In fire alarm system, the contractors can be appraised by the owners while switching
contractors. In such case, the contractors could justify their charged rates.
5. Competitive Analysis
In this technology oriented world, every aspects appear to be in competition like the
market competition, the owners of the companies are even competing in providing effective and
safety environment for their workers. To take right decision for running competitive
procurement, the scope, outsourcing transaction, service levels, risk and price must be related
and analyzed. Moreover, contract terms and price must also be considered ("3 Key
Considerations Before You Begin Outsourcing in Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the UAE", 2018).
6. Outsourcing Decisions, Partnering and Alliance Contracts
Partnering and alliance contracts with the outsourced partner allows the organization to
benefit with the following aspects:
1) Increases the efficiency in the asset operation.
2) Ensures management of energy consumption.
3) Mainly ensures efficient and effective building operations.
Based on competition, it is effective to select HSE system of international and local
requirements for a sustainable fire system contractor, in Dubai. Because, it is approved from the
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ISO 9001:2000. The contract established between the company and the contractor is based on a
fixed sum. It covers the routine inspections and other services of the fire alarm system. However,
it also covers the systems such as the sprinkler and the hose reel. The inspection is scheduled
based on month wise or year wise. If any fault is identified in the routine inspections, it is the
responsibility if the contractor to replace the fault with respective charges for the repairs. The
charges are already mentioned during the agreement between the two parties.
7. Contract Law and OH&S
According to Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), the Article
number 9 States that, the laws and regulations must abide to the law by enforcing concerns with
respect to occupational safety and health of the employees working in their company. The laws
state that the environment must be protected by scheduling and facilitating adequate and
appropriate inspection system. Further, it states that the failure of following the law will be
subjected to adequate penalties. Whereas, Article number 13 states that the labour inspectors can
be given the authority for taking steps to identify the defects in the building, plant or a working
place. This act is passed to identify the threats for the health and safety of the workers
("Occupational Safety and Health Inspection (Occupational Safety and Health)", 2018).
Based on the Constitution of Saudi Arabia, under Article 32 the protection of
environment and labour law are specified ("Saudi Arabia Environment, Health & Safety Profile
and Checklist", 2014). Labour law of 2005 states that all the employers and workers must know
their labor law (Jannadi & Bu-Khamsin, 2002).
The contract terms and conditions should be clearly discussed and both the parties must
agree to the same ("3 Key Considerations Before You Begin Outsourcing in Qatar, Saudi Arabia
or the UAE", 2018). Employment contract must be signed by all. The fixed contract for the
service requires no objection certificate.
Therefore, the above articles prove that there are strict laws to follow for the safety of the
workers’ environment and violation of laws can end up the owner in chaos. The fire alarm
system and its maintenance can help the owners to overcome the threats of health and safety at
the working premises.
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References
3 Key Considerations Before You Begin Outsourcing in Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the UAE.
(2018). Al-Mirsal. Retrieved 11 April 2018, from https://www.al-mirsal.com/2016/02/14/3-
key-considerations-before-you-begin-outsourcing-in-qatar-saudi-arabia-or-the-uae/
Azzara, D. (2016). Fire & Life safety Codes & Standards Used in the Middle East. National Fire
Protection Association.
Diong, C. (2004). Servicing & Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems. IEM / MFPA Seminar On
Fire Alarm And Detection Systems.
Jannadi, O., & Bu-Khamsin, M. (2002). Safety factors considered by industrial contractors in
Saudi Arabia. Building And Environment, 37(5), 539-547. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0360-
1323(01)00056-7
Occupational Safety and Health Inspection (Occupational Safety and Health). (2018). Ilo.org.
Retrieved 10 April 2018, from http://www.ilo.org/safework/areasofwork/occupational-
safety-and-health-inspection/lang--en/index.htm
Saudi Arabia Environment, Health & Safety Profile and Checklist. (2014). The Isosceles Group.
Retrieved from
https://nimonik.com/case_studies/audit_previews/ksa_audit_preview_health_safety_environ
ment.pdf
Total Solutions Providers for Fire & Security Systems. (2010). Tyco. Retrieved from
http://www.tycofireuae.com/Tyco%20UAE%20Brochure%20Rev%201.0.pdf
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