Asias growing concerns and commitment to fire safety and homeland security
Interest in fire safety and homeland security has grown tremendously over the last 5 years. Active participation and commitment are required from all stakeholders to meet the challenges raised by wide and varied issues.
New emphasis on emergency preparedness
A single country may not be fully able to prevent a terrorist attack, but its level of emergency readiness to limit damages is crucial. The new emphasis on emergency preparedness places a greater premium on the preservation of life. This is clearly a positive step forwards in terms of improving OSH standards for the many individuals, especially first respondents, who risk their own lives to save others.
Continuing commitment to promoting safety in Asia
VIKING has been committed to promoting safety in Asia since opening a new base in Singapore in 2001. VIKING Asia was established to gain a better understanding of the diverse needs in Asia and, of course, to oversee our growing interest in the area.
Experience, expertise and technological advantage gained in marine safety have been applied by VIKING to fire safety and security, the pressing issue in the ever changing landscape of modern threats. Their knowledge and skill have been applied to the development of many new products, such as the ballistic lifejacket and technologically superior fire protection suits.
Meeting the exacting standards of the SCDF
For the past 8 years, VIKING's executives in Singapore have been working on improving their understanding of the special needs of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, or SCDF, particularly in the fire protection suit area. SCDF's stringent standards for safety are highly esteemed, both in Asia and the rest of the world. Their officers are highly knowledgeable when it comes to fire protection solutions and rightly demand quality, reliability and practically. Indeed they accept no less.
VIKING designed the PS6233 and PS6266 suits, Nomex® Delta T suits with a
GORE-TEX® moisture barrier, in close cooperation with the SCDF. Their order for 1,300 such fire suits in 2006 was a critical endorsement of VIKING quality products and of corporate commitment.
DOT/DNV/ABS certified fire service facility reduces costs and turnaround time
The Singapore base has a DOT/DNV/ABS certified fire service facility that can hydrostatically test and refill fire-related cylinders. This facility greatly improves our service standard and reduces costs and turnaround time. The fire service facility is the first such investment within the VIKING group and demonstrates the importance placed on Asia.
Having good products is only one part of the business
Good products are just one part of the business. VIKING understands the need to continually educate and communicate their advantages and to demonstrate how their products can be adapted to suit customer requirements. Major trade shows and quality publications are good methods of spreading this message. Major trade shows, such as FESA or Global Security Asia, attract policy makers, governmental administrators, OSH practitioners, etc. and provide an excellent opportunity for them to physically touch and feel the products and enable them to make instant comparisons.
VIKING is a leader in fire safety and defence and their personal protective equipment is the choice of fire departments and defence authorities across the globe. Their state-of-the-art products are supported by the unique VIKING network of subsidiaries in 25 locations, agents and 270 authorised servicing stations, making VIKING a truly global provider. |