Ryan Johnston – SVP of Business Development MEAI, Fireaway Inc.
What does fire safety mean to you?
Fire safety to me is fundamentally about stewardship. We anticipate the worst-case scenarios and try to provide a suitable mitigation plan, so these scenarios are never experienced. We deal with hazards that do not give second chances and therefore have a responsibility to ensure we are manufacturing, designing and supplying products and systems which are fit for purpose and meet all relevant codes and standards. The protection of people, property and business continuity provides a great sense of satisfaction, and I am extremely proud to be a part of it.
What has been your most embarrassing moment professionally?
My most embarrassing moment professionally occurred several years ago when I was sent on a training course in the US. After around 25 hours of travel, I was suffering from severe jetlag and fell asleep in my hotel room whilst running bath which flooded my room and the one below. I may have gotten away with just a cleaning fee, but the room below belonged to another attendee participating in the training course.
What is your most important fire safety tip?
My most important fire safety tip would be, “Never assume someone else is responsible”. Whether you are a facility manager, technician or a resident in an apartment block, we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those around us. Technology is powerful but it cannot replace vigilance. We are all grateful that firefighting and fire suppression systems are deployed in our everyday lives, but it is always better to not need them. If you see something that could be a fire hazard, report it to the relevant authority for a resolution.
What do you consider to be your greatest success, either professionally or outside of work?
I think my greatest achievement professionally is knowing that I have had a positive impact in the world. Over the years, I have been involved in the specifications, design and deployment of critical safety systems in numerous high-profile projects across the Middle East region. Much of the work of fire safety professionals is carried out in the background and our goal is for our solutions to never be required but available when needed. Being able to walk into a building or use a service where I know my solutions have been implemented is a fantastic feeling.
Are there any particular trends you are seeing in the industry today?
Two major trends in the industry today are the rise of environmentally-responsible fire suppression technologies and digital transformation. As sustainability becomes a global priority, industries are moving away from legacy chemical solutions and towards solutions which will protect both their assets and the environment. Digital transformation is reshaping the world of maintenance and compliance. The ability to monitor a whole range of environmental factors inside a facility through IoT systems and devices will allow us to further mitigate fire risk and business interruption. Being able to identify system health issues rather than reacting to failures, we are preventing fire before they occur.
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