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Automated switch-off device on gas cylinders mandatory from July 15

SHARJAH — As part of its plans to eliminate health hazards and accidents which jeopardise public life and property, the Sharjah Civil Defence has made it mandatory for outlets, shops, restaurants and other commercial establishments which have not been connected with piped natural gas, to install an automated switch-off device on gas cylinders from July 15. This automatic switch-off device turns off the gas when not in use, thus preventing leakages which have been the cause of a number of explosions of late in the emirate, Colonel Gareeb Shaaban, Director of Civil Defence in Sharjah, has said.

Stating that the implementation of this decision would be effective July 15, he said violation would attract a fine, but the amount had not been determined yet. The decision was taken after Civil Defence authorities visited all shops to study the effect of gas cylinder on public safety.

He said the Civil Defence would also distribute brochures and booklets to bring about awareness among owners of commercial outlets about the importance of using this automated switch.

Earlier, Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa), had issued an order banning use of cooking gas cylinders by commercial outlets, industrial workshops, cafeterias, coffee shops and restaurants already connected with piped natural gas simultaneously. As per law, such violations attract a fine of Dh10,000 and repeat offenders will be fined Dh20,000.

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