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EHS introduces stringent measures for fire safety

Under the new procedure, building contractors are required to apply for a Certificate of Conformity once the height of the building reaches a minimum of 24 metres (78.7 feet). After complying with industrial safety standard requirements, they (contractors) will then be issued the certification. However, if the requirements are not properly met, they will not be allowed to proceed further with the building construction beyond the maximum height limit of 30 metres (98.4 feet).

In addition to the general safety requirements for work on heights, special emphasis has been given on fire safety, including provisions for the appointment of fire marshals, efficient evacuation procedures, installation of wet riser system, and fire exit doors and stopping on the stair core.

“The regulations are in line with our main objective of ensuring maximum health and safety at the workplace. With the increase in the number of high-rises, there is an urgent need to address fire safety issues, and to ensure that fire safety is given the utmost importance in such places,” said Ahmed Abdul Hussain, EHS chief executive officer.

Mark Warrington, EHS vice president-Construction Safety, added that the new fire safety requirement is the latest in a series of steps being undertaken by EHS to set the highest possible fire safety standard for Dubai World projects.

“While we are working with contractors on existing high-rise projects to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, the new requirement guarantees that any future structure rising above 30 meters does so with these regulations and standards in place,” Warrington said.

In May this year, EHS had issued new regulations on fire safety for under-construction buildings, with compliance required by mid-June. The fire safety circular called for the installation of wet riser system during construction, and the commissioning of a fire-fighting shaft.

The contractors were also required to ensure that adequate arrangements were in place to trigger fire alarms, and efficient evacuation of workers was ensured in case of a fire.

Likewise, beginning July 15, a number of poorly performing contractors have been identified and issued stop-work orders, in addition to heavy financial penalties for non-compliance.

“The stop-work order will always be considered as the last resort for main contractors who have blatantly disregarded the requirements of the fire safety circular. EHS will use its enforcement powers to financially penalise those that delay or prolong compliance. This approach ensures that we get the compliance with international standards without bringing work on high-rise buildings under Dubai World to a standstill,” Warrington mentioned.

EHS has granted a grace period of one month to allow defaulting contractors to introduce the safety measures before initiating enforcement action.

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