Dh50,000 fine for fire safety violation in high rises

UAE Civil Defence is taking more stringent steps and imposing fines to ensure fire safety regulations are adhered to in high rises.

Announcing this on Sunday, the UAE Civil Defence said after thorough investigations by concerned authorities throughout the country and violators will be fined Dh50,000.

One of the violations that will not be tolerated is the use of Low Density Polythene (LPDE) aluminium cladding tiles, which are not fire-resistant but are reportedly used in many high-rise buildings throughout the country.
Sharjah's Al Tayer Tower, which was struck with fire on April 28, was clad in material that was not fire-resistant and highly flammable.
Although regulations banning these materials from being used in high-rise constructions have been in place since last year, implementation and enforcement of these building codes have been poor.
“We are investigating all buildings to see if regulations are followed. If not, changes need to be made,” explains Abu Nasser, Head of Information of Civil Defense Dubai.
“However, we are a team; civil defense, contractors, owners and high-rise residents. It is not about the fine, we want to guarantee safety. We will first try to do everything to this end. Penalizing with a fine is only a last resort,” says Abu Nasser.
Asked whether it is the contractor or the landlord that will be targeted with the reinforcement of fire safety regulations, he explained this totally depends on the violation.
“We look at the contract to see who is responsible for which action. This might be the contractor, or the landlord. Both can be held responsible and bot can be fined.”
According to Abu Nasser, to emphasis is on the old buildings as new buildings are already subjected to building regulations.
“The investigation period will run until 20th of June and is run by all emirates. Then each department will take responsibility for the action that needs to be taken,” Abu Nasser says.
 

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.