Smoke detectors, fire alarms mandatory for Sharjah buildings from next year

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Smoke detectors and fire alarm systems will become mandatory for all industrial, commercial and residential buildings in Sharjah from next year. Installing smoke detectors will remain optional in villas and private houses.

The owners of the buildings have already been notified about the rule and asked to carry out the installations as soon as possible.

The Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA) and Sanid have joined hands to ensure all establishments have installed smoke detectors and fire alarm systems.

Shaikh Saif Mohammed Al Qasimi, director of SPSA, said, "Checks will be carried out on all buildings that are six years old to see if they have installed fire warning devices, and check the system's maintenance."

The SPSA has opened an institute dedicated to train the company staff and stakeholders on fire prevention. The institute will charge companies a token fee of Dh250 per employee to impart such training.

Al Qasimi stressed the importance of fire prevention awareness among the various departments in the emirate.

The SPSA is working on strategies to prevent fire in homes as well as commercial and industrial premises, he pointed out. It is also coordinating with authorities concerned to discuss ways to minimise the causes of fire.

Al Qasimi said the SPSA has conducted intensified awareness programmes while providing training to housewives and domestic helpers on how to prevent fire and how to use devices to put out a blaze when it erupts. "It is in line with our strategy to curb accidents and their impact on humans and properties," he said.

He urged all the owners of villas and private houses to install smoke detectors to ensure their own safety and also follow fire safety measures, like ensuring proper electric connection and use natural gas instead of cylinders.

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