UAE Fire Safety and Life Protection Code undergoes major changes

ABU DHABI // The UAE’s Fire Safety and Life Protection has undergone major changes to accommodate evolving economic and urban developments in the UAE, said Major General Jasim Al Marzouqi, Commander General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Interior.

Maj Gen Al Marzouqi, while informing Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, about the updated code at a meeting, said these changes had been incorporated as per international best standards and practices as well as the response of civil defence to accidents.

“The new cost-effective code, an update of the 2011 version, keeps abreast of the latest urban developments, locally and globally, and facilitates easy access to safety requirements through consultants,” he added.

According to Maj Gen Al Marzouqi, the code was developed with public and private stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of safety and prevention from fires.

He explained that the 1,384 page code - in Arabic and English - features 20 chapters, 784 illustrations and 256 tables.

Major General Rashid Al Matroushi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defence, said the code contains six main pillars: economic impact, global competitiveness, innovation and development, corporate partnership, shaping the future and local and global best practices, reported Wam, the state news agency.

Regarding the new requirements, the code will cover storage of flammable liquids and use of renewable energy, he added.

“The updated chapters include those related to fire doors; cladding in buildings; access for Civil Defence trucks to reduce incident response times; and educating consultants, contractors and end-users on the latest modifications,” he said.

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