Sharjah launches fire safety campaign for industrial areas

Dubai: The Sharjah City Municipality and Sharjah Civil Defence Authority on Wednesday announced to launch an important safety initiative in a unified effort to enhance fire safety standards across industrial areas

Titled “Industrial Facility Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility,” the campaign seeks to boost awareness among industrial facility owners regarding fire prevention and safety measures, with support from the Sharjah Economic Development Department.

Key objectives

The key objective of this initiative is to ensure strict adherence to fire safety guidelines across industrial zones. The campaign focuses on several critical safety aspects, including proper storage practices, maintaining adequate building setbacks, and ensuring clear, accessible escape routes. Facility owners are reminded that all industrial activities must be licensed and approved by relevant authorities, including fire safety departments.

A cornerstone of the campaign is the emphasis on the regular inspection and upkeep of fire detection and suppression systems. This includes identifying potential internal hazards, establishing clear emergency procedures, and ensuring fire detection systems are linked to Civil Defense operation centres. The initiative calls for the elimination of unsafe practices that could contribute to fire risks.

Common violations

The campaign also addresses common violations observed in industrial facilities. These include unauthorised construction or expansions, the operation of unlicensed high-risk activities, and the use of outdated or ineffective fire safety equipment. Improper or excessive storage of materials and inadequate worker accommodations that fail to meet fire safety standards are also major points of concern.

As part of the roll-out, the campaign is being implemented across all industrial areas, including the Al Saja’a Industrial Area. A critical aspect of the initiative focuses on specific guidelines for buildings lacking integrated fire suppression systems.

These regulations include limitations on storage heights, which must not exceed 3 meters, and require storage to be kept at least one meter below sprinkler systems. Additionally, storage racks must be positioned with a one-meter clearance from structural components, walls, and other racks. Mezzanine floors are restricted to 50% of the ground floor area.

Flammable materials

For facilities dealing with hazardous or flammable materials, the campaign urges the separation of incompatible substances and their storage in fire-resistant areas. Furthermore, the campaign calls for routine maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems by certified technicians, avoiding electrical overloads, and regular cleaning to remove combustible materials.

A crucial part of the initiative is ensuring that escape routes remain unobstructed at all times. The minimum width for these routes is set at 1.2 meters, with at least two clearly marked exits equipped with emergency lighting. Evacuation plans must be prominently displayed throughout the facility.

In addition to promoting these safety measures, the campaign highlights the need for annual servicing and maintenance of fire alarm and detection systems. Facility owners are encouraged to obtain a Fire Prevention Compliance Certificate via the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority’s digital platform, ensuring they meet all required safety standards.