Abu Dhabi: Field investigations reveal irregularities, misconduct at multiple buildings and facilities – News

ADCD said the practices – discovered during a two-week unannounced visit – could affect the safety of residents, visitors

A field investigation program launched by Abu Dhabi Civil Defense in collaboration with strategic partners in the emirate has revealed a series of irregularities and misconduct in a number of buildings and institutions.

The ADCD said the practices – discovered during raids conducted by inspection teams over a two-week period – could affect the safety of residents and visitors.

The agency is calling on owners of buildings and institutions to ensure that all safety measures for buildings and facilities are met.

ADCD also urges property owners to contact their experts to secure contracts with approved companies to maintain fire protection systems to protect life and property of the people of the emirate.

Lieutenant Colonel Issa Abdullah Al Marzouqi, director of the Field Investigations Initiative, said the report of the Preliminary Investigation and Inspection Board had uncovered a series of flawed practices that required urgent steps to correct.

He pointed out that these practices included unclean grounds around the central gas tank, random modifications and installations without prior approval from the civil defense department, and random construction of rooms and kitchens on the roofs of some buildings.

He noted that the investigation highlighted the dangers of indiscriminate storage in the generator room, pump room and corridors of several buildings, including storing materials that would obstruct escape routes.

Al Marzouqi said the visits concluded that there were no maintenance contracts for fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in some buildings and facilities.

He also explained that bakeries and restaurants do not have a license to use diesel tanks and do not have prior approval from Abu Dhabi Civil Defense.

Other cases are the lack of fire safety protection measures such as the installation of fire alarms, and the lack of emergency exits and clear evacuation emergency signs in buildings.