The Gas Safety Committee in Abu Dhabi has instructed 12 food establishments in the emirate to take the necessary steps to improve their gas systems. This action follows recent inspections carried out by the committee.
The inspection campaigns involved on-site visits to assess the safety of gas systems within these establishments. The results were shared with the respective food establishment owners, who were given a specified timeframe to make the necessary improvements. Failure to comply will result in established penalties, as well as the Department of Economic Development temporarily shutting down the facility until all essential improvements are implemented.
Bader Al Shehhi, the official spokesperson for the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and a member of the Gas Safety Committee, underscored the importance of the initiative. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the safety and security of central liquefied petroleum gas systems in Abu Dhabi's buildings, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the emirate's infrastructure. It also promotes collaboration among relevant entities to achieve shared objectives.
Al Shehhi commented, "At ADAFSA, we are proud to collaborate with our public and private sector partners on this initiative, which prioritizes the safety of institutions and the broader community. We stress the significance of inter-governmental collaboration in evaluating and boosting safety standards, ensuring they align with the minimum safety requirements set by the Civil Defense for Abu Dhabi's residential and commercial properties." Al Shehhi further noted that ADAFSA is devoted to adopting the highest local and international safety and health standards in food establishments. This commitment not only ensures worker safety but also fosters a secure work environment. To uphold Abu Dhabi's esteemed reputation, the Authority routinely assesses food safety protocols and monitors adherence to essential safety standards.
The directives also emphasized the importance of safely storing gas cylinders away from potential fire hazards. They pointed out the need to avoid using these cylinders when central gas systems are installed in buildings, and to ensure that the number of stored cylinders does not exceed the limit set by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, which is based on the establishment's size and classification. Additionally, the Authority underscored the crucial aspect of correctly positioning gas sensors at the designated height. This installation should be carried out by specialized companies approved by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority. Establishments are further encouraged to guarantee the proper setup of the gas system and its equipment, and to maintain a contract for regular upkeep with approved companies.
It's worth noting that the Gas Systems Safety Committee's inspection campaign, which commenced in July 2023, encompasses residential and commercial buildings as well as food facilities. Over the span of the scheduled six months, there's a plan to inspect 2,800 establishments. The primary goal of this campaign is to evaluate the standards, procedures, and safety levels of gas supply activities. Additionally, it aims to review measures set in place to prevent gas-related accidents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.