JAKARTA - Building material suppliers and contractors must test their products for fire safety in a new government laboratory.
Dubai Civil Defense, United Arab Emirates (UAE) said their Emirates Safety Lab would issue safety certificates to suppliers, to ensure their construction materials meet standards.
The laboratory has been testing materials and products since April. Without a safety certificate, authorities at the emirate will not issue approval for construction work.
Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Dubai's Assistant Director-General of Civil Defense for Fire and Rescue Affairs, said everything from doors, openings, power lines, paints, water sprinklers and smoke detectors must be tested before cleaning to be installed in towers, homes and warehouses.
"The goal is to use the best fire-resistant material, both door and opening. Safety certificates will help protect lives and property," he told The National News, as reported December 9.
"The suppliers can easily test their products," he continued.
The lab offers 90 different tests and issuing 600 types of certificates.
"This laboratory has received international accreditation. Products from Europe, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have been certified following testing," he said.
Al Mutawa further said the data of past fires would help laboratories to develop, ensure good quality construction products
He said the buildings under construction in Dubai must have an advanced fire system to contain the blaze, before firefighters reach the scene.
"More than 95 percent of buildings in Dubai have a smart fire alarm system. We aim to prevent fires by reducing the response time to zero. However, fire-resistant products and safety systems must be used to control fires before firefighters start working," he concluded.
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