Many govt buildings lack fire safety measures

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior have accused government institutions and ministries of failing and lagging in the application of articles of the Civil Defense system, especially fire safety measures, in government facilities and institutions.

Sources told a local publication that the Ministry of Interior has lately "found that some ministries and government bodies did not establish fire safety and prevention departments."
The ministry pointed out that even departments that were established for this specific purpose did not "activate their roles as required."
The ministry stressed the importance of establishing and activating these departments, and to immediately promote and raise the level of safety inside facilities affiliated with each ministry, and to check the structures of buildings and materials used in the finishing processes for fire prevention.
Buildings should be divided into sections so as to confine any possible fire and smoke to the smallest area of the building and prevent fire and smoke from spreading to higher floors.
It also stressed the use of fire-resistant decor and false ceilings to prevent the spread of fire.
The ministry emphasized checking the readiness of emergency exits and to make sure that escape paths are free of any obstacles, and on the availability of all prevention and protection measures, and appliances inside all buildings.
In its directions, the Ministry of Interior also emphasized the importance of following up on projects under construction to make sure that safety and protection requirements are available and that they meet safety requirements.
The ministry's directives stressed the fact that a building's capacity should in no circumstances be exceeded to avoid confusion and crowding during any evacuation operation.
They also insisted on regular inspection of facilities.
Besides, the Civil Defense should come out with annual reports that certify the readiness and provision of safety and protection requirements, and to develop evacuation plans and training programs in this regard.