In an effort to enhance safety measures for LPG gas systems in buildings throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Gas Safety Committee has introduced three crucial circulars to ensure strict compliance with safety and fire prevention regulations
This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Energy, is a collaborative endeavour involving 12 Abu Dhabi government entities.
The initial circular serves to restrict the wholesale supply and sale of LPG from sources beyond the boundaries of UAE's national petroleum companies. Meanwhile, the second circular mandates retail outlets to refrain from selling gas cylinders. The third circular urges economic entities to opt for central gas systems available within their buildings, discouraging the use of gas cylinders.
The first circular, championed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) as a member of the Gas Safety Committee, specifically addresses the prohibition of wholesale LPG supply or sales from sources external to the UAE's national petroleum companies. Economic entities operating within Abu Dhabi are expected to comply with this directive; non-compliance may lead to penalties, as stipulated in the violations schedule, encompassing financial fines and potential closures.
Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, executive director of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre, stated, “We are keen to actively participate in the initiatives of the Gas Safety Committee. With this circular, we are assuming a central role in promoting awareness and emphasising the regulations and procedures that economic facilities need to abide by. We are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and properties in Abu Dhabi and are contributing to this effort by releasing this circular. We are also taking an active part in field inspections of facilities to oversee compliance with the required controls and regulations.”
The second circular by the Gas Safety Committee is for all retail outlets, such as grocery stores and supermarkets and prohibits their sale of gas cylinders. It outlines violations and regulations in this regard, with penalties ranging from a first-time fine of AED3,000 (US$816.76) to closure of the retail outlet in case it is discovered to be selling gas cylinders.
The third circular by the Gas Safety Committee is directed at owners and managers of economic and business facilities in Abu Dhabi. It concerns maintenance contracts for central LPG systems and the facilities are directed to utilise available central gas systems in their buildings and refrain from using gas cylinders. The circular also emphasises the necessity of concluding authorised maintenance contracts for their approved gas systems and meeting the circular requirements before the end of 2023.
