Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority emphasized the importance of caution and vigilance by government authorities and private establishments during the low-pressure weather period, to ensure the safety and security of workers in construction sites. The Authority highlighted the importance of identifying all confined spaces, providing necessary safety signs to warn workers and others,
The Authority emphasized, through its publications, the importance of preparedness for emergencies by providing necessary information and guidelines for workers, supervising their work, and training them as part of the implementation of emergency procedures. It also confirmed the need to provide sufficient resources to prepare, implement, update the emergency plan, and provide all the required equipment and workers to support the developed plan.
The Authority also emphasized the need to establish appropriate emergency plans for the workplace, ensuring that emergency procedures effectively address any potential emergencies that may occur within the facilities during the working hours. Additionally, the Authority shall ensure the implementation of evacuation procedures for all work sites, reviewing the steps periodically, and updating them on any changes in the operations at the work locations.
The Authority confirmed to the entities the importance to identify all confined spaces and provide the necessary safety signs to warn workers and others. Access to these spaces is strictly prohibited except by establishing a secure and appropriate work system. Additionally, a specialized person should be responsible for identifying work activities that require entry into confined spaces and assessing them properly. Confined spaces are areas where entry and exit are limited or restricted, and they are not designed for continuous occupancy. These spaces can also be closed in nature and may pose a risk of death or serious injury due to hazardous materials or conditions. Some confined spaces, such as containers with limited openings, are easily recognizable.
The Authority added: "This includes, but is not limited to, storage tanks, silos, reaction vessels, closed vessels, and sewage systems. There may also be other less obvious confined spaces that can be equally hazardous, including, but not limited to: Open-top tanks, combustion chambers in furnaces, air ducts, and poorly ventilated rooms." The Sharjah Occupational Health and Safety Authority emphasized that it is important to note that a comprehensive list of confined spaces cannot be provided, as some areas may become confined when work is carried out or during their construction, manufacturing, or subsequent modifications.
The Occupational Health and Safety Authority emphasized that the purpose of creating such guides and lists is to develop professional practice guides to support government authorities and private establishments by providing information that helps comply with the requirements of Sharjah Safety and Occupational Health System. The information provided in the guide published by the Authority represents the minimum acceptable requirements to be followed. Government authorities and private establishments may apply higher requirements than those mentioned, but it is not acceptable to apply practices lower than those outlined.
The authority is also making concerted efforts to ensure the safety of workers and projects at construction sites.
Sheikh Saif bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, stated: "The Authority emphasizes that all workers on construction sites are required to comply with the guidelines and instructions to ensure public safety and maintain a safe work progress".
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