Safety chiefs in Bahrain have urged the owners of residential buildings and restaurants to take safety measures seriously to avoid loss of life and property.
Complacency appears to be a curse in the community and Hidd Police Station’s head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar has revealed that more than 20 explosions had occurred over the past two years.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, he warned that people who skimp on safety procedures will likely face accountability. “If you own a building, establishment or restaurant, this matter should be extremely important to you,” said Col Dr Bahar. “You must be aware and up-to-date with all safety and security measures.
“You have to use devices and safety equipment approved by the General Directorate of Civil Defence, and not compromise on requirements, or else face the consequences if you cause a death or injury.
“Remember that buildings have collapsed due to gas leaks. Sometimes owners operate restaurants before Civil Defence can perform a thorough inspection.”
Residential building safety in Bahrain is heavily regulated by the General Directorate of Civil Defence, requiring strict adherence to fire protection and building codes.
According to the National Civil Protection Platform, key requirements include mandatory fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, smoke extraction systems, gas detectors and the use of certified fire-resistant materials.
Col Dr Bahar
Structural safety certificates are necessary for building permits and shared housing must meet strict safety standards, including inspections for fire, electrical and structural integrity.
Similar measures are required for restaurants as well, and Col Dr Bahar has recommended owners ensure every last measure is taken for their own safety and that of others.
“The equipment protects you and everyone else,” he said. “Gas detectors can help with early detection of leaks.
“You, as a businessman and a person, have a reputation in the market.
“Negligence leads to death. It is your responsibility to protect people’s lives. Do not rely on workers, follow up on everything yourself, because you will be held accountable under the law.”
Col Dr Bahar revealed that gas leaks had led to some buildings collapsing due to subsequent explosions.
The GDN reported in February last year that a gas explosion occurred in a restaurant, causing a two-storey building to crumble and the death of two victims, along with the injury of five others. The owner was charged with the wrongful death of Bangladeshi barber Shymol Chandra Shill and his Bahraini customer Ali Abdulla Al Ahmed.
Technical inquiries and reports from investigators confirmed that the explosion was a result of a gas leak which occurred when the restaurant owner did not follow the law and violated safety requirements.
The owner was originally acquitted of the crime, but it was later overturned by the High Criminal Court and he was sentenced to three years in prison last August.
nader@gdnmedia.bh