The Department of Economic Development in Sharjah revealed to «Emirates Today» that it had organized 13 inspection campaigns during the past year, in coordination with the relevant authorities, with the aim of controlling violators from the packing companies and distributors of gas, pointing out that it was able to seize 1138 gas cylinders stored in illegal ways, And not in conformity with the requirements required, noting that the inspection was not limited to stores only, but also included commercial and industrial shops and housing sites.
She indicated that there are entrances to the emirate that are smuggled through and the department is aware of them, as surprise campaigns are being organized on them to control the smugglers in coordination with the Sharjah Police to limit the smuggling of illegal cylinders.
She explained that the department applies the Executive Council Resolution No. 22 of 2010 regarding the manufacture, packaging and circulation of gas cylinders in the Emirate of Sharjah, as the penalties are summarized according to the violation by alerting as a first stage in some cases and then the fine that reaches 50 thousand dirhams, and is doubled in the event of repetition, pointing out that The department may temporarily close the penalty for closing the store, and has the power to revoke the license in some cases.
She pointed out that the most important requirements that must be met in gas stores are security and safety requirements for tools, equipment, extinguishers, etc., noting that one of the most important standards and specifications for gas cylinders imposed by the department on companies is that they conform to the standards set by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, pointing out that The department is the one that contracts with the gas cylinder manufacturers, which means that the entry of cylinders to the markets is under the supervision of the department, indicating that the cylinder has a shelf life of 15 years and is prohibited from circulating in the markets after that.
Deterrent actions
The General Administration of Civil Defense in Sharjah confirmed that there is coordination between it and the concerned authorities in the emirate to seize the smuggled cylinders to Sharjah, as deterrent measures were taken against each violator, because of its danger to the lives of residents and others.
She indicated that she is working through her powers to close the facility for a period of six months, or to cancel her license permanently, in the event of a repeat of the violation, in order to preserve the safety of individuals and property.
It indicated that it conducts awareness and warning campaigns warning against the dangers of illegally transporting gas cylinders, due to the extreme danger it poses to members of society, and it causes a disaster in the event of an explosion.
She stressed the need to abide by the law and not to overtake it, and to adhere to the conditions for transporting gas cylinders, and to distribute them in accordance with the approved controls, and in a safe manner, calling on individuals not to deal with vendors and drivers in violation of the controls and requirements of transporting gas cylinders, and cylinders with low prices, to avoid exposing themselves and others to risks.