Khaberni - Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan, held a follow-up meeting yesterday, Tuesday, to review the preliminary results of the examinations' report by the Royal Scientific Society concerning the issue of gas heaters that caused deaths and suffocation incidents.
The meeting included a number of ministers, the director of public security, and representatives from the Royal Scientific Society and relevant authorities.
The preliminary results of the examinations indicated that all heaters causing the suffocation and death incidents were used, had a malfunction in the combustion process leading to increased levels of carbon monoxide in the air, in addition to a fault in the oxygen sensor, and that most of these heaters did not use specialized gas hoses (pipes) or regulators (gauges) designated for them.
It was decided to refer the report to judicial authorities to complete legal procedures.
Consequently, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply decided to permanently ban the production, sale, and circulation of all types of gas heaters commonly known as (Shammooseh) or its equivalents, under the threat of legal responsibility.
The ministry also warned against the use of (Shammooseh) or similar used heaters by citizens in completely enclosed areas.
The ministry also decided to prohibit the production and supply of all currently permitted types of gas heaters unless equipped with a fixed regulator (gauge) and a designated hose, according to the approved specification to guarantee safety standards in them.
It also emphasized the necessity of adhering to all safety procedures related to the use of gas heaters, among the most important of which is not to use a hose (pipe) not designated for gas heaters, ensuring the use of a fixed regulator (gauge), and continuous proper ventilation when used in enclosed spaces.
It also stressed the necessity to turn off any gas heater directly from the cylinder and not from the operating switches installed on some heaters to ensure safety and security.
The ministry noted that the Standards and Metrology Organization would take additional measures to ensure safety standards, among which is the necessity to clearly and permanently display usage and general safety instructions on all types of heaters, on the body of the heater, and on the packaging box used to wrap the heater.
It confirmed that competent authorities would conduct intensive monitoring tours in the markets to ensure compliance with these procedures and take punitive actions against the violators, and that inspections on all types of heaters will be doubled
The ministry also pointed out that a direct link will be established between the competent security agencies and the Standards and Metrology Organization to provide it with any device causing accidents to conduct necessary inspections on it to ensure its safety, including electrical devices and any device operating on any energy sources.
