Dubai Civil Defence raises awareness of safer cladding

Dubai Civil Defence raises awareness of safer cladding

Dubai Civil Defence has shared the difficulties in obtaining compliance to the country’s Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice for existing building facades.

Speaking at Intersec, Salma Humaid Saeed, head of drawing and projects at Dubai Civil Defence, noted that while under the Code of Practice – which came into effect January 2017 – aluminium composite panel cladding is prohibited, it’s not mandatory for buildings built before the new legislation was introduced.

Under the legislation new buildings are required to be fitted out with advanced non-combustible cladding that is capable of stopping the spread of flames and is more durable under the intense heat of fire.

Speaking on the issue of convincing owners of older buildings to install safer cladding, she said: “They are legally acceptable, but if there is an accident in the building or if the building owner wants to comply with the new regulations, then fire and safety companies need to help them renovate with the right kind of façade.

“It is the owner’s responsibility to decide if they are willing to change it. We will not obligate the owners of existing buildings to change the whole facade.”