The Civil Defense had to deal with at least 190 fire incidents last winter, Al-Eqtisadiah business daily reported.
“All these fires were caused either by substandard heaters or incorrect use of heating devices. Cheap quality heaters are widely available in the market. However, they pose a big risk to the safety of the people as they can catch fire easily,” said Maj. Muhammad bin Saad Al-Tamimi, spokesman of the Civil Defense in Riyadh province.
Al-Tamimi said people use various types of heaters, including those powered by electricity, gas and kerosene, as well as those operated using oil, water, coal and firewood.
“There is a great fire risk when using substandard heaters that are widely available in the market at cheap rates. Consumers should be vigilant against buying such products to ensure their safety,” he said, adding that it is not the Civil Defense’s responsibility to regulate such products.
“However, we are carrying out awareness campaigns through the media about the dangers of using such products. Most accidents take place due to the faulty use of various types of heaters as well as ignoring their safety regulations. The campaign has had a positive impact in making a large number of people aware of the need to take adequate measures to protect their lives and properties by using brand models properly,” he said.
Col. Sibty bin Muhammad Al-Sibty, an official with the Riyadh Civil Defense, said the electric cables of heaters should not be of low quality.
“The cables should not be laid under carpets or furniture or in hallways, especially at night. There should be utmost care taken not to leave children alone with heaters. It is ideal to place heaters away from inflammable objects, such as beds and carpets,” he said.
Al-Sibty underlined the need for being careful when using gas heaters. “Even a nearby spark may trigger a fire and explosion. There is also the risk of a possible gas leak,” he said, urging users of such heaters to put the gas cylinder at least five meters away from the heater, ideally outside the house.
He said gas cylinders should be quickly shut down if there are any suspicious smells.
“Users of kerosene heaters should take care to read all the safety instructions. They should ensure that the caps of heaters remain locked always and they should switch them off whenever they go outside,” he said, adding that filling heaters with coal while they are burning is also dangerous.
Al-Sibty said oil heaters are the safest type of heaters as they are electric and does not burn any oil, although he did add that the electric cables used should not be substandard.
Substandard heaters may pose fire hazard, warns Civil Defense
Publication Date:
Mon, 2011-12-12 02:02
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