- Sharjah’s civil defence authority is stepping up safety checks across the emirate’s industrial zones
- It will include teams carrying out daily and unannounced inspections to reduce fire risks
- The campaign is part of the authority’s wider plan to maintain constant oversight of industrial and commercial sites
Sharjah’s civil defence authority is stepping up safety checks across the emirate’s industrial zones, with teams carrying out daily and unannounced inspections to reduce fire risks and protect workers, facilities, and nearby communities.
Inspectors are visiting auto spare parts warehouses, maintenance workshops, and sites storing flammable materials. They are checking that businesses meet approved fire‑prevention standards, that alarm and firefighting systems are fully operational, and that hazardous materials are stored safely. Electrical systems are also being reviewed to ensure they meet safety requirements.
The campaign is part of the authority’s wider plan to maintain constant oversight of industrial and commercial sites. Alongside on‑site checks, teams are running awareness sessions to help workers and facility managers understand their responsibilities and the importance of following safety rules.
Through these tours, the authority aims to strengthen the idea of shared responsibility between government bodies, business owners, and employees. It hopes that better awareness of occupational safety will lead to safer behaviour and fewer risks.
Brigadier Yousef Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, director general of the Sharjah civil defence authority, said the increased field visits reflect the leadership’s focus on protecting people above all else.
He explained to Gulf News that the authority follows a strategic plan designed to ensure fast response times and strong operational performance when dealing with different types of emergencies.
Brigadier Al Shamsi said: “Through these campaigns, we aim to build a sustainable safety culture within work environments and emphasise that prevention is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation from all stakeholders. Inspection is not merely about identifying violations; rather, it is a proactive step that contributes to correcting unsafe behaviours and strengthening best safety practices at worksites.”
He noted that inspectors use advanced regulatory tools and smart technologies to assess a facility’s readiness quickly and accurately. This helps teams identify where improvements are needed and direct resources to the sites that require the most support.
Data gathered during inspections is reviewed regularly to shape future training and awareness programmes. According to the authority, this helps create a long‑term safety culture that can anticipate risks before they develop.
Brigadier Al Shamsi also urged owners of industrial and commercial facilities to cooperate fully with inspection teams and to view safety compliance as part of their duty to the wider community.
The authority continues to build partnerships with key economic sectors across Sharjah. Findings from field visits are used to design development programmes that improve workforce skills and prepare employees to respond effectively in emergencies.
Training courses and awareness workshops are held for workers, technicians, and supervisors, reinforcing the need to follow safety standards and encouraging a culture of prevention across the industrial sector. These efforts, the authority says, are aligned with international best practice in civil defence and life safety.
