Dubai Municipality will give all shopping centers and other buildings a grace period of two weeks to check and adjust their escalators’ safety to prevent accidents involving children.
The circular listed new safety measures to protect children from accidents on escalators.
Redha Salman, Director of Health and Safety Department, said a minimum of Dh1,000 fine will apply for those who do not follow.
“It (fine) could be higher if other safety aspects are not found to be compliant,” he added according to local news.
The circular also pointed out that all elevators, escalators and moving passageways must have a certificate of examination and compliance with the safety requirements of a company accredited by the Emirates International Accreditation Center, according to Gulf News.
Buildings have been ordered to secure the escalators by installing a cover to protect the upper conveyor belt and provide the required protection at the starting area of the conveyor belt, where children sometimes cling or climb onto. -KCO
