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The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Energy and Mineral Resources Regulatory Commission, Engineer Ziad Al-Saeideh, confirmed the prohibition of installing gas 'fireplaces' without a chimney in homes.
He said during a radio interview this morning that the Commission warned of permanently banning their installation in bedrooms.
He explained that the Commission reviewed the instructions related to the installation and operation of gas-powered 'fireplaces' in light of the risks associated with gas leaks from them inside homes.
Al-Saeideh said that the gases resulting from the operation of some of these devices may accumulate inside the room, making them a dangerous means to the lives of citizens, noting that the review of the instructions came in coordination with relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense and the Scientific Society, along with other government entities.
He explained that the Commission instructed the companies licensed by it not to carry out any extensions or installations of gas-powered 'fireplaces' without the presence of a chimney, so that the gases and smoke are discharged outside the house.
He pointed out that the decision was also based on lessons learned from previous accidents, with the aim of preserving the safety of users of these devices, stressing that the Commission emphasized to the licensed companies not to be lenient in applying the instructions, considering the safety of the citizen a priority.
Al-Saeideh pointed out that the modern extensions of 'fireplaces' that operate through external gas pipes and tanks require the presence of a chimney for each device, noting that the Commission held meetings with the licensed companies and instructed them to adhere to the instructions.
He added that the extensions for these systems include sensors, valves, and specialized pipes, which are available from the companies licensed by the Commission, explaining that the Commission's teams monitor the sales and purchases of these companies to ensure compliance with the approved procedures.
He confirmed that any company that violates the instructions and does not adhere to them will be stopped from being supplied with gas, in addition to being referred to the legal authorities to take the necessary measures against it.
Al-Saeideh called on citizens who have previously installed gas 'fireplaces' to pay attention to safety requirements and review the installation, ensuring that it complies with the instructions issued by the Commission.
He confirmed the readiness of the Commission and its teams to cooperate with citizens and answer their inquiries related to this activity, and direct them to the competent authorities for the installation of these systems, through the operations rooms affiliated with the Commission.
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