HSE
KG pupil left behind in school van dies
KG pupil left behind in school van dies
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 26, 2008, 00:36
Abu Dhabi: A four-year-old pupil died after he was allegedly left locked in his kindergarten van on Thursday.
Aathish, a KG grade 1 pupil of Merry Land kindergarten on Muroor Road in Abu Dhabi, boarded the van on Thursday morning and a phone call from the school at 12.50pm said he had met with an accident, his father told Gulf News.
“When my wife, father and friends reached Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, the doctors said the child was dead,” said Shebin Sreedher who works at Jebel Ali in Dubai and hails from the southern Indian state of Kerala.
“He was my only son,” he said. Dhanya, the boy’s mother, works for Etihad Airways.
“A hospital report said the cause of the death was unknown, but we came to know from officials that he suffocated,” said Shebin.
“We came to know that he did not alight from the van at the kindergarten. He was put in the van at 7.35 am by my father. It is suspected that no staff checked whether the boy alighted from the bus and reached the class.
“The driver and attendant might have taken the bus to the parking space and found the boy inside the bus in the afternoon,” said Shebin.
He said police officials told him the matter is under investigation. Police were not available for comment.
A spokesman for the school said that the child had taken ill and was absent from classes for three days.
He said that they were not aware the child had boarded the bus that morning.
The driver himself rushed the child to hospital after he found him in the vehicle, the spokesman said.
The school is cooperating in the police investigations.
New medical form for accident victims
New medical form for accident victims
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: April 20, 2008, 00:34
Dubai: New medical check-up forms for accident victims were approved in a meeting for the Traffic Department heads in Dubai’s police department and the Dubai Health Authority.
The new forms used for those injured in car accidents will categorise their degrees of injury.
The meeting, which was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Al Qadir Al Banay, head of the Rashiddiya police station, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Al Fishti, head of the Al Qusais police station, Younis Khadum, director of Medical Affairs at the Health Authority, and other senior officials from both departments, discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all those entailed in car accidents.
The meeting also decided that the official language used in the approved medical forms has to be Arabic.
A coordinator from the Traffic Department was chosen for the exchange of medical reports, to ease cooperation between police and the health authority, to activate institutional partnership as indicated in the strategic plan of the Police Department.
Police campaign highlights dangers of leaving vehicles on
Police campaign highlights dangers of leaving vehicles on
By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: April 14, 2008, 00:28
Dubai: If you leave your car engine on and run to the grocery store even for a few minutes, police will fine you Dh300, a senior official warned on Sunday.
Police issued 1,960 fines to motorists who left their vehicle with their engines on in 2007. The fine was increased from Dh100 to Dh300 under the revised Federal traffic law.
Dubai Police are organising a five-day campaign, which started on Sunday, to spread awareness among motorists on the dangers of leaving their vehicles with the engine on.
The campaign also aims to reduce the problem of leaving car engines on in the coming three months by 30 per cent.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Ganem, Director of Naif Police Station, said some motorists leave the engines of their vehicles on with the car keys inside to get something from a grocery store or a pharmacy. He said this endangers motorists and encourages thieves.
“According to statistics, 66 vehicles with engines on were stolen in 2006, while the number dropped to 26 vehicles in 2007 because of the awareness of some motorists and the efforts of police,” Lt Col Ganem said.
He said according to the ministerial decision number 127 for 2008, motorists who leave the engines of their vehicles on, must be given an on-the-spot or absentia fine of Dh300.
The campaign aims to spread awareness among motorists regarding parking vehicles in appropriate places and making sure they carry their car keys after locking the door, not leaving children alone in the car and not leaving valuables in the car.
He said in the case of an emergency or the dire need to leave the car engine on such as, having sleeping children inside, there must be an adult in the car and he or she must have a suitable communication method to reach the motorist in case of any emergency.
He said in such cases, motorists should also make sure the gear and brakes are placed in a safe mode.
All gas cylinders to have improved safety valves
All gas cylinders to have improved safety valves
By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 08, 2008, 23:39
Dubai: All domestic gas users will have new cylinder valves with improved safety features, a senior official announced on Tuesday.
The changeover will be executed with immediate effect in Dubai by Emirates Gas in partnership with Emarat. The valves and regulators are available from all authorised LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinder distributors for a one-off payment of Dh40.
The move comes following a decision by the undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior in conjunction with Dubai Civil Defence. Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director of Dubai Civil Defence and head of the committee that put in place a structure to enforce the decision, stressed the importance of all bottling and distribution companies’ commitment to the clauses under the Ministry’s decision.
Colonel Ahmad Al Sayegh, Deputy Director of Dubai Civil Defence, said faulty gas cylinder valves were time bombs and there had been many fires at houses, labour accommodation and Portakabins and this had led to a study on the reasons behind the fires.
“Experts said gas leaks or errors in the valves were the main reasons behind those fires,” he said.
The civil defence will implement the mechanism to ensure the use of the new attachments and initiate an awareness programme for residents. It will also perform checks on restaurants and other public places to ensure the new regulators and valves are being used.
Ali Mustafa, General Manager, Emirates Gas, said considering Dubai alone has 300,000 to 400,00 domestic gas cylinders in use, the environmental and safety advantages of the new valves will be tremendous.
Several advanced safety features
Dubai: The new valve has several advanced safety features and is being introduced after extensive research and trials.
It has a short one-piece body with high impact strength. It also has a protective gasket preventing the entry of dust and water and a self-closing valve preventing accidental leaks.
The regulator is equipped with an automatic cut-off mechanism to stop the flow of gas in case of a leak or cut in the rubber hose. The cylinder valve will close in case of a fire. The current cylinders when empty will be exchanged for a cylinder with a new valve by the distributor. Cylinders with this new valve can be operated only by a regulator supplied by Emirates Gas or Emarat. It is estimated that about 1,000 cylinders with new valves will be changed per day.
– Staff Report
Timeline: Blast history
March 29, 2008: Gas cylinder blast injures three workers in Ras Al Khaimah.
February 20, 2008: Seven hurt in villa gas cylinder explosion in Deira, Dubai.
May 19, 2005: Ten hurt and 22 shops and 70 vehicles damaged after a gas pipe leak caused a massive explosion in a restaurant on Al Wahda Street, Sharjah.
February 28, 2005: Massive gas cylinder blast wrecks Sharjah cafeteria.
December 19, 2004: Three injured in cylinder blast in the Al Wathba district, Abu Dhabi.
December 7, 2003: Gas cylinder blast destroys restaurant and shop in Ras Al Khaimah.
September 30, 2001: Gas cylinder explodes in apartment in Al Rifaa, Dubai.
Texting while driving is risky, say UAE residents
Texting while driving is risky, say UAE residents
Staff Reporters, Mariam M. Al Serkal, Dina El Shammaa, Fuad Ali GULF NEWS Published: April 06, 2008, 00:31
Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Fujairah: Free dinners, free concert tickets, or free health spas – what kinds of competitions distract you from driving?
The majority of motorists have dedicated themselves to listening to their favourite radio station while commuting, and cannot help but hear the alluring offers that demand them to send a text message via their cell phones.
Can motorists continue to focus their senses completely on the task of driving despite the airwaves alluring them into attractive promotions?
City Talk took to the streets and asked residents whether they have ever sent text messages to radio competitions while driving, if they think it is a hazard to do so, and should sending text messages while driving become an offence?
Investigator Barbara Radwan-Wiehe, from the United States, said: “I am technologically inept so texting through my cell phone is something I rarely do, I am old school. However I definitely think using your phone while driving affects your concentration span and ability to watch the road. I try not to use my phone while driving because even if you are careful, other drivers next to you may not be.
“There should be strict regulations to prohibit cell [phone] usage during driving.”
Hadeel Mohammad, a 23-year-old student from Iraq, said: “Even though I don’t participate in radio competitions I usually send text messages while driving because once I receive a message I don’t want to keep the other person waiting. I’ve never been involved in an accident while sending text messages, but I know that it’s dangerous to do so.
“I think a rule should be implemented so that motorists will be fined when caught using their mobile phone.”
Ali Khalil Qasim, 26, Egyptian airline staff, said: “I have noticed there are often listeners of radio shows who send text messages and call the shows while they are on the road and I often ask myself how safe is that?
“A lot of concentration is required on the road and it is highly irresponsible to engage in texting while driving. “Sometimes if the car is stuck in traffic and you’re stationary then maybe it is safe to use the phone, but still, it will take your mind off the road and other drivers around you.”
Ebrahim Mohammad Quwayes, 26, car rental agent from Egypt, said: “I have never considered texting while driving because I know how dangerous it is. It’s hard enough to drive and talk on the phone because your concentration on the road is compromised, but texting actually takes your eyes off the road, which is seriously dangerous to all road users.
“I think it’s highly irresponsible for radio presenters to invite and read out comments from drivers without pointing out basic safety reminders as a reminder to all road users.”
Fadi Ganem, a manager from Lebanon, 32, said: “I used to send text messages and [narrowly] escaped many accidents. That’s why I have stopped. Now when I see others driving and playing with their [cell phones] I get really mad because they do silly mistakes on the road.
“There used to be a strong campaign against motorists using their [cell phones] but now it’s not as important anymore, and police are not doing anything. The campaign against mobile phones should be re-introduced.”
Eyad Nasim, a Jordanian manager, 40, said: “It is inconsiderate to send text messages while driving, but when you’re stuck in traffic for 45 minutes to an hour then you can afford to do it.
“I don’t reply to competitions, and the only time I send messages is when they are work related or if someone wants to know where I am.
“I don’t think there should be a heavy fine against motorists using their cell phones, but it should be implemented on an accelerating basis. So every time you get caught, you will have to pay a higher fine.”
Hamdan Mohammad Al Mulla, an Emirati executive manager, 22, said: “I think radio stations should take some responsibilities in this matter.
“After all, it is they who encourage listeners to call or text them. Using the phone in any capacity while driving is very dangerous for both the driver and other motorists, and young drivers in particular need reminding of that.
“Radio stations should always remind listeners on the road not to communicate with them while they are driving.
“With every invite to participate in a programme, a warning about safe road practice should be made out advising drivers to pull-over if they want to take part.”
Abdul Kader, 45, an Indian supervisor in an automobile workshop, said: “I have never used my phone while driving, it’s very dangerous.
“How can you possibly concentrate while using your cell phone or sending a text message?
“I believe people should be advised on an individual basis. I personally advise people not to use their phones at all while driving. It’s just too risky and keeps you unfocused on the road.”
Electrical engineer Enas Khalid, Egypt, 33, said: “I am all about safety while driving. I have two children, a one-year-old and the other is four, and I make sure they sit in the back seat of the car every time.
“It is impossible to use a [cell phone] or text while driving. I believe day dreaming in general while driving is dangerous and think strict laws to prohibit cell phones while driving in general should be implemented.”
New Abu Dhabi food safety rule to be announced
New Abu Dhabi food safety rule to be announced
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 01, 2008, 17:21
Abu Dhabi: A new food law with stricter provisions for food safety in the emirate will be officially announced on Thursday, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) told Gulf News.
The new law, which gives more powers to ADFCA, will be announced at a function at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry at 10am on Thursday, said a senior official.
The new law will define the rights and responsibilities of all stake holders in the food sector, which will be explained at the function after its official announcement, said Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, Manager of Communication and Information Department at ADFCA.
All gas cylinders in Dubai to have improved safety valves
All gas cylinders in Dubai to have improved safety valves By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 08, 2008, 23:39
Dubai: All domestic gas users will have new cylinder valves with improved safety features, a senior official announced on Tuesday.
The changeover will be executed with immediate effect in Dubai by Emirates Gas in partnership with Emarat. The valves and regulators are available from all authorised LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinder distributors for a one-off payment of Dh40.
The move comes following a decision by the undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior in conjunction with Dubai Civil Defence. Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director of Dubai Civil Defence and head of the committee that put in place a structure to enforce the decision, stressed the importance of all bottling and distribution companies’ commitment to the clauses under the Ministry’s decision.
Colonel Ahmad Al Sayegh, Deputy Director of Dubai Civil Defence, said faulty gas cylinder valves were time bombs and there had been many fires at houses, labour accommodation and Portakabins and this had led to a study on the reasons behind the fires.
“Experts said gas leaks or errors in the valves were the main reasons behind those fires,” he said.
The civil defence will implement the mechanism to ensure the use of the new attachments and initiate an awareness programme for residents. It will also perform checks on restaurants and other public places to ensure the new regulators and valves are being used.
Ali Mustafa, General Manager, Emirates Gas, said considering Dubai alone has 300,000 to 400,00 domestic gas cylinders in use, the environmental and safety advantages of the new valves will be tremendous.
Several advanced safety features
Dubai: The new valve has several advanced safety features and is being introduced after extensive research and trials.
It has a short one-piece body with high impact strength. It also has a protective gasket preventing the entry of dust and water and a self-closing valve preventing accidental leaks.
The regulator is equipped with an automatic cut-off mechanism to stop the flow of gas in case of a leak or cut in the rubber hose. The cylinder valve will close in case of a fire. The current cylinders when empty will be exchanged for a cylinder with a new valve by the distributor. Cylinders with this new valve can be operated only by a regulator supplied by Emirates Gas or Emarat. It is estimated that about 1,000 cylinders with new valves will be changed per day.
– Staff Report
Timeline: Blast history
March 29, 2008: Gas cylinder blast injures three workers in Ras Al Khaimah.
February 20, 2008: Seven hurt in villa gas cylinder explosion in Deira, Dubai.
May 19, 2005: Ten hurt and 22 shops and 70 vehicles damaged after a gas pipe leak caused a massive explosion in a restaurant on Al Wahda Street, Sharjah.
February 28, 2005: Massive gas cylinder blast wrecks Sharjah cafeteria.
December 19, 2004: Three injured in cylinder blast in the Al Wathba district, Abu Dhabi.
December 7, 2003: Gas cylinder blast destroys restaurant and shop in Ras Al Khaimah.
September 30, 2001: Gas cylinder explodes in apartment in Al Rifaa, Dubai.
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