Workplace Health & Safety
UAE Fire Safety Guide: Workplace Fire Prevention & Emergency Response 2025
Complete guide to workplace fire safety in UAE. Civil Defense requirements, fire risk assessment, prevention measures, detection systems, firefighting equipment, evacuation procedures, and fire drills.
Published: January 23, 2026
12 min read read
7 topics covered
Quick Summary: Complete guide to workplace fire safety in UAE. Civil Defense requirements, fire risk assessment, prevention measures, detection systems, firefighting equipment, evacuation procedures, and fire drills.
Fire safety is a critical employer obligation in UAE, regulated by Civil Defense and governed by the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code. Employers must implement comprehensive fire prevention measures, maintain detection and suppression systems, establish evacuation procedures, conduct regular fire drills, and train fire wardens. This guide covers all aspects of workplace fire safety compliance.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulator | UAE Civil Defense |
| Legal Basis | UAE Fire & Life Safety Code |
| Employer Duty | Prevention, evacuation plans |
| Key Requirements | Detection, suppression, evacuation |
| Penalties | Fines, closure for non-compliance |
Fire Safety Framework
Legal requirements and regulatory oversight.
Legal Requirements
UAE Fire & Life Safety Code governs building fire safety. Civil Defense regulations cover fire prevention and response. Municipality requirements apply to building permits and inspections. Labor Law mandates safe workplace. Insurance requirements include fire coverage.
Civil Defense Requirements
Fire detection with smoke and heat detectors. Fire suppression including sprinklers and extinguishers. Emergency exits that are clear, marked, and accessible. Documented and posted evacuation plan. Regular practice fire drills. Trained fire warden personnel. Regular maintenance and inspection of systems.
Required Documentation
Fire safety certificate: Current and valid. Equipment service records: Annual maintenance documented. Fire drill records: Regular drills conducted. Training records: Staff training documented. Risk assessment: Current assessment on file.
| Regulation | Coverage |
|---|---|
| UAE Fire & Life Safety Code | Building fire safety |
| Civil Defense regulations | Fire prevention, response |
| Municipality requirements | Building permits, inspections |
| Labor Law | Safe workplace |
| Insurance requirements | Fire coverage |
Fire Risk Assessment
Identifying and managing fire hazards.
Fire Hazard Identification
Ignition sources: Electrical, heating, smoking, hot work. Fuel sources: Paper, chemicals, gases, textiles. Oxygen sources: Air, oxidizers. High-risk areas: Kitchens, storage, electrical rooms. Vulnerable persons: Visitors, disabled persons.
Assessment Components
Premises details: Building type, floors, occupancy. Hazard identification: Ignition sources, fuel sources by location. People at risk: Employees, visitors, contractors, persons with special needs. Existing precautions: Detection, firefighting, escape routes, management. Risk evaluation: Likelihood and severity by area.
Risk Evaluation
For each area assess hazard, likelihood (Low/Medium/High), and severity (Low/Medium/High). Determine overall risk level. Prioritize actions based on risk. Document findings and decisions. Review annually or after changes.
Fire Prevention
Measures to prevent fires from starting.
Electrical Safety
Regular inspection of electrical systems. No overloading of sockets. Equipment switched off when not in use. Electrical panels accessible. Portable appliance testing (PAT) current. No damaged cables or plugs.
Housekeeping
Combustibles minimized and properly stored. Waste removed regularly. Storage areas kept tidy. No materials near heat sources. No blocked access routes.
Smoking Policy
No smoking signs displayed throughout building. Smoking only in designated areas. Proper disposal of smoking materials. Clear enforcement of policy.
Flammable Materials
Stored in appropriate containers. Proper ventilation in storage areas. Away from ignition sources. MSDS available for all chemicals. Quantities minimized to what is needed.
Hot Work
Hot work permit system for welding, cutting. Area cleared of combustibles. Fire watch during and after work. Equipment checked before use. Fire extinguisher readily available.
Detection & Equipment
Fire detection systems and firefighting equipment.
Detection Systems
Smoke detectors: General areas. Heat detectors: Kitchens, dusty areas. Flame detectors: High-risk areas. Manual call points: Throughout building. Fire alarm panel: Central monitoring.
Alarm System Requirements
Coverage: All areas covered. Audibility: Heard throughout building. Visual alarms: For noisy areas and hearing impaired. Testing: Weekly or monthly. Maintenance: Annual service contract. Monitoring: 24/7 if required.
Fire Extinguisher Types
Class A (ordinary materials like paper, wood): Water, foam, or dry powder. Class B (flammable liquids): Foam, CO2, or dry powder. Class C (electrical): CO2 or dry powder. Class D (metals): Special powder. Class F (cooking oil): Wet chemical.
Extinguisher Placement
Maximum travel distance: 25 meters. Clearly visible locations. Unobstructed access. Handle 1.2 meters from floor. Identified with signs. Appropriate type for hazards in area.
Equipment Maintenance
Fire extinguishers: Check accessibility, pressure gauge, service date. Fire alarm: Weekly test of call points. Emergency lighting: Monthly test, annual discharge test. Fire doors: Regular check of closing, self-closing, seals. Emergency exits: Confirm clear, signs visible, lights working.
| Fire Class | Fire Type | Extinguisher |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ordinary (paper, wood) | Water, foam, dry powder |
| B | Flammable liquids | Foam, CO2, dry powder |
| C | Electrical | CO2, dry powder |
| D | Metals | Special powder |
| F | Cooking oil | Wet chemical |
Emergency Evacuation
Evacuation plans and procedures.
Evacuation Plan Elements
Evacuation routes: At least two from each area. Assembly point: Safe location away from building. Evacuation procedure: Written and posted. Roles: Fire wardens assigned to areas. Special needs: Plans for disabled persons and visitors.
On Discovering Fire
Raise the alarm using manual call point. If safe, attempt to fight small fires. Evacuate the area. Do not use elevators. Close doors behind you. Proceed to assembly point.
On Hearing Alarm
Stop work immediately. Leave building by nearest exit. Do not collect belongings. Do not use elevators. Follow fire warden instructions. Proceed to assembly point. Do not re-enter until authorized.
Fire Warden Duties
Put on fire warden vest. Check assigned area. Direct people to exits. Assist anyone needing help. Check rooms and toilets. Close doors and windows. Report to assembly point. Account for personnel. Report to Emergency Controller.
Persons Requiring Assistance
Identify persons with special needs in advance. Assign buddies for assistance. Plan alternative evacuation routes. Communicate with emergency services. Practice evacuation with those needing assistance.
Fire Drills
Conducting and evaluating fire drills.
Drill Requirements
Frequency: At least twice per year. Timing: Vary days and times. Scenarios: Different situations each drill. Evaluation: Record results and improve. All shifts: Cover all working hours.
Drill Evaluation
Record alarm activation time. Record building clear time. Calculate total evacuation time. Count number at assembly point. Note anyone unaccounted. Observe positive aspects. Identify areas for improvement.
Fire Warden Performance
Area clear confirmation. Head count completed. Response time appropriate. Communication clear. Assistance provided where needed. Rate performance and provide feedback.
Post-Drill Actions
Conduct debrief meeting. Document observations. Create action plan for improvements. Communicate learnings to staff. Update procedures if needed. Schedule next drill.
| Drill Aspect | Standard |
|---|---|
| Frequency | At least twice per year |
| Timing | Vary days and times |
| Scenarios | Different situations |
| Evaluation | Record and improve |
| Coverage | All shifts and hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Manage Fire Safety with NeuralHR
NeuralHR supports comprehensive fire safety management with compliance tracking for fire safety requirements, training management for fire warden certification, document storage for certificates and records, drill scheduling with reminder system, and digital inspection checklists.
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NeuralHR Team
VerifiedUAE HR Compliance Experts
Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.
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