Dubai makes handrails mandatory for balconies and swimming pools in new buildings

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The Buildings Department of Dubai Municipality has issued new circular for all consulting and contracting companies in the emirate of Dubai making the protection rails for balconies and swimming pools mandatory in new buildings. […]

“Safety of the people is the first priority of the civic body. We don’t want to hear any more tragic stories in our city,” Marwan said.

“Hence, all consulting and contracting companies should ensure the availability of handrails for balconies and swimming pools in all new buildings with immediate effect, in line with the specifications stipulated by the civic body,” he said.

“Minimum height of the handrail should be 90 cm and should be installed in a way that kids cannot use it mistakenly. It should not allow kids to climb on or creep though it,” he explained.

“It is recommended to put a protecting fence of minimum 90 cm height around the swimming pool with a lockable door and a warning system as kids touch the door or rail when they are not allowed to use it. It is also good to have an alarm whenever the pool is not attended by the rescue staff,” he added.

Image courtesy of Jan, CC BY-SA 2.0