The UAE has launched a large-scale programme to train building watchmen on safety measures and turn them into active rescuers in a drive to reverse an upward trend in accidents that have claimed scores of lives over the past few years.

The Civil Defence said it had started training of watchmen in some areas in Abu Dhabi and would extend the programme to other areas and all emirates in the UAE.

To their surprise, Civil Defence personnel visiting buildings to educate their guards found that most watchmen do not know emergency telephone numbers nor do they adhere to security measures or have any idea on how to use safety systems.

The campaign followed a surge in building accidents in Abu Dhabi and other emirates, involving fires, broken lifts, water leakage and sudden blackouts.

"This training plan has already covered many buildings and will be extended to all emirates. It is part of the Civil Defence's strategy to qualify watchmen and get them involved in Civil Defence work to minimise accidents," said Major General Mohammed bin Kardous Al Amiri, Director General of the Civil Defence.

He said training involves proper use of fire hoses and extinguishers inside buildings, control of alarm systems, dealing with panicking residents and contacting the Civil Defence, police and other competent authorities.

More than 100 building accidents have occurred in the UAE this year and residents blamed lack of maintenance by building owners, negligence and incompetence of many watchmen, violation of safety rules in buildings and other factors.

"In some buildings, we also found that watchmen have turned emergency exits into stores while other exits were found locked," an inspector said.

"This is extremely dangerous because it increases risks of deaths in case of fire."

Kardous said they had served all watchmen with fresh warnings against stacking or blocking emergency exits, adding the Civil Defence and police will conduct regular raids on buildings to ensure they comply with safety rules.

"With this training programme, watchmen will be able to use all safety systems properly, help residents in emergency and contact us as soon as possible in case of an accident. We want to make sure they can handle an emergency until we arrive.

"This drive is extremely important as it will curb accidents and minimise casualties. It will continue round the year and will cover all buildings in the UAE."

Civil Defence officials said they have also printed stickers bearing emergency telephone numbers and other useful information to be stuck on elevators for building residents.

"The stickers include the emergency numbers of the Civil Defence (997), police (999) and ambulance (998)," said Lieutenant Jamal Al Juaidi, Director of the Civil Defence's Public Relations and Moral Guidance.

"We want to educate residents on safety and preventive measures and we are ready to cooperate with all building owners in this field."

Emergency exit from trouble
* Watchmen are to be trained in use of fire hoses and extinguishers inside buildings, control of alarm systems, dealing with panicking residents and contacting competent authorities.

* They will be told to observe safety rules in the building, especially with regard to emergency exits.

* Civil Defence officials have printed stickers bearing emergency telephone numbers such as the Civil Defence (997), police (999) and ambulance (998), and other useful information to be stuck on elevators for building residents.

* More than 100 building accidents have occurred in the UAE this year and residents blamed lack of maintenance by building owners, negligence and incompetence of many watchmen, violation of safety rules in buildings and other factors.