Dubai-based Emirates National Oil Company ( ENOC ) says that people found smoking in the premises of a petrol station, risking damage to themselves and others, could face prosecution.
An incident in May at a petrol station in Al Quds Street, in which the pump was destroyed after a white SUV caught fire, has prompted ENOC to take stricter measures against customers who violate safety rules partly because there is no legal enforcement by Government authorities. While there were no injuries reported, the company obviously wants to eliminate/minimise the chances of another occurrence.
ENOC has issued safety instructions for petrol stations which include switching off the engine while refueling, keeping the hood closed, avoiding the use of mobile phones and no smoking within the premises. It is important to note that the no smoking rule applies to the convenience stores situated at all ENOC stations where drivers occasionally pop over for a smoke while leaving their cars unattended at the pump.
While such warnings have been issued previously as well, ENOC hopes that the threat of prosecution and diligent action by fuel station employees and customers who see anyone else violating the rules can help to mitigate the risk of fire.