The Ministry of Interior updates the list of responsibilities for the fire safety and prevention officer

In a move aimed at strengthening public safety and improving performance in national facilities, the Ministry of Interior , represented by the General Directorate of Civil Defense , announced a comprehensive update to the regulations governing the responsibilities of industrial safety and security personnel. The updated regulations, now titled " Responsibilities of the Safety, Prevention, and Fire Protection Officer ," have been adopted and published in the official Umm Al-Qura Gazette. This update applies to ministries and government agencies with public legal personality, as well as private sector institutions.

The context of modernization and its strategic importance

This update comes in response to the rapid development witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its urban, industrial, and economic sectors, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, which prioritizes the safety of lives and property and the quality of life. Industrial safety and security systems are the cornerstone of business continuity and the protection of national assets, as the precise organization of these responsibilities contributes to reducing operational risks and minimizing human and material losses that may result from accidents or disasters.

Objectives of the new regulations and areas of focus

The fundamental update to the regulations aims to achieve a qualitative leap in the level of preparedness of facilities to respond immediately and effectively to everyday incidents or emergency disasters. The regulations place a strong emphasis on ensuring the efficient operation of fire prevention and protection systems, and verifying their maintenance and readiness around the clock. The regulations also seek to:

• Organizing the initial response: Establishing clear mechanisms for initial incident response within the facility before the arrival of specialized teams.
• Evacuation Plan Management: Identifying the means and procedures necessary to carry out safe and rapid evacuations when needed.
• Defining qualifications: Clarifying the experiences and scientific and professional qualifications required for safety job occupants, which contributes to "professionalizing" the sector and raising the efficiency of its workers.

Financial planning and spending efficiency

One of the most significant additions in the new regulations is the focus on the economic aspects of safety management. The regulations stipulate enhancing the effectiveness of financial planning and the efficiency of spending on safety projects. This clause reflects a shift in management thinking, where safety is no longer considered a routine procedure but an investment requiring meticulous financial planning to ensure the provision of necessary resources with maximum efficiency and at the lowest cost. This prevents financial waste and guarantees the sustainability of safety systems.

Enhancing self-monitoring and compliance

The updated regulations aim to enhance self-regulation within the government and private entities covered by them. Instead of relying solely on external inspections, the regulations place the responsibility on the "Safety and Prevention Officer" within the facility to ensure continuous compliance with safety, prevention, and fire protection requirements, which will positively impact the overall work environment.

In closing, the General Directorate of Civil Defense called on all concerned parties, specialists, and those wishing to view the full details of the regulations and their provisions to visit its official website ( https://998.gov.sa/ ), stressing the importance of adhering to what is stated therein to ensure everyone’s safety.