Regulatory Alerts2023-07-10
Emphasis on Implementing the Civil Defense Law and Saudi Building Code Requirements for Fire Protection Procedures
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) mandates all supervised financial institutions to review and strictly apply the Civil Defense Law and Saudi Building Code, prioritizing fire protection procedures. Institutions must engage accredited engineering offices for building inspections, maintain active safety specialist roles and equipment registers, and implement emergency response plans under dedicated security departments. Compliance requires obtaining the electronic Civil Defense license and submitting a completion certificate with an action plan to SAMA’s designated channel.
Translated Document
In Reference to the Civil Defense Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/10) dated 10/05/1406H , as amended by Royal Decree No. (M/63) dated 13/09/1436H , and regulations issued in implementation thereof, concerning the necessary procedures and measures to provide the requirements and conditions for fire prevention and protection in all buildings and establishments. Additionally, reference to the law on implementation of the Saudi Building Code, issued by Royal Decree No. (M/43) dated 26/04/1438H , as amended by Royal Decree No. (M/15) dated 19/01/1441H , and the regulations issued in implementation thereof, as well as the Security and Safety Guide in the Financial Sector issued by SAMA.
In order to achieve the highest safety standards in buildings and establishments, SAMA emphasizes to all financial institutions under its supervision the importance of reviewing the Civil Defense Law and its implementing regulations, the law on implementation of the Saudi Building Code and its implementing regulations, and ensuring the application of the provisions outlined therein. This is especially concerning fire protection procedures and preventive measures. Additionally, the following actions should be taken:
Restricting financial institutions to contracting with accredited engineering consulting offices in the field of fire prevention and protection, as published on the General Directorate of Civil Defense website ( www.998.gov.sa ), to conduct inspections of buildings to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Saudi Building Code, implement safety systems in the buildings, and address any observations, if found.
Verifying the activation of the safety specialist's role within the establishment, as well as the activation of the safety register, in which all monthly inspections, periodic tests, and maintenance of safety devices and fire-fighting equipment are recorded.
Activating the emergency plans and training for the self-defense teams, and identifying potential risks, under the supervision of the Security and Safety Department in the financial institution.
Verifying the issuance of the electronic Civil Defense license.
For your information and action accordingly, and to provide SAMA with a compliance certificate and completion of work according to the requirements of the Saudi Building Code (801-SBC) and the Civil Defense license, in addition to the action plan to comply with the above, to be sent to the email ( BankingSafetySecurity@SAMA.GOV.SA ).
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