Over the last year there have been a surprising number of asphyxiation deaths in Morocco and although gas leakage was suspected it had never been tested. Now the proof is in. Research on the incidents show that a majority are caused by gas water-heaters and that inappropriate installation is the main culprit. This was confirmed today by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Salahddine Mezouar (pictured left).The Minister explained that usually the incidents take place because of a lack of suitable ventilation. He pointed out an example of a recent incident in El Jadida where the tragedy happened because of gas leaking from a water-heater, which was installedin a kitchen without a gas evacuation pipe.
According to Mezouar, about 31 water-heater types have been checked since the beginning of the year and of that number only one model has been banned from sale as it does not conform to safety standards.
Mezouar also stressed the need to increase the control of gas water-heater importation as their use has soared owing to their very low price (around USD 40). The number of families that used water-heaters, he underlined, has quadrupled during last three years.
In order to avoid similar incidents, the minister recommended against the use of water-heaters. He also called for checking the quality of attachments such as gas regulators and rubber pipes.
Tags: Morocco Fes, Maghreb news
1 comment:
Very interesting notes!
Post a Comment