Another tower detailed, escalator safety addressed.

Company Wins Construction Contract for Tower

A construction contract has been awarded for a high-rise residential building in Dubai’s Business Bay central business district, Global Construction Review (GCR) reports. Gulf Technical Construction Co. (GTCC), a subsidiary of Drake & Scull International PJSC, was chosen to provide construction services for the 34-story West Bay tower, a residential building that will feature 252 apartments. GTCC will undertake construction; civil engineering; and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) work on the tower under terms of the AED175-million (US$47.6-million) contract, which calls for completion of the work within 33 months, GCR reported in August. Business Bay is a 5.9-million-m2 area being developed as a commercial, residential and business cluster in the heart of Dubai. GTCC is involved in several other projects in Dubai, including The Pointe, a new retail and entertainment complex at the Palm Jumeirah, the Maliha Hospital and the Al Reef Residences Tower.

Escalator Safety Efforts Intensified

The Gulf Today reported the Dubai government has called on owners of buildings, shopping centers and markets to secure their escalators by installing “protection” as part of efforts to reduce accidents resulting from children attempting to hang or climb over them and getting their clothes stuck. The Khaleej Times described the protection as “a cover to protect the upper conveyor belt, and provide the required protection near the beginning part of the conveyor belt to reduce accidents.”

The Dubai Health and Safety Department also held a workshop to discuss the conditions, specifications and safety requirements of escalators in public places. Redha Salman, director of the department, said all elevators, escalators, moving walks and conveyor belts must have a certificate of examination and be in compliance with the safety requirements from a company recognized by the Accreditation and Compliance Centre, subject to a periodic renewal. The additional protection is based on Dubai Public Health and Community Safety Local Order No. 11 of 2003.