Amman: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired a meeting on Tuesday after the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) announced the results of preliminary tests on gas heaters that caused deaths and suffocations.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting, attended by a number of ministers, the Public Security Director, and officials of concerned authorities, reviewed the tests. These tests revealed that all portable heating devices examined were used and had a combustion malfunction that increased carbon monoxide levels in the air. Additionally, the tests identified a flaw in the oxygen sensor of these heaters.
Furthermore, the majority of the heaters lacked essential safety systems, such as gas hoses (braided tubes) or specific regulators (clocks/meters). The report detailing these findings was forwarded to judicial authorities for potential legal action.
In response, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply issued a permanent ban on the production and sale of all "Shamousa" space heaters, which are known for their safety risks, subjecting them to legal liability. The ministry also warned against using Shamousa devices or similar heaters in enclosed spaces and mandated a ban on the production or import of all types of permitted gas heaters. A key condition for these heaters is that they must come with a specific regulator (fixed clock) and a dedicated hose, adhering to approved safety standards, with clear usage instructions and ventilation emphasized for safety.
The ministry stressed the importance of turning off gas heaters directly at the gas cylinder valve, rather than relying solely on the heater's switches, as a precaution against gas leaks and related accidents. It highlighted the critical nature of this safety measure.
The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) will implement additional safety measures for heaters, requiring clear, permanent safety and usage instructions to be displayed on both the heater body and its packaging. This step aims to prevent incidents such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities are set to intensify market inspections to ensure compliance with safety measures, penalizing violators and doubling tests on all types of stoves. Furthermore, a direct link between security agencies and the JSMO will be established to facilitate safety testing of any devices implicated in accidents, including electrical and all energy-powered devices.