Dubai sets safety standards for public water coolers and charity fridges

Dubai Municipality has outlined technical health and safety requirements governing the installation, operation and maintenance of public drinking water coolers and charity fridges across the emirate. The guidelines are designed to strengthen preventive public health measures and ensure compliance with safety standards for drinking water dispensers and charity fridges located in public spaces, including mosques, parks and residential neighbourhoods. They also aim to raise awareness among owners, operators and maintenance personnel about risks associated with electrical safety, water contamination, hygiene and the visual appearance of public facilities. Under the new requirements, public drinking water coolers must be installed on reinforced concrete bases at least 10 centimetres above ground level to protect the units and their electrical connections from standing water and rain, reducing the risk of corrosion and electrical faults.