An Assessment Study of Compliance of Fuel Stations in Al-Dhaher Directorate (Ibb, Yemen) With Site and Safety Standards Under the Yemeni Building Code

Abstract

This study aims to assess the compliance of nine fuel stations in Al-Dhaher Directorate, Ibb Governorate, with the standards stipulated in the Yemeni Building Code and its implementing regulations. A descriptive-analytical approach was used, employing a comprehensive field survey of the nine stations, an evaluation from comprising 20 sub-criteria, distributed across four main axes, was used, resulting in a total of 180 assessments, the results revealed in compliance with the planning, design, and safety standards, with the overall compliance rate not exceeding 52.2%. A clear disparity in compliance levels was observed among the stations: five stations recorded a compliance rate of 55%, three stations 50%, and one station 45%. This indicates shared challenges facing these stations due to weak and inconsistent application of the standards. Furthermore, the results showed non-compliance in seven out of the nine design standards across all stations, in addition to deficiencies in three safety and service standards, resulting from institutional shortcomings and economic pressures. This indicates a systemic gap in the application of standards that calls review of the standards or the licensing and implementation mechanisms. A severe lack of preventive measures and early warning standards was also noted; therefore, these stations represent a major risk to public safety.