Abu Dhabi workshop trains industrial workers in safer hazardous materials handling

The Abu Dhabi Centre for Hazardous Materials Management, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, hosted a specialized workshop focusing on the safe handling of hazardous materials at an industrial site. The workshop aimed to bolster employee readiness and bolster prevention and response strategies related to hazardous materials.

As part of the Centre's commitments, it sought to boost Abu Dhabi's hazardous materials management system and strengthen the skills of personnel in related facilities and sectors, while also raising awareness to reduce potential risks and support business continuity.

The workshop featured the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, emphasizing the significance of collaboration among key entities in the emirate. They contributed their expertise in prevention and emergency response, sharing insights into response fundamentals, personal protective equipment, and the use of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).

Topics discussed included the basics of hazardous materials management and handling, UN classification of dangerous goods into nine classes, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), hazard symbols, labels, and how to interpret their meanings. Reviewing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) was also covered, providing participants with a technical reference for understanding material characteristics, hazards, appropriate handling and storage practices, emergency preparedness, and safe transportation.

Furthermore, risk-control measures, protective equipment selection, and the importance of avoiding incompatible material storage were emphasized, as certain chemical reactions can lead to fires, toxic gas releases, heat and pressure generation, ignition, or container damage.

The workshop also addressed initial response measures for hazardous materials incidents, equipping employees with the skills to act swiftly during early stages and minimize potential impacts on people, property, and the environment until specialized teams arrive. By integrating the Centre's regulatory, coordination, and awareness-building functions with the Authority's field expertise, the event aimed to improve the efficiency of prevention, preparedness, and emergency response systems, promote shared responsibility for hazardous material management, and safeguard Abu Dhabi's community, property, and environment.