Environment Agency calls for industry to set up EHS units

"The decision to go in this positive direction and get the industrial sector more involved in implementing federal and local environmental regulations came during the Agency's latest Governing Board Meeting which was headed by its Chairman HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan," said Mr. Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD.

During the Agency's most recent meeting with the industrial establishments, held May 28-29, 2006 44 representatives attended from the Emirate's various industries such as the food sector, chemical and pharmaceutical industry, basic metal industry, metal processing industry, environmental service providers and waste treatment facilities. The majority of those attending the meeting were from the metallic industries Sector, which forms the 3rd largest industrial sector after the Oil & Gas, Water & Electricity sector.

During the meetings, the Agency also called for the establishments to each set up an EHS Unit, which would help implement the system.

During the meeting, the Agency briefed the company representatives on several topics related to their industries. Topics included the requirements of ISO 140001 for Environmental Management Systems; environmental laboratories; requirements for project environmental impact assessments; environmental measures pertaining to drainage water and air emissions as well as standards for air quality and noise pollution.

Moreover, the Agency briefed the representatives on the country's federal and local environmental laws relating to waste management and radiation sources. Representatives were also briefed on EAD's permitting and inspection procedures, management of chemical and hazardous materials and its project to improve Abu Dhabi Emirate's air quality.

EAD will be organizing additional similar meetings in the future, in its efforts to help curb the environmental impact of the industrial and development sector.