Abu Dhabi: A total of 167 inspectors for lifting equipment have recently been trained to check and enhance the safety of lifting equipment, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) announced in a statement sent today (June 1).
The programme was organised in a bid to better understand the competency of inspectors who deal with equipment used to lift loads, including cranes, fork lifts and harnesses.
It marked the second round of proficiency tests conducted for lifting gear inspectors, after the first round held in September 2014. According to the statement by the QCC, there was a 17 per cent improvement between the two rounds in inspectors’ ability to detect faults, and a 14 per cent improvement in the overall assessments that were conducted.
Ensuring the safety of lifting equipment is integral to reducing workplace related injuries resulting in deaths in the emirate, which account for about 19 per cent of all mortalities, according to the emirate’s health sector regulator, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad). Among these deaths, 11 per cent occur as a result of falls and falling objects. In 2013, this meant 66 mortalities.
The QCC is responsible for maintaining quality infrastructure in Abu Dhabi emirate, and works with various other industry regulators to enhance existing standards. It conducted the training in collaboration with the UK-based Lifting Equipment Engineers Association.
As part of the initiative, participating personnel from the 33 inspection bodies were asked to check and prepare lifting gear that is commonly used across industries, as well as deliver a written report on the process.
Abdullah Al Muaini, executive director of conformity scheme services at the QCC, said that the authority prioritises the improvement of technical personnel’s competencies in the emirate.
“Accordingly, we conduct regular proficiency testing programmes in order to solve any skills mismatch with job requirements and responsibilities,” he added.
