DOHA: Some 4,000 construction workers of the world's largest primary aluminum plant located in Mesaieed are undergoing a safety training by the globally recognized IGTC-Chubb Fire Qatar to prevent accidents while massive works are undergoing at the large plant site.
The workers are undergoing training this month until next month since construction is already 36 percent completed at the estimated $1bn Qatalum Power Plant which is a joint venture by Qatar Petroleum and the Norwegian-based aluminum company Hydro.
They will be trained in techniques and equipment that will allow them to work safely at heights. Qatalum plant which will have a capacity in the first phase of 585,000 tons of primary aluminum is set to be completed in 2010. Jan Arild Berget, Qatalum HSE Manager, said the company decided to conduct the training since the on-site workers are faced with the hazards of any busy construction site, particularly while working at heights.
"We want to make sure that we provide them with the best possible training,' said Berget. 'Therefore we will ensure that the Qatalum workforce obtain additional working knowledge of the dangers of working at height and are familiarized with the use and application of harnesses and fall protection systems."
Berget said IGTC -- Chubb Fire Qatar is one of the global leaders in fire protection, safety and security solutions, and it was only natural that the company brings in the experts to conduct additional training for the site workers.
IGTC -- Chubb Fire Qatar has struck an alliance with the Australia based M&O Global Group of companies, which is recognized as the world leader in safety and emergency response training for the global resources industry and has trained over 150,000 individuals to date.
Rami Al Batrawi, IGTC-Chubb Fire Qatar general manager, said the training exercises will stress on day to day security and safety while working at heights, and is therefore critical. "What the workers learn in these training sessions will enhance the safety not only of the plant as a whole, but of each employee working on the construction site of the plant."
A highly qualified team of trainers from IGTC - Chubb Fire Qatar and M&O Global will conduct the training program. Instructors will be well-versed in safety procedures and incident handling and will be able to provide accurate information and advice.
© The Peninsula 2008
