The new version of the Qatar Construction Specifications will have more sections on occupational health and safety requirements for sites
A revised version of the Qatar Construction Specifications (QCS) is expected to be published before the end of the year, a senior official has disclosed.
Mohamed Ahmed al-Humaidi, a safety engineer with RasGas and the vice chair of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Qatar chapter, told Gulf Times that changes to the manual were being finalised by the ministries concerned.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the meeting of the IOSH Qatar chapter held recently at Texas A& M University in Qatar.
Al-Humaidi explained that there were 28 sections in the manual and 28 chapters on health and safety. "Many more specifications are being added to the construction manual," he said.
"There will be more details in the 'Risk Assessment' as well as the 'Construction Design Management'. The revised version is likely to be published before the end of the year."
Al-Humaidi stated that there would be many more provisions incorporated to the manual. "An additional chapter will give instructions about various requirements at labour camp accommodations. There will also be specifications about 'Work Zone Traffic Management Guide' that are related with road safety."
The 'Construction Design Management' will help reduce the risk and hazard of site workers within the initial stage itself. Similarly, the labour camp accommodation requirements will ensure good environment for workers.
The official said that there were a number of guidelines already in existence to ensure the safety of the construction site workers.
"As per the law, if an accident takes place at a work site, the contractor should submit the primary report within 24 hours to the concerned officials of the Labour Ministry. Similarly, the final report must be submitted within 10 days of the accident."
The Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) officials of the main contractor, in consultation with the construction team, are expected to provide the final report.
Recalling that the government introduced Qatar Construction Specifications in 2000, al-Humaidi said the 2013 version of the manual would have more sections on occupational health and safety requirements for construction sites.
"It highlights how to perform the work safely. All company and contractors have to apply and comply the QCS in all their projects and activities. The government consultant will prepare a monthly report about all activities on site and the activities of the contractors during such period."
The website of the National Human Rights Committee has a booklet in a PDF format that gives all information for workers coming to Qatar.
"It gives a comprehensive information for migrant workers about Qatar as well as their rights and obligations. Authorities concerned in different countries must advise the workers to go through the booklet before coming to Qatar. This will help them come prepared as well as to avoid many of the avoidable disputes," al-Humaidi added.
© Gulf Times 2013
