Doha, Qatar, 2 October 2011 - Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) was today officially recognised for meeting the highest international standards in occupational health & safety and environmental management systems.

The two accredited certificates were awarded to Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, Vice President for Capital Projects and Facilities Management at QF, by Majdi El Nawawy, the CEO of Bureau Veritas Certification-Qatar, a world leader in conformity assessment and certification services, and Maher Cheikrouhou, the Manager of Systems Certification Services.

Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi is responsible for the planning, design and construction of all QF buildings and supporting infrastructure, as well as safety and security.

"QF is committed to maintaining a culture of excellence when it comes to reducing hazards and protecting the environment," said Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, Vice President for Capital Projects and Facilities Management at QF. "We are taking a holistic approach that includes a link to legal compliance. The impact of this certification will be felt throughout the organization and will help us to create a more competitive and healthy work environment."

The ceremony took place inside Qatar Science & Technology Park within QF and was attended by other QF representatives.

Following the creation of the Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) Directorate in 2009, QF has established systems to control and improve its health, safety and environment policies, in compliance with international standards.

QF adopted the Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Standard (OHSAS 18001: 2007) in order to implement a formal procedure to reduce the risks associated with health and safety in its work environment for employees and the general public. The newly revised international standard satisfies the legal and system requirements relating to Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems.

The not-for-profit organization that employs around 1,700 members of staff,  also adheres to guidelines set out in the Environmental Management Systems Standard (EMS/ISO 14001:2004), bringing QF in line with other international organizations.

-Ends-

The following key areas are addressed by Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Standard (OHSAS 18001: 2007):

  • Planning for Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control

  • OHSAS management programme

  • Structure and responsibility

  • Training, awareness and competence

  • Consultation and communication

  • Operational control

  • Emergency preparedness and response

  • Performance measuring, monitoring and improvement

The Environmental Management Systems Standard (EMS/ISO 14001:2004) provides a framework for a holistic, strategic approach to an organization's environmental policy, plans and actions.

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world.  Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: education, science and research, and community development.  QF's education pillar brings world-class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy.  Meanwhile, its science and research pillar builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences.  Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while also enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar's heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

www.qf.org.qa

For more information please contact:
Sufia Lodhi
Press Office
Qatar Foundation - Communication directorate
Tel: +974 44541018
E-mail: slodhi@qf.org.qa

Anwar El-Shamy
Press Office Coordinator
Communication Directorate
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 5590 4407
E-mail: aelshamy@qf.org.qa

© Press Release 2011