UAE nuclear regulator signs worker safety MoU with Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Centre

ABU DHABI, 1st October, 2015 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates’ Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR, and the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Centre, OSHAD, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on ensuring worker safety and protecting workers' health in the UAE. The Memorandum was signed in Abu Dhabi by FANR Director-General, Christer Viktorsson, and OSHAD Director-General, Dr. Jaber Al Jaberi. The Memorandum aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the two agencies, to oversee safety aspects of FANR-regulated activities and facilities, including the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. In particular, the Memorandum calls for two parties to notify each other of any incident that could involve nuclear or radiological safety as well as occupational safety. The Memorandum ensures that the two agencies share information about such incidents, conduct joint investigations as appropriate, and coordinate any reporting obligations to international organisations. "The safety of the UAE’s workforce is one of FANR’s high priorities, so we’re pleased to partner with OSHAD to ensure our best joint efforts," said Viktorsson. "FANR is eager to work with all relevant agencies to maximise safety as the nation’s first nuclear power reactor nears completion and UAE expands its industrial use of other nuclear- and radiation-based technologies." Commenting on this MoU, Dr. Jaber Al Jaberi said, "This Memorandum aims to enhance the collaboration efforts between OSHAD and FANR through implementing a comprehensive assessment of incidents related to workplaces and appropriate corrective and preventive actions in all nuclear facilities and non-nuclear facilities to ensure the provision of safe and healthy workplaces. We look forward to working closely with FANR to ensure the best practices are being executed." According to the UAE’s 2009 Nuclear Law, all users of radioactive sources in the nation must be licensed by FANR. To date, FANR has issued about 1,200 licences and verifies compliance with its regulations by conducting hundreds of inspections each year. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395286159935.html