Abu Dhabi Unveils New Guidelines for Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials

The Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre has rolled out 11 essential guidelines focused on the secure handling of hazardous materials, developed in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.

This initiative is pivotal in reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to safety, environmental integrity, and aligning its regulatory framework with international best practices.

The guidelines are crafted to enhance the preparedness of personnel in relevant sectors, facilitating the safe management of hazardous materials throughout all stages of the supply chain—from storage and transportation to disposal. This framework is intended to minimize mishaps, boost operational efficiencies, and mitigate environmental hazards.

His Excellency Khalfan Abdullah Khalfan Al Mansoori, Acting Director General of the Centre, noted that these guidelines are aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), Revision 11, making Abu Dhabi the first region to implement this updated version, bolstering its global standing in safety protocols.

He further indicated that the establishment of clear technical standards aids in creating a transparent governance environment, which not only boosts investor assurance but also propels the growth of the private sector. The Centre is dedicated to continually evolving its systems to match global advancements and foster innovation.

His Excellency Eng Fahad Ghareeb Al Shamsi, Acting Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, referred to the initiative as a crucial step towards developing a holistic safety and quality framework. He emphasized that aligning local regulations with international standards promotes compliance and streamlines coordination among various entities for improved system efficiency.

These guidelines establish a thorough regulatory framework that translates laws into actionable procedures, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities while implementing monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance across sectors managing hazardous materials.

Spanning every phase—including import, export, storage, manufacturing, packaging, trading, recycling, and final disposal—the guidelines tackle aspects such as classification, labeling, and safety data stipulations.

This proactive stance underscores Abu Dhabi’s dedication to safety and environmental sustainability and solidifies its position as a global leader in regulatory excellence and environmental stewardship.