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The initiative will help improve offshore safety. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

OPITO, the global safety and skills organisation for the energy industry, has launched a new standard to ensure the competency of helicopter administrators

The initiative will improve safety for global offshore workers requiring helicopter transfers to offshore platforms.

The new Helicopter Administrator Workplace Competence Assessment standard complies with the best practice and requirements for helicopter administrators as detailed in Civil Aviation Authority’s Civil Aviation Publication CAP 437: Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas (CAP 437). It assesses the candidates’ knowledge and skills in providing administrative support required to safely operate the helideck and manage helicopter movements within their role in the workplace. The Assessment will be undertaken in the candidates’ workplace and consists of five units.

Stakeholder consultation

The standard was developed in conjunction with Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and in consultation with industry stakeholders, including Spirit Energy, Harbour Energy, HCA, bp, Repsol Resources UK, TAQA and TotalEnergies.

Lucie Booth, product development manager at OPITO, said, “OPITO is committed to creating workforce development solutions to build a safe and skilled energy workforce. The launch of the Helicopter Administrator Workplace Competence Assessment standard will assess helicopter administrators in their role within the workplace, to ensure they are contributing meaningfully to safe operational activity in often challenging offshore environments.”

Graham Skinner, Health and Safety manager at OEUK, said, “The UK’s offshore energy industry has used helicopters for more than 50 years – developing some of the highest safety standards in the world. The industry drives forward a programme of continuous improvement that is focused on reducing risk, and this is another step forward. We look forward to working with OPITO and our members to ensure we support the roll-out of this new standard.”

In addition to the technology displays, the event will host numerous live demonstrations. (Image source: Intersec KSA)

The 6th edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia will take place from 1-3 October 2024 at the Riyadh International Convention Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Saudi Civil Defence.

Over its previous five editions, the event has established itself as the Kingdom’s premier exhibition and conference for the security, safety, and fire protection industries.

Focused specifically on the Saudi market, Intersec Saudi Arabia addresses the needs of local government agencies and companies, while also offering significant growth opportunities. As innovation in the sector continues to tackle new threats and risks, the event serves as a key platform for professionals in fire, security, emergency response, safety, and cybersecurity.

It facilitates direct connections with international suppliers, service providers, distributors, investors, and leading brands, providing a space to discuss best practices, explore the latest technologies, and conduct business.

Key features of the event

Beyond the exhibition, the event features conferences, workshops, and a technology section that highlights how innovation is shaping the security and protection sectors. The conference includes two main summits: the Future Security & Safety Summit, which brings together leaders to discuss strategies for addressing current and emerging security threats, and the Fire Protection & Technology Summit, which focuses on the latest challenges, opportunities, and advancements in fire safety and technology.

In addition to the technology displays, the event will host numerous live demonstrations. These sessions are designed to provide attendees with hands-on experience and practical insights into the application of new technologies and best practices.

Whether it's learning about the latest fire suppression systems or exploring new security protocols, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their expertise and apply new knowledge to their respective fields. Moreover, the event will feature specialised forums and panel discussions where experts will debate the most pressing issues facing the industry today.

Topics are likely to include the integration of artificial intelligence in security systems, and the future of fire protection technologies. With the growing importance of security and safety in the region, the event is expected to attract significant attention from both local and international media, further amplifying its impact.

ICC caters to creating safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards. (Image source: Canva)

ICC caters to creating safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards

The record-breaking April showers which caught UAE unawares call for risk preparedness with sustainability and capacity-building approaches. The International Building Codes (I-Codes) set forth minimum safety requirements for construction, covering structural integrity, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design, and fire safety.

Speaking of fire safety during an ICC-hosted discussion, Lori Moore-Merrill, administrator, U.S. Fire Administration, said, “Today, fire is faster than ever before. Residential structures built with lightweight materials, furnished with synthetics, and often containing many devices powered by lithium-ion batteries provide the environment for a deadly situation should a fire occur.

"All nationally recognised modern building and fire codes require the use of life-saving technology, like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and automatic fire sprinkler systems. We can create safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, especially in underserved and vulnerable populations. Affordable and fire-safe housing should not be mutually exclusive.”

ICC-ES, the product certification arm of ICC, is advancing the development of acceptance criteria for eco-friendly cement, advancing sustainability efforts in construction.

Read the full article here.

With a growing HSE sector in the Middle East, there is a need to increase technological awareness, along with upskilling the workforce. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

With a growing HSE sector in the Middle East, there is a need to increase technological awareness, along with upskilling the workforce.

Thanks to automation and artificial intelligence becoming a mainstay in the region’s industries, the HSE sector is finding that it needs to evolve and quickly adapt to these new technologies.

Intersec

Organised by Messe Frankfurt, the event is hosted every year in both Dubai and Riyadh in the Middle East. In Dubai, the programme consisted of trends in sustainable security and combating environmental crimes. Meanwhile, the Cyber Security Conference, hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, opened with a keynote speech on elevating national security through cybersecurity intelligence. The Safety & Health Conference began with an update on the UAE Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Governance and Leadership. At the same time, the Fire & Rescue Conference hosted panel discussions on revolutionising fire prevention with data analytics & technology and advancing safety in energy storage.

In its upcoming edition in 2025, Intersec aims to host The Intersec Police Summit. This summit will feature biometric and identity solution providers such as Innovatrics, technology-based security solutions providers Sensotec, counterfeit and fraud protection provider Euro Holography, and control room and decision centre experts Gesab, alongside many other industry leaders. The Intersec Police Summit will also benefit from partnerships with the Critical Communication Agency (TCCA), the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), and ASIS.

Read the full article here

The 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) will feature a hub specialised for the latest health and safety technologies and practices. (Image source: WETEX 2014)

The 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) will feature a hub specialised for the latest health and safety technologies and practices.

The aim is to enhance awareness among institutions and individuals of all ages regarding key international health and safety standards in both home and work environments. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising WETEX from 1-3 October 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Safety procedures

The hub will feature four main sections: interactive workshops, seminars and panel discussions, a children's safety section, and a section dedicated to competitions, puzzles, games, and raffles to test knowledge, encourage innovation, and promote the effective implementation of safety procedures.

“WETEX is the largest exhibition of its kind in the region and the most prominent international exhibition specialising in water, energy, sustainability, green technologies, renewable and clean energy, green buildings, electric vehicles, smart grid, and other vital sectors. As such WETEX is committed to expanding its areas of focus and covering all main sectors that ensure a healthier and brighter future for all. Our focus on health and safety this year is in line with our efforts to make the UAE a global leader in the field of quality of life, and to advance well-being, health and quality of life. This supports the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, including Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, founder and chairman of WETEX.

Renowned local and international experts in health and safety will review guidelines and procedures for occupational safety, physical and mental health, as well as the latest trends and technologies in the field. They will emphasise precautionary measures to assess and prevent potential accidents and risks, improve preparedness for emergencies, manage stress and fatigue, and contain any resulting damage.

The aim is to strengthen resilience in addressing the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety in schools, homes, and workplaces.

Additionally, the health and safety hub will highlight success stories, strategies, and innovative initiatives that demonstrate companies' commitment to fostering a culture of health and safety. This will help ensure a healthy, safe, and supportive work environment while enhancing their reputation as socially responsible institutions dedicated to achieving a sustainable future.