Abu Dhabi Airports has launched its ‘Beat the Heat' summer heat awareness campaign for 2015, spanning the 4 months from June to September, aimed at presenting a comprehensive set of informative guidelines and training sessions on how to safely manage the high temperatures expected during the summer.

The intensive campaign, delivered by the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies, GCAS, the training arm for Abu Dhabi Airports, includes training sessions held at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport, to train employees working outdoors on how to work safely in extreme weather conditions.

Specific materials have been developed in English, Arabic, Urdu, and Hindi, and distributed via a range of channels. This will enable supervisors and workers to understand the risks associated with heat stress, to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, and to take the necessary precautions and control measures to prevent any incidents. Heat relieving gear was also distributed to all participants.

In coordination with Environment, Health and Safety team at Abu Dhabi Airports, GCAS also delivered Train-the-Trainer sessions for potential instructors in different departments of services and contractors to further deliver teaching segments and awareness activities for other participants. The sessions also covered best practices to control heat stress during Ramadan on construction sites. Safety bulletins on mandatory health and safety requirements were issued to all project contractors.

Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented, "The multi-faceted campaign demonstrates Abu Dhabi Airports' commitment to providing a healthy and safe workplace for employees, suppliers and subcontractors. Our human capital is our greatest asset and we will continue to put their health and wellbeing first by ensuring we operate in line with optimum safety and security standards."

As part of the campaign, employees are urged to follow their training in controlling heat stress by taking more breaks in extreme heat and humidity, drinking water frequently, approximately 1 cup every 15-30 minutes to avoid dehydration, monitoring their physical condition and that of their co-workers, and wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting, breathable clothing (e.g., cotton).

The campaign was initially launched in May 2012 in line with the Abu Dhabi EHSMS regulatory framework, the ‘Working in Heat Codes of Practice' and Abu Dhabi Airports' internal policies and procedures.
Source: WAM