AD-HMMT celebrates fifth anniversary

ABU DHABI: In line with Abu Dhabi government’s efforts to impose strict control on hazardous materials and provide the highest degree of protection for the society and environment, Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Team (AD-HMMT) has successfully implemented its strategy and executive plan, to help manage hazardous resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The strategy and executive plan approved by the Security, Justice and Safety Commitee of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, was successfully implemented through-out a five-year period.

AD-HMMT, which includes 28 entities representing multiple government authorities and federal agencies, has implemented all projects and programmes of the executive plan of the total of 48 since it was formed in 2015.

Since the formation of the team, which is led by Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), 78 working group meetings have been held, in addition to more than 50 meetings of the formed technical working groups. In addition, 7 decisions were issued by the Security, Justice and Safety Commitee, and 23 reports were submited to the Security, Justice and Safety Commitee.

The team’s main role is to identify and manage hazardous materials in the Emirate. It keeps detailed records of all dealings with such materials and coordinates with other authorities to drat relevant legislations.

Other responsibilities include developing the Emirate’s governance system and assessing risks related to retail outlets which handle hazardous materials.

The main outcome of this work will be the safe management of potentially harmful substances such as pesticides, flammable liquids, and radioactive material.

The team’s work is vital in preventing environmental pollution or incidents which can have serious consequences to local residents and property.

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and Head of the AD-HMMT, said: “The management of hazardous materials is one of the most critical priorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This comes in accordance with the requirements of federal and local laws related to security, safety and the environment, as well as the directions of the Abu Dhabi government to impose control on hazardous materials to protect society, and the environment from the dangers that these materials cause.”

According to Dr Al Dhaheri, the team’s work involves going through the inventory and control of hazardous materials, as well as managing an inventory of all handlers. It ensures adherence to rules around security, and environmental and safety requirements that must be taken when practicing any activity related to the circulation of the materials.