Date/Time
Date(s) - 08 February 2015
12:00 am
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EQUATE Petrochemical Company, Kuwait’s first international petrochemical joint-venture, Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Leader Mohammad Al-Shamary said the company continuously implements the highest standards of EH&S throughout all petrochemical plants being operated by it.
Al-Shamary announced EQUATE’s partnership with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) & Subsidiaries in sponsoring the Kuwait International Health, Safety & Environment (KIHSE 2015) Conference & Exhibition during 16-18 February, entitled “We can make a difference to our world,” under the patronage of Minister of Oil and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Dr. Ali Saleh Al-Omair. EQUATE will participate in KIHSE 2015 through its President & CEO Mohammad Husain as a speaker during the opening ceremony, Vice President Operations Robert as a panelist, as well as a number of EQUATE employees as presenters.
Al-Shamary, who is also a member of KIHSE’s steering committee, noted that EQUATE ensures close coordination with relevant governmental, civic and private organizations in EH&S fields through exchanging expertise, mutual training courses, routine meeting and forming joint teams to apply its tagline of “Partners in Success.”
Al-Shamary added that EQUATE annually holds and organizes various training courses for its employees, contractors and plant visitors; adding that such courses include over 50 different programs with direct relevance to overall awareness, basic knowledge and specialized practices in the fields of EH&S.
Al-Shamary said, “EQUATE implements and adheres to all guidelines, standards and regulations relevant to petrochemical plants as set by the Environment Public Authority (EPA) and Public Authority for Industry (PAI) in Kuwait, as well as what is endorsed by international bodies, such as Responsible Care (RC), American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and others. In all sectors, EQUATE ensures applying all international standards in accordance with the systems endorsed by our shareholders to sustain the company’s international status in every field.”
Al-Shamary stressed, “EQUATE believes that realizing EH&S objectives should be based on clear and tangible foundations in terms of integration with the company’s strategy as part of its systems and plans, which is embodied by qualified employees who recognize the value of such standards and how to apply them realistically to guarantee the best results. Achieving safe work hours, preventing incidents and performing all tasks smoothly are some of the results. In addition, sustainable development, within a framework of innovation and growth, is necessary. EQUATE implements all practices and standards with utmost strictness in alignment with serious efforts to reward positive results and achievements, while rectifying any shortcomings, as well as continuously developing the skills and competencies of individuals handling those fields. In addition, all levels of leadership at EQUATE always ensure being role models and exemplifying EH&S principles.”
Al-Shamary explained, “EQUATE EH&S Department handles supervising, executing, organizing and implementing several measures relevant to the health of employees and their safety; drafting guidelines and procedures; periodical medical exams for employees; issuing permits and IDs. Other matters include developing professional methods; keeping track of latest best practices; monitoring all emissions; coordinating with company departments and relevant government authorities; as well as the security of all employees and contractors at all EQUATE facilities.”
Al-Shamary said, “Throughout the years, EQUATE has introduced several initiatives relating to EH&S, especially for our employees and contractors. In addition, the company has launched a number of campaigns, which targeted the company’s workforce and their families. For example, EQUATE organized Safety at Every Home Campaign (Safe) in partnership with the Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) to create awareness on how to handle fires, emergencies within and outside the household, the importance of having a fire extinguisher, the role of smoke alarms, as well as safely using gas cylinders and other critical matters.”
Al-Shamary noted, “Recently, for its global achievements, EQUATE received the President’s Award from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), as well as BGreen’s Lifetime Achievement Award for sustainability related achievements.”
Al-Shamary added, “EQUATE launched the Middle East’s First Plant Water Recycle Project and Kuwait’s First CO2 Recovery Project. In addition, it established Kuwait’s First Seawater Cooling Towers and Kuwait’s First Industrial Fugitive Emissions Reduction Project. Along those lines, EQUATE has executed a number of schemes to decrease energy consumption, such as fuel, water and electricity, as well as a number of alternative energy initiatives such as solar power.”
Al-Shamary concluded, “EQUATE enjoys strong ties with EPA and PAI in Kuwait, as well as RC and ASSE globally. Also, there are other entities, such as Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) with their expertise and proficiency in various fields.”
Established in 1995, EQUATE Petrochemical Company is an international joint venture between Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), Boubyan Petrochemical Company (BPC) and Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company (QPIC). Commencing production in 1997, EQUATE is the single operator of a fully integrated world-scale manufacturing facility producing over 5 million tons annually of high-quality petrochemical products which are marketed throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. www.equate.com.