Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/794736
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 5 MARCH 2017 Property & Construction III This page is sponsored by: About the Skill Card Training The basic health and safety training consists of the following top- ics and is mandatory for anyone applying for the Skill Card; 1. Why OHS? 2. Legal obligations and also legislation in particular damage to third parties regulations 3. Developing a safe work culture – OHS Management sys- tems 4. Principals of risk assessment 5. General hazards (non-exhaustive) 6. Most common occupational hazards / risks 7. Health and hygiene 8. Working in Confined spaces, explosive atmospheres 9. Working in a traffic environment 10. Lone Workers 11. Assessment Visitors, Developers and property agents require the mandatory basic health and safety training in order to obtain the Skill Card which is a White Card, whilst professionals need a further ac- creditation from a recognised institution by NCFHE or trade test certification issued by ETC. Schedule dates for training MDA Academy following recognition by BICC to provide the necessary training has already shortlisted a number of qualified Occupation Health and Safety practitioners and already started delivering this programme. Schedule for classes of up to 25 participants may be delivered in- house or at MDA's members various training facilities. • Full days - from 09.00 till 17.00 - 1 session • Half days - 2 sessions in the mornings from 09.00 till 13.00 or in the afternoons from 13.00 till 17.00 • Part time – 4 sessions in the evenings - from 17.30 till 19.30 The assessment consists of risks / hazards identification, pinpointing the corrective measures and understanding safety information, such as correct use of personal protective equipment / clothing as well as signage. A Handbook is provided to all participants during training where one can take notes and keep records for future reference during his day to day jobs. Certificates are issued by BICC for every participant either as "successful" or "attendance" classification. Accreditation MDA Academy is working hand in hand with BICC so that in the near future it may also provide accredited training recognised by the National Commission for Further Higher Education (NCHFE) for construction operators such as fork lift operators, lifting tech- niques (cranes), operating plant and heavy moveable machinery, scaffolds, health and safety representatives in construction sites, welders, fire technicians and many more. How can one apply? One may apply for training by sending an e-mail to training@mda. com.mt or call MDA Academy coordinator Mr. Mario Camilleri on 99454586 for further assistance. on the various trades; and Michael Ferry from the BRO, the entity that will enforce the Skill Cards legislation. Andrew Debattista of the National Commis- sion for Higher and Further Education, the entity responsible for drawing up the competence skills for every trade at the various levels, also attended the launch. At the start of the meeting, Nadette Azzopardi, who worked on and co-ordinated the project, made a presen- tation on the aims and the way the Skill Cards scheme will work, pointing out that applications can be collected from Local Councils. Who is entitled for the Skill Card? There is a huge need for those connected to the construction and civil engineering industry to obtain a Skill Card – with over 30,000 people needing to obtain their Skill Card by 2020. The Skill Card for the Construction and Civil Engineering Industry will be avail- able for more than 110 trades. Professionals, including architects and engineers, skilled tradesman; labourers and plant / machinery operators involved in construc- tion projects are required to be in possession of a Skill Card. This applies also to one-time developers and property agents. Cards would be made availa- ble from the Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) for various levels, including a red card for trainees and dif- ferent cards according to the level of education of employees. Foreign employees with a Skill Card from their country will have to verify the validity of their cards compared to local standards, and foreigners seeking a job in the sector without their own card will also have the option to apply for the Skill Card.