University of Sulaimani Hosts Training Course on Chemical Safety in Academic Laboratories

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16-12-2024

 

Under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Zana Mahmood, Vice President of the University of Sulaimani for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies, a three-day training course titled “Foundations of Enhancement: Enhancing Awareness of Chemical Safety in Academic Institutions” was conducted for two groups of university lecturers. The course was organized by a five-member committee and was made possible through a grant awarded to the University of Sulaimani by the American International Organization (CRDF) to support chemical safety training in Iraqi academic institutions.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Diyari Ibrahim Tawfiq, Director of the Grant, explained that the training aimed to establish skilled teams in public and private universities with a comprehensive understanding of chemical safety and security. The program focused on promoting best practices in handling chemicals, assessing risks, and implementing measures to prevent the misuse of chemicals in laboratories and warehouses. The ultimate objective was to ensure the safety and security of academic personnel, staff, students, and the broader community, while fostering a healthy and secure academic environment.
In the first phase, the course provided training to 25 lecturers from the University of Sulaimani, primarily those responsible for managing scientific laboratories and chemical storage facilities. Over three days, participants engaged in practical activities, including laboratory risk assessments and the organization of chemical warehouses. The training also laid the foundation for establishing mechanisms to manage chemicals and chemical waste, enabling participants to form and lead trained teams within their respective colleges to sustain chemical safety practices.
Dr. Diyari underscored the University of Sulaimani’s role as a leading institution in the region, highlighting its extensive experience in managing chemical laboratories and warehouses. The university has long adhered to stringent safety and health guidelines and has actively collaborated with governmental and non-governmental organizations to share its expertise in this field. Through its Safety Training Center, which operates under the Research and Development Center, the university has extended its initiatives to private universities and institutes, furthering the objectives of the grant program.
The second phase of the course involved 24 lecturers from universities and institutes, including Qaiwan, Komar, Cihan, Tishk, Bright, National, Azmar, and Kurdistan Technical. The participants included department heads, health and safety directors, and laboratory officials. In addition to the theoretical training, they participated in practical sessions that focused on risk assessments of laboratories and warehouses and on implementing chemical safety standards within their institutions.
The training program concluded with the evaluation of participants, who were subsequently awarded certificates of participation.
The course was delivered by a team of experts, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Diyari Ibrahim Tawfiq, Director of the Grant and Head of the Safety Training Department; Eng. Shawan Kamal Muhammad, an international trainer specializing in workplace safety; Asst. Prof. Dr. Nyan Nariman Muhammad, Head of the Chemistry Department; Dr. Rebaz Faeq Hama Raouf, Lecturer in the Chemistry Department; and Ms. Hanar Qader Hassan, also a Lecturer in the Chemistry Department.
This initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing chemical safety practices in academic institutions across Iraq, demonstrating the University of Sulaimani’s commitment to fostering safer educational environments.

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