The Chemical Safety and Security in the University of Kufa: Progress and Challenges

Abstract

The importance of chemical safety and security program in academic institutions has been recognized for many years. However, educational institutions in Iraq have been slower to adopt such this program. In the University of Kufa, as well as other Iraqi Universities, there are some regulations, laws, and standards of chemical safety and security exist. Also, an administrative system to fulfillment the requirements of chemical safety and security in this institution are still lacking. Years ago, the concerns of chemical safety and security from junior leadership, researchers, academic staff and postgraduate students are not a high priority. Nowadays, there are three challenges that facing the University of Kufa, as well as the local community, chemical waste, chemicals theft and terrorism. These three risks make the safety and security the main concern. The support and the expertise provided by the CSP define organization and PNNL define laboratories in this field to this University have helped to achieve a significant progress in a very short time. The university has been able to establish an effective administrative structure which is managed by trainees staff and also writing a good strategy plan for chemical safety and security.