SGS Provides Health and Safety Coordination for Alba Synchrotron in Barcelona, Spain

In May 2006, SGS was assigned a contract to provide Health and Safety Coordination for the Alba Synchrotron in Barcelona, the largest and most complex scientific facility ever constructed in Spain. SGS ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements, safety coordination during the construction phases, safety risk analysis and improvement in onsite productivity.

On March 22, 2010, the Alba Synchrotron light laboratory, the largest and most important scientific facility in Spain, was officially opened in the presence of the Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, José Montilla and the Minister of Science and Innovation, Cristina Garmendia. The synchrotron is an advanced particle accelerator, allowing the observation of the molecular and atomic structure of any material.

Established in Cerdanyola del Vallès, near Barcelona, the Alba Synchrotron offers cutting-edge technology for the scientific community. At an overall cost of over 200 million euros and with a floor space of around 28,000 m², the project is the first of its kind in the country.

The entire project required extensive preparation as well as a reliable third-party inspection, verification, testing and certification company, which was expected to provide Health and Safety Coordination during construction works.

Due to the extensive experience and competence on similar international projects, SGS Tecnos was assigned a contract to provide Health and Safety Coordination for the Alba Synchrotron in Spain.

In May 2006, the SGS team of experts, including aeronautical and technical engineers, began working on the Alba Synchrotron project. During the four years of construction, which is expected to be completed in September 2010, SGS has ensured compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements, safety coordination during the construction phases, safety risk analysis and improvement in onsite productivity.

The biggest challenge for SGS is the coordination of the project. Forty-five construction companies from six different countries are involved in the construction works of the Alba Synchrotron. SGS successfully coordinates 8,000 workers from twenty-two countries of origin, which results in an extremely low accident rate.

Due to SGS’s excellent work, all construction companies work in compliance with Spanish Occupational Health and Safety regulations. In addition to that, the number of accidental risks is kept at a very low level and onsite productivity has improved.

SGS Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Management

SGS Industrial Services offers Health, Safety and Environmental Management services to building commissioners, main contractors and construction companies to ensure safety coordination and protect workers onsite. SGS can coordinate all health and safety aspects of a construction project as well as draw up health and safety plans and verify any existing or proposed plans.

HSE Management provided by SGS ensures the protection of the health and safety of workers, a decrease in accident rates and improvement in onsite productivity. Furthermore, SGS offers guidance and coordination concerning Occupational Health and Safety regulations and recommendations concerning future safety maintenance.

About SGS Industrial Services

SGS Industrial Services offers a large variety of services and solutions, from exploration and appraisal to development, production and logistics. SGS ensures that the installations, material, equipment, facilities and projects meet all quality and performance requirements.

As the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, SGS is the preferred international partner for Health, Safety and Environmental Management. Our strength comes from our experienced staff who have the required knowledge in providing HSE Management for various international projects.

For further information, please contact:

Joan Manel González Palomares
Director of Safety and Health Department

SGS Tecnos,
C/ Llull, 95-97, 5th floor
08005 Barcelona

t: 93.320.36.00
f: 93.320.36.41

Email: industrial.pr@sgs.com

Web: www.sgs.com/industrial

The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With 59,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.