Environmental, Health, and Safety Management Section (EHSM)

The EHS Section at the Facilities Management & Planning Department is entrusted to foster a sound EHS culture and ensure a safe and healthy environment for the University of Sharjah’s community and its visitors, by developing and implementing environmental, safety, risk, and emergency management programs, promoting a risk-conscious culture among all constituents of the university, and effectively addressing the University’s liabilities and risks as to occupational health and safety.

The EHSM Section at FMPD continues to grow and evolve. In the upcoming period (2024-25), the main areas of focus will be:

• Capability and Leadership
• Culture
• Compliance
• Continual Improvement

The section supports the facilities and planning teams, leadership team, students, and staff in identifying, assessing, and effectively managing EHS risks. Additionally, the EHSM section actively contributes to highlighting EHS requirements and assessing compliance when undertaking new construction or refurbishment projects involving EHS risks. Furthermore, the EHS section collaborates with Facilities Maintenance and Planning contractors to ensure adherence to EHS requirements, conducting induction and training on EHS risks, and performing required risk assessments where applicable.

Compliance with relevant legal requirements, such as the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority regulations, and other applicable standards, is facilitated by the section through assessments, development of procedures and manuals, and training initiatives.

EHS matters are deliberated with stakeholders through EHS committees, which are presently being established.

Emergency planning and preparedness are supported by the EHS section through the identification, procurement, installation, and training on the use of emergency response equipment, as well as the coordination of Emergency Response teams across the University. In the previous year (2023/24), the EHS section spearheaded the procurement and installation of various emergency equipment, including Evacuation Diagrams, Evacuation Chairs, Emergency response team equipment, and Automatic Emergency Defibrillators. Several other pieces of equipment are slated for procurement in 2024. This ensures that emergency response teams are adequately equipped to safeguard the University Community during emergencies.

Operation and Maintenance Section

The Operation and Maintenance section (O&M), bringing together all maintenance services under one roof.Our team manages our in-house services and outsourced specialized services using a computer-aided facilities management system. The O&M section is also providing 24/7 help desk services, and all maintenance issues are reported to Helpdesk by a unique ticket request number that will be issued to the end-user.The core maintenance activities of Operation and Maintenance section are: Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC), Plumbing systems, Electrical Systems, Fire Alarm and Fire-fighting Systems, Elevators Systems, CCTV & Access Control Systems, Carpentry Services, Civil Maintenance, Soft Service such as Cleaning and Pest Treatment, Events Support, and Emergencies Support.

Projects Implementation Section

This section plays a pivotal role in the planning and implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan, overseeing key aspects of projects planning, monitoring and execution, to meet the Academic and Administration requirements, improve the university community’s experience in campus, enhance infrastructure, and optimize the functional, operational, and space efficiencies.

The team is committed to providing the University with facilities that meet the strategic and operational needs of the various university entities. In addition, each project is planned and executed with the intent to provide an environment that is functional and practical that focuses on the occupants' needs and daily activities, aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. The team also provides planning support to the University in the assessment of existing facilities and end-users’ needs, and the enhancement and development of such existing and new facilities.

The section’s primary functions include:

• Space Planning

  Space Management constitutes an essential part of the section, entailing the strategic allocation and utilization of physical spaces within the organization. This involves analyzing spatial requirements, assessing utilization patterns, and developing flexible strategies to optimize space usage, promote collaboration, and elevate productivity levels. Ranging from space planning and allocation to occupancy tracking and optimization, the team implements innovative solutions aimed at maximizing the value of the spaces and creating environments that support organizational success. The team provides planning support to the University in the development, evaluation, and justification of facility needs and projects.

• Oversight of Major Projects

  The team oversees the major and strategic projects processed by a third party whether a consultant or the Department of Public Works (DPW) to ensure its alignment with the university's needs and requirements. This oversight spans from the project's initiation to its final handover, ensuring proper and smooth execution and in adherence to the university's requirements throughout every phase of the projects.

• Major and Minor Space Upgrades & Renovations

  The team is responsible for overseeing renovation and re-planning projects aimed at revitalizing existing infrastructure, optimizing space utilization. Whether it involves refurbishing office spaces, upgrading facilities, or reconfiguring layouts to accommodate evolving needs, this section ensures that renovation projects are executed seamlessly from inception to completion. Prioritizing effective communication with stakeholders, meticulous planning, and diligent project management to ensure projects meet the end-users’ expectations and needs.

• Furniture Upgrades

  As part of the comprehensive approach to project and planning, the section oversees the procurement, installation, and maintenance of the furniture assets across facilities. This includes sourcing ergonomic furniture for various spaces such as classrooms, labs, libraries, offices, and residential areas, coordinating furniture layouts for optimal functionality. The section ensures that furniture-related requirements are met efficiently and cost-effectively, prioritizing quality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal while aligning furniture selections with organizational objectives and user preferences.