Author: SME Chamber

Malta
Enterprise is inviting Maltese companies to participate in the Libya
Post-Revolution Infrastructure and Investment Summit to be held in Tripoli
between the 2^nd and 3^rd October 2012, organised by the EU
– LIBYA CHAMBER of COMMERCE in coordination with various Media Partners and
Supporting Organisations, including The Ministry of Economy, Libya.

A
wide range of major significant issues on new infrastructures & up-to-date
technologies & know-how, future growth activities on developing sectors
like healthcare, ICT, financial services, oil, gas & petrochemical markets,
will be covered.

The
development of foreign direct investment, its challenges & opportunities
and revealing strategies for the future plans will play a central part of the
proceedings. These will be highlighted by most eligible international speakers
on a case-by-case basis. Top Multinational Corporations and Multilateral
Financing Institutions have confirmed their presence and the Summit will also
be attended by eminent policy-makers, oil, gas & petrochemical specialists,
analysts, consultants, banks, insurance companies, financiers, manufacturers
and contractors and is expected to be at full capacity.

This
Summit will give attendees the opportunity to network with key Public and
Private sector senior decision-makers from 25 countries. The EU-Libya Chamber of
Commerce will endeavour to organise B2B meetings for the Malta Enterprise
clients with the foreign participants, with a view to form business
partnerships and alliances. 

The
EU-Libya Chamber of Commerce is granting Maltese companies, clients of Malta Enterprise,
a discount on the participation fee from €1,850 to €800.  Equivalent
discounts are also being given as regards exhibition space and sponsorship.
Further information on this conference can be found on: www.eulibyacc.org/flip_book_agenda/index.html

 Companies
wishing to participate through Malta Enterprise are kindly asked to contact the
Internationalisation Unit on by Friday 7^th September
2012.

CleanWine: Novel, fast and low cost sterilization
method based in supercritical carbon dioxide to sterilise wine and must

Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1685

OENO – Optical portable Equipment for NOn-destructive
analysis in winemaking process. From bunch to bottle

Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1700

OptimCure – Sausage curation energy and quality
optimization by means of advanced complex control
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1723

DEVELOPMENT OF MULTILAYER SYSTEMS BASED ON BIOPOLYMER
MATRICES FOR FOOD ACTIVE PACKAGING
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1688

Automation peduncle-cutting system "AVO-CUT"
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1780

Chemical / Petrochemical

CorroScan
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/UK/PS-SME-UK-1703

Information and Communication
Technologies

Decision support software for the optimized selection
and positioning of implants for bone fractures (ISS-med)
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/AT/PS-SME-AT-1694

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/AT/PS-SME-AT-1697

City Trail: AN INNOVATIVE SYSTEM TO ASSIST BLIND AND
VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE COMMUTING IN A CITY
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/PL/PS-SME-PL-1774

Medical / Biomedical equipment

Modular Mobile Units for Medical Application
(Hospital-in-the-Box)
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/UK/PS-SME-UK-1673

GENERA BIOTECH Client: Developing a rapid
point-of-care sensor platform for the diagnosis of specific diseases
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1783

Machinery / Instruments / Sensors

OkraVision

Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/EE/PS-SME-EE-1596

SNIFFER – NOVEL METHOD TO DETECT CHLOROANISOLES
PRESENT IN CORK STOPPERS
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1734

WearInspect: Vision-based tool condition monitoring of
machining processes
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1691

Environment / Waste

PROCEEDS- Competitiveness improvement by research and
innovation for recycling of used cooking oil and transformation into useful and
sustainable new products

Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1676

Health care

Plasma Utilisation for Removal of Germs in healthcare
Environs (PURGE)

Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/IE/PS-SME-IE-1747

Measurements / Testing

ISPACT: Development of an advanced integrated system
forthe purposes of anti-corrosion coating tests
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/PL/PS-SME-PL-1771

Electronics / Electrical Industry

PrSafePath: Low-cost Wireless Emergency Evacuation
System for Public Utility Buildings
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/PL/PS-SME-PL-1768

Agriculture / Forestry

RIPERAL – Analysis of RIPEness and quality using a
portable cost-effective hyperspectRAL device
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/ES/PS-SME-ES-1739

Transport

CityNet: Urban air pollution and weather conditions
monitoring network powered with renewable energy
Closure Date: 15/11/2012

www.ncp-sme.net/Countries/PL/PS-SME-PL-1777

Price Indication
on cars for sale is required by law – MCCAA to enforce
if no action is taken – GRTU has been informed by the Malta
Compeition and Consumer Affairs Authority Enforcement section that they have
noted that  the vast majority of second hand car dealers fail to comply
with the relevant legislation with regard to price indication.

The provisions of the Consumer Affairs
Act (Price Indication) Regulations (S.L.378.09) as well as the provisions
contained in Articles 51A to 51J of the Consumer Affairs Act (Cap. 378) 
are the relevant legislation emanating from EU Directives.  The Price Indication Regulations legally requires
 traders who offer goods for sale on a retail basis to indicate the prices
in an unambiguous, easily identifiable and clearly legible manner. 
 Articles 51A to 51J of the Consumer Affairs Act constitute the
transposition to Malta's legislation of the Unfair Commercial Practices
Directive.  This specifically makes it an unfair commercial practice to
omit material information including the price of the product. The Price
Indication Regulations and the Consumer Affairs Act are being attached for ease
of reference.

The MCCAA informed the GRTU that they
have the power to enforce but they asked the GRTU to bring the issue to the
attention of its members in the Used Car Dealers sector and that their
immediate compliance is required to avoid the institution of the proceedings
(criminal and administrative) as established by the law.

This was the topic of a conference
organized this week by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA)
following an important development at EU level where a Framework Agreement on
the protection of occupational health and safety in the hairdressing sector was
signed. Mr Kenneth Ellul, GRTU member within the hairdresser sector, presented
GRTU's views.

GRTU and its representatives at EU
level UEAPME and EuroCommerce learned of the Framework Agreement only when it
was practically finalized. CoiffureEU together with its Maltese member theHair
and Beauty Federation signed the agreement in representation of employers. GRTU is not satisfied with the
amount of consultation that accompanied the introduction of such an important
agreement, which as it transpires was marginal. At national level it is now up
to the Hair and Beauty Federation to make sure that its members follow the
clauses of the Agreement and report back on implementation to the European
Commission. So far, it is not legally binding, as the Commission must still
decide whether it should become a directive.

GRTU's conclusion is that the agreement
is not bad news however it is not sensitive enough to the local service
providers. GRTU has consulted its members within the hairdressers section and
it transpired that they do already follow most of the content of the Agreement
however some clauses need not be as specific for the results they seek to
achieve.

There indeed are a number of hazards
that modern and equipped hairdressers today face and it is in the hairdressers'
direct interest to take any possible action for the benefit not only of their
employees and clients but for themselves and their family at the end of the
day. Hairdressers are however hindered by the usual limitations haunting
self-employed and micro-enterprises which are lack of resources and guidance.
They are however aggravated by the fact that they are subject to heavy unfair
competition by mobile hairdressers that operate with minimal certification and
training. Isn't it serious having semi trained and certified hairdressers
operate from people's homes when we are acknowledging that the occupation
carries such a hazard? Unfortunately this Framework Agreement like any other
new imposition on hairdressers, no matter how important, adds an extra burden
on the bona-fide hairdressers who are fully certified and undergo regular
training throughout their operation and in no way seeks to address those huge
numbers that operate under the radar.

Established hairdressers operate within
the principles of the framework agreement and even go beyond in some cases.
According to the president of the Hair and Beauty Federation, Corinne Farrugia,
who herself signed the agreement; many hairdressers do not carry out risk
assessments for hazards because they are not aware of their legal obligations
to do so. It is very easy to point the finger at hairdressers. Their role is to
run their business and need guidance to help them do things better. It is not
that they are not aware that there exist obligations but they are easily
alienated by other issues that are not perceived as immediate priority and
would appreciate having their attention directed and guided.

Guido Schwarz, a policy officer from
the European Commission, explained that the agreement aimed to guide
hairdressers on how to improve health and safety. The GRTU agrees that in fact
the Agreement is a document that offers good guidance and a source of
information but hairdressers still have to be guided. One also needs to
acknowledge that hairdressers are sometimes the victims of products that have
the wrong components, pH, etc…This makes the life of hairdressers
unnecessarily difficult.

GRTU and its members feel that the
Agreement outlines the basic standards that today are common practice. It is
obvious for them to choose height adjustable chairs, choose the least toxic
chemicals and use the most advanced tools when possible. We do however have a
problem when the Framework Agreement becomes far too technical stating that
illumination should be at 400lux minimum and fresh air flow should be of
100m3/hour per person. How are hairdressers expected to carry out such a
measurement? GRTU and its members feel that it is sufficient to state
illumination and fresh air flow should be adequate and sufficient to carry out
the work without problems.

There are a number of Member States
that oppose the agreement such as UK, Netherlands and Denmark. We feel that
implementing it into a Directive is not necessary and it is sufficient for it
to remain a Framework Agreement and offer guidance. It should not go any
further.

GRTU has this week written to Hon
Minister Mario Demarco referring to the cordial meeting held two weeks ago
where GRTU noted the reluctance of Government to proceed with amending the
legislation according to the request and justification presented by GRTU, ie that
any producer who places packaging in the market directly to the consumer should
be a member of an Authorized Scheme. 548 producers currently consider
themselves as self compliant.

GRTU considered this as an anomaly and
also informed the Minister that the Schemes cannot continue to operate
sustainably unless such anomalies are solved, either through revised
legislation or else by direct enforcement.

GRTU has to point out that we have to
date kept a commitment with Government, that of setting up and operating a
kerbside collection Scheme, door to door. This was done amidst heavy sacrifices
and continued hard work. This we continue to do by paying thousands of Euros
weekly for the operation to be sustained. It is a 24 hour round the clock
operation which includes 6 fulltime staff and six part time staff directly
employed with Green MT and also over 45 subcontractors. Beyond Green Mt uses
the services of a number of service providers who are endless to name here.
Further more we had taken the commitment of meeting each Local Council so many
times to get this Scheme rolling. To date all this operation results in 270
tons of waste diverted from landfilling to recycling.

GRTU has kept its commitment through
the establishment of Green MT. If Government in any way or manner is no longer
committed to the way the implementation of the policy is being done today, then
Government should duly inform us accordingly.

During the meeting GRTU President Paul
Abela recommended that those producers who opt for self compliance should
firstly provide the Competent Authority, MEPA, with the methodology they intend
to use to self comply to the obligations outlined in Legal Notice 277 of 2006.
MEPA should then look at the methodology and approve or otherwise request
further assurances.

Additionally, GRTU has requested the
Minister to set up a Monitoring Committee in relation to enforcement as
promised by the same Government during its Budget Speech of 2011. (page 50).

We have spoken verbally to Mr Peter
Portelli, Perm Sec, and we recommended that even if the Monitoring and
Enforcement Committee is not set up, at this stage a meeting every month of the
Approving Body could be dedicated to this issue. In this way it would be a
structured issue and MEPA Officials would need to report feedback at the said
meeting. Accordingly Schemes would be present and together we could set up a
monthly enforcement strategy.

Furthermore GRTU informed that we are
aware that currently MEPA has received another three applications for the
setting up of Waste Packaging Compliance Schemes. GRTU has made it clear that
currently both Schemes cover collections from all Local Councils in Malta and
Gozo together with additional initiatives at Local Council levels that are a
great cost to both Authorized Scheme.

GRTU informed also that any other
permitted Waste Packaging Compliance Scheme needs to cater for at least 100,000
residents. Currently Green MT, GRTU's subsidiary, caters for well over 250,000
residents spread in 37 Local Councils across Malta and Gozo.

As the Minister responsible for policy
in this sector, Minister Demarco was informed that GRTU will cease operations
at Local Councils overnight should MEPA issue any permit to operate any other
Waste Packaging Compliance Scheme without the same responsibilities as we have
today. And it is no solace to us that MEPA Official Mr Kevin Mercieca states
that MEPA will issue the same kind of permit as currently held by Schemes. Our
operational permit does not include collection from Local Councils, although
the reporting requirements do. So we recommend that if this is a legal anomaly
it is tackled immediately unless Government has other policy ideas in mind.

Together with many other stakeholders,
GRTU has worked extremely hard to make sure that we implement a waste recycling
strategy which is fair and based on the extended polluter pays principle. These
stakeholders spent too many hours setting up legislation and implementing such
policy in order to make sure that Malta is complying to EU Regulations and also
to be doing what is morally correct.

GRTU notes that it seems that either
Government is looking into other options and trying its best to dismantle what we
have built so far, or else we are not taking strong decisions due to the time
frame the country is in today.

GRTU requested the Minister to make
sure that the issues outlined above are taken with utmost seriousness. Failure
to do so would mean that Authorized Packaging Schemes that exist today will not
be sustainable at all in the future and it would be Government that would be
once again responsible for these operations from all Local Councils at a very
expensive logistical cost, amounting to well over 5million Euros annually.

GRTU has stuck to its commitments which
have meant long hard hours of work and dedication to the cause, that of making
sure that the Maltese and Gozitan Business communities gear up to their
environmental obligations in respect to LN 277 of 2006. It has not been a rosy
path.

We retort that if Government is now
changing its initial plans or policies in respect to this matter, GRTU is to be
informed duly so that we could work together to transfer this responsibility
back to Government in breach of EU Legislation. Words need to be backed by
facts.

GRTU is currently awaiting feedback from the Minister.

At an Extraordinary General Meeting of
the Lotto Receivers Union held earlier this week, it was unanimously approved
that the Lotto Receivers Union affiliates its members with the GRTU Malta
Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises.This affiliation comes at a time when
Maltco Lotteries Limited has just initiated its ten year contract award in
relation to lotto and other National Lottery Games in Malta and Gozo. As thus
Maltco continues on its earlier eight year contract.

As such GRTU has requested a meeting
with Maltco which will be held in mid September, to discuss a few issues which
need trimming in the current agreement between Maltco and the individual lotto
receivers. GRTU is proactive in such situations to present on the table win win
situations. We want to see our members gaining more profits and in the meantime
Maltco exceeding their sales targets.

We cannot do this through a dividing
wall. We will make this happen if both parties work together hand in hand in
the coming ten years. No business is fruitful if it is one way traffic.
Together we are able to go beyond our customers expectations.

At present one lotto receiver is being
deprived of his livelihood because Maltco have requested a 140% increase in his
individual bank guarantee. They have litereally switched of his point of sale.
GRTU has asked Maltco to reconnect this individual's livelihood by close of
business today and of course the matter will then be cordially discussed in our
first coming meeting and a  solution
acceptable to one and all reached. We are aware that guarantees or some sort of
fiscal arrangement is in place so that Maltco's receipt of income is never in
jeopardy. We do not want it to be either. GRTU was born out of businesses
wanting to safeguard their own interests. To us Maltco is a business too. Even
more, it is there and providing a livelihood to many families and we want that
relationship to flourish and grow.

GRTU has over the years learned that
businesses want their own individual freelance of operation, and whilst being
innovative, would also meet their expectations and go beyond. GRTU is not a
workers union. GRTU is there for its members to continue to thrive on their
current earnings and keep their own values at heart.  GRTU is here to work with sectors and
Government to promote more entrepreneurial spirit. The lotto receivers are a
part of this scenario and we will work with them and with Maltco to come to
terms on a number of issues that currently need to be addressed.

GRTU gladly welcomes the lotto receivers as genuine members
within GRTU. We would also at this point auger that better relations are built
between Maltco and the individual lotto receivers with GRTU. Maltco could
easily lead the way by reactivating this single lotto receiver s point of sale
terminal. Let's be human, let's make sure this gentleman is allowed to earn a
living, after all he has not infringed on legislation in place.

Transport Malta has been approached by the Operator of the Floriana Park & Ride where-by they are requesting permission for the setting up of a Circus from mid-November 2012 to 6^th January, 2013 in the Floriana Park & Ride 2.

In this regard, members operating in the said areas are kindly requested to forward their  views via email;  by not later than Monday 27^th August, 2012.

The Malta Council for Science and Technology, a partner in the FP7 project ‘ENV-NCP-Together', will be organising a Brokerage Event which will take place on Friday 31^st August 2012,  at the Corinthia Hotel, St. Georges Bay, Malta.

It is hoped that this Networking event will target a wide spectrum of companies, universities and researchers from Europe interested in sharing new project ideas and finding collaboration partners and will be focused on the challenges of the FP7 "Environment, incl. Climate Change 2013 Call for research project proposals.

During the event an opportunity will be created to get the latest insights and results on the Mediterranean Region and ecosystem; to facilitate the set-up of FP7 project consortia; to present, discuss and develop new project ideas on climate change and related topics at international level and to initiate cross-border contacts. A team of key experts from the Med Region have been invited to present their expertise on the theme. The European Commission will be represented by Dr. Iveta Aizbalte, Policy officer, DG Research and Innovation – Horizontal Aspects.  

The event is free of charge however we advice yo to register as soon as possible. Kindly register by clicking on the following link : http://www.b2match.eu/env-ncp-together-malta

GRTU has this week met its members in the hairdressers section for a consultation on the Framework Agreement signed at EU level and by the Maltese Hair and Beauty Federation. Below please find a summery of what was signed.

 

European Framework agreement on the protection of occupational health and safety in the hairdressing sector

Improving the working environment to protect workers` health and safety in the following areas:

Protection of skin and respiratory tract

• According to Article 6(3) and 9 of the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall carry out a risk assessment and shall take measures on the basis of the conclusions of such an assessment, making it possible to eliminate or reduce to a minimum the risk. The hierarchy of prevention principles should be applied.

• To avoid repeated contact for long periods of time with water and skin-irritating substances that may cause irritation and allergic reaction, the employer shall take individual protective measures and organise a balance between wet and dry work activities. Workers shall comply with the obligations laid down in Article 13 of the Framework Directive 89/391

• The employer shall use materials, products and tools which are safest to the health and safety of the workers and in a form which involves low exposure (dual chamber, pastes, granulates, etc..). In particular for the following:

• Permanent wave compositions containing thiogycolic acid ester (acidic permanent wave compositions)

• Hair cosmetics (blonding agents, dyes) releasing dust into the air

• Powdered natural rubber latex gloves

• Tools (eg clippers and scissors) which can transfer nickel to skin when in contact with it for a lengthy period of time

Prevention of musculo-skeletal disorders

• This occurs mainly in the muscles, tendons and nerves in the wrist, fingers, elbows, shoulder and back by causing pain and limit flexibility, which may lead to impairment in occupational and private life. The causes are repetitive hand movements, mental load, inadequate rest periods, unsuitable tools or incorrect use of equipment, strain at work, etc… It is suggested that workers consult a doctor for an occupational physician as soon as experiencing initial signs of MSD.

• The employer shall:

• organise the rotation of tasks whenever possible in order to avoid repetitive movements or strenuous work over an extended period of time and give appropriate instructions to workers in this sense.

• Comply with the provisions regarding working hours as laid down in the law

• The organisation of the salon makes it possible that tools and products to be used (except mixing stations) are within reach of the workstation. Preference would be given to trolleys. Which should be equipped with care products, especially protective gloves.

• When purchasing or refurbishing a premises purchase height-adjustable chairs, rotating chairs and height-adjustable roller stools (for support when standing), which ensures that arms, shoulders and backs are at the right working height. For hair wash installation it should be considered a selection based on work processes and ergonomic good practices with respect to design, function and layout of the installations.

• Hand held hair dryers and scissors must meet ergonomic requirements, be as light, quiet and low in vibration as possible.

Working environment and organisation of work

Employers shall:

• Provide sufficient space to the workers at their workstations to carry out their duties without getting in each other's way, even when there are a lot of customers.

• Electrical, gas and water installations comply with relevant international standards and that the workrooms are illuminated evenly and glare avoided complying with national standards but 400 lux minimum is recommended.

• Ensure hairdressing rooms are property ventilated. A fresh air flow of 100m3/hour per person working at the workplace is normally sufficient. (Fans, natural cross or technical ventilation

• Ensure mixing or transferring of chemical substances that can generate hazardous gases, fumes or particulates shall take place at special workstations that have an appropriate complementary ventilation system.

• Provide facilities dedicated to hand hygiene and care of the workers and put at their disposal adequate equipment and products for their purpose

• Ensure cosmetics are stored in cold places, bottles are stored sealed in the original package and product that are a fire hazard are kept away from flammable materials. Empty or partially used product containers shall be disposed of in safe and environmentally-friendly manner.

• Equip the hand wash and care facilities for workers with suitable skin cleansing, protection and care agents and disposable towels.

• Provide protective gloves that are sufficiently resistant to hairdressing chemicals and strong enough to ensure that they are not damages by normal work. They shall be non-sensitising and shall be of such a size and style as to fit the hands of users. The cuffs of washing gloves must stretch well beyond the wrist.

• Ensure the tools (combs, scissors, hairclips, etc..) are cleaned and disinfected

• Ensure that the premises, including toilets are maintained in a clean condition and floors are maintained regularly.

When new or refurbishing employers shall introduce floor coverings that are non slip so that persons can move about safely

Maternity protection

• EU and national legislation shall be observed. Employers shall take particular care to such situations when organising work. When in doubt a doctor should be consulted. Prohibitions by doctors shall be respected.

Mental health and wellbeing

• To contribute to a healthy and balanced mental environment, the employer shall ensure a careful preparation of work and appropriate planning of the working time and work organisation aimed at optimising resource management and preventing emotional collapse.

• Implement Framework agreement on work related stress.

• The employer shall provide workers with the necessary support, clarification of responsibilities and decision making powers were appropriate.

Individual protective measures

Workers shall

• wear suitable clothes and in particular shoes with non-slip soles.

• not wear jewellery on their hands and arms during work

• not leave aqueous solutions containing irritating substances or preparations to dry on the skin

• Prevent involuntary contact with hairdressing chemicals, workers shall not dry their hands with the customer' towels.

• Disposable single-use gloves shall be used for operations involving hairdressing chemicals, including rinsing dyes. Workers shall wear suitable protective gloves provided by the employer:

• Applying dyes, tints and blonding agents, including when checking the results, emulsifying and rinsing

• Applying permanent waves including trial curiling and setting

• Preparing mixing and transferring chemical substances

• Washing hair

• Washing or disinfecting equipment, instruments or rooms

• Cream their hands skin protection preparations before starting work. Where appropriate cleanse their hands with pH neutral cleanser, dry them and cream them.

• Not eat or smoke in workrooms

• Use mixing appliances, portion dispensers and suitable containers for diluting concentrates

A discussion will be held next week in a conference. It is important for hairdressers to attend.