Expert committees

Expert committees help FCOS to prepare operations on specific topics. Most expert committees primarily draw up or update directives and prepare substantive ordinances.

Each expert committee is made up of recognised specialists from the implementation bodies and the relevant industries in these specialist areas. At least one employer and employee representative from the relevant industries is also involved, and therefore their composition is broadly based. 

There are currently nine committees, specialising in different areas: 

• Expert Committee No. 12, “Construction”

  Expert Committee No. 12, “Construction”

  Chair: Christian Michel, Suva

  Expert Committee 12, “Construction” is responsible for directives on the correct handling of transport equipment on construction sites, construction machinery and construction-specific topics. 

  Expert Committee 12 is responsible for:

  • Directive 6505 “Operation of ultra-high pressure water jetting devices”
  • Directive 6510 “Training for the operation of mobile and rotating tower cranes”
  • Directive 6511 “Inspection and monitoring of mobile cranes and rotating tower cranes”
  • Directive 6514 “Underground works”
  • Directive 6519 “Training and instruction in the operation of construction machines”

   

• Expert Committee No. 13, “Chemicals”

  Expert Committee No. 13, “Chemicals”

  Chair: Dr Edgar Käslin, Suva

  Expert Committee 13, “Chemicals” is responsible for directives on substances harmful to health and chemicals. 

  Expert Committee 13 is responsible for

  • Directive 1825 “Flammable liquids”
  • Directive 2387 “Distillation plants for flammable liquids”
  • Directive 6501 “Acids and lyes”
  • Directive 6503 “Asbestos”
  • Directive 6507 “Ammonia, storage and handling”

• Expert Committee No. 14, “Work Equipment”

  Expert Committee No. 14, “Work Equipment”

  Chair: Philipp Ritter, Suva

  Expert Committee No. 14, “Work Equipment” deals with directives on machinery, systems, equipment and tools used in the workplace. Products that are not used directly for work but are part of the working environment (e.g. ventilation, heating, lighting) and personal protective equipment (PPE) are also included in this.

  Expert Committee 14 is responsible for:

  • Directive 6506 “Working on wooden pylons of overhead lines”
  • Directive 6512 “Work equipment”
  • Directive 6516 “Pressurised equipment”

• Expert Committee No. 15, “Gases and Welding”

  Expert Committee No. 15, “Gases and Welding”

  Chair: Bernhard Krauss, SVS

  Expert Committee No. 15, “Gases and Welding” deals with directives for the machining of metallic materials. Both the work process and the work equipment, as well as the technical facilities and equipment that are part of the workplace environment, are included in this.

  Expert Committee 15 is responsible for:

  • Directive 6509 “Welding, cutting and related processes used in the machining of metallic materials”

• Expert Committee No. 17, “Forests and Timber”

  Expert Committee No. 17, “Forests and Timber”

  Chair: Philipp Ritter, Suva

  Expert Committee No. 17, “Forests and Timber” deals with directives for working in forests and with timber.

  Expert Committee 17 is responsible for:

  • Directive 2134 “Forestry work”

• Expert Committee No. 19, “Directives”

  Expert Committee No. 19, “Directives”

  Chair: Iris Mandanis, FCOS agency

  Expert Committee 19 “Directives” works with the FOPH to review the existing regulations to ensure that they are up to date. If necessary, directives are updated and adapted according to the latest technology.

• Expert Committee No. 21, “Training Drivers of Industrial Trucks”

  Expert Committee No. 21, “Training Drivers of Industrial Trucks”

  Chair: Philipp Ritter, Suva

  Expert Committee No. 21, “Training Drivers of Industrial Trucks” deals with directives for work equipment travelling on the ground for the purpose of lifting and transporting loads.

  Expert Committee 21 is responsible for:

  • Directive 6518 “Training and instruction for operators of industrial trucks”

• Expert Committee No. 22, “ASA”

  Expert Committee No. 22, “ASA”

  Chair: Eric Montandon, FCOS agency

  Expert Committee 22, “ASA” deals with enquiries regarding the approval, recertification and withdrawal of industry-wide ASA solutions. It is also dedicated to coordinated ASA enforcement as well as training and communication in this area. Expert Committee 22 is tasked by FCOS with proposing key topics for ASA system inspections for all implementation bodies.

  Expert Committee 22 is responsible for:

  • Directive 6508 “Involvement of occupational physicians and other occupational safety specialists (ASA Directive)”

• Expert Committee No. 23, “Educational Matters”

  Expert Committee No. 23, “Educational Matters”

  Chair: Peter Schwander, FCOS agency

  Expert Committee 23, “Educational Matters” develops the basis for decisions regarding the training and further education of occupational safety specialists. Future scenarios and issues relating to current training and further education programmes are addressed as part of this. Expert Committee 23 also obtains proposals from expert societies for the attention of FCOS.

How are the members of an expert committee appointed?

Members of an expert committee represent the implementation bodies, social partners and associations of the industries concerned. The members are nominated by the organisations concerned and appointed by FCOS.

Members of an expert committee contribute their expertise and practical experience with regard to the basics and tools for occupational safety and health protection. They also contribute to the drafting of directives and regulations. In this way, they actively contribute to improving occupational safety and health protection.