SITUATION UPDATE (11.02.2021, 8:00)

Based on Law No. 8681, dated 02.11.2000 “On the Design, Construction, Use, and Maintenance of Dams and Reservoirs,” Law No. 8756, dated 26.03.2001 “On Civil Emergencies,” and Decision No. 147, dated 18.03.2004, KESH sh.a. has developed Emergency Preparedness Plans in accordance with the regulations for dam safety, Article 28, approved by Decision No. 147, dated 18.03.2004.

These plans were developed in collaboration with local and international experts (GNF, Spain) and in compliance with the recommendations of ICOLD and international standards.

The Emergency Preparedness Plans include:

1. Technical Reports along with their respective annexes.
2. Organizational schemes for emergency actions in 4 possible scenarios.
3. Flood maps that could occur in the Drin-Buna watershed area during the operation of the HECs of the Drin River cascade (Fierza, Koman, and Vau i Dejës) or damage to their dams.

Furthermore, with the technical assistance of GIZ, flood zone maps have also been prepared for cases of full dam releases with a recurrence once in 100 years and once in 1,000 years. These maps, in accordance with the regulations for dam safety and reservoirs, have been prepared at a scale of 1:25,000.

The Emergency Preparedness Plans elaborate and define for each possible emergency scenario (due to the operation and management of the HECs of the Drin River cascade under large inflow conditions, earthquakes, or possible dam failures), the duties and organizational schemes for timely notification by the institutions involved in the civil emergency response and management process.

The code of ethics of KESH sh.a. is an integral part of the company’s general work regulations and represents a comprehensive summary of the values and principles that should guide the daily work of KESH staff. This code requires employees working at KESH sh.a. to adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior, in accordance with values of integrity, impartiality, and prudence.

Employees of KESH sh.a. are encouraged to work with passion and professionalism to achieve the highest and most sustainable results. They must act with integrity throughout their official activities and avoid any behavior that might present the employees or KESH in a negative light.

KESH, with its democratic and professional character and its respect for diversity, directs its staff to act with tolerance, sensitivity, respect, and impartiality towards the culture and profession of others, who may not share the same views. For KESH staff, integrity should be understood as synonymous with honesty, correctness, fairness, and loyalty to their work and the institution.

On the other hand, KESH responds to any abusive behavior, which would be considered offensive to the environment or specific individuals. KESH employees must fulfill their duties competently and impartially, applying high professional standards in performing their tasks and taking responsibility for the materials they prepare.

The responsibilities of the Albanian Power Corporation (KESH) for occupational health and safety are in compliance with state regulations and norms established in the Technical Safety and Operation Regulation for Electrical Plants, Equipment, and Installations. In accordance with this regulation, KESH has made its own provisions within its organizational structure, integrating the relevant functions at both the Central and Production Unit levels.

The objective of the occupational health and safety management system is to increase the safety of employees in the workplace and to protect the health and well-being of both employees and other individuals (the public) who may be exposed to the risks associated with the activities of the Albanian Power Corporation.

The main risks to which KESH employees working directly in electricity generation plants are exposed include mainly electrical shocks, explosions from pressurized equipment, falls from heights, exposure to chemical, biological, and carcinogenic substances, noise, mechanical vibrations, electrostatic fields, ionizing and optical radiation, etc.

The Technical Safety and Health Protection Regulation stipulates:

• Risk assessment and taking necessary measures (tools and competent staff) to train employees in work safety and protection, including the provision of qualified first aid and transport to the nearest hospital center.
• Ensuring the availability of work tools, equipment, and protective clothing for employees (certified according to safety IP standards) and ensuring appropriate conditions in the workplace (ventilation, heating, sufficient lighting, furnishings, etc.).
• Preparation and installation of signage to inform employees about maintaining health and safety at work.
• Providing employees with accident insurance at work, including road accidents when traveling to the workplace, and for those affected by occupational diseases.
• Recording and reporting workplace accidents, professional diseases, and dangerous situations that may occur.
• Assessing the risk of employee injury from hazardous substances and placing warning signs and applying the relevant regulations recommended by their suppliers.

While the knowledge and implementation of technical safety and health regulations at work is a permanent duty of KESH employees, the management of the Occupational Health and Safety System also involves continuous improvement and increasingly qualified service to employees in line with current requirements.