OSHAD Consultancy (Development and Implementation including Training against SF V3.1)

The Federal (UAE) requirements pertaining to HSE include as follows;

• Federal Law # 1 of the year 2002 on use, monitoring, and protection from radioactive material
• Federal Law # 8 of the year 1980 regarding the organization of labor relations

UAE Labor Law # 8 of 1980

• Federal Law # 23 of the year 1999 concerning exploitation, protection, and development of the living aquatic resources in the state of the United Arab Emirates

• Federal Law # 24 of the year 1999 on the protection and development of the environment

Federal Law # 24 of 1999

• Cabinet Decree # 12 of the year 2006 regarding regulation concerning the protection of air from pollution

Cabinet Decree # 12 of 2006

• Cabinet Order # 37 of 2001 for executive order of Federal Law # 24/1999 for regulation of handling hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and medical waste

Decree # 37 of 2001

• Ministerial Decree # 50/2003 regarding basic regulating rules for ionizing radiation protection (Federal Environmental Agency, Radiation Protection & Control Department)

• Ministerial Decree # 55/2004 issuing the regulatory principles for the prevention of ionizing radiation in the UAE (Federal Environmental Agency, Radiation Protection & Control Department)

• UAE RSTRM # 56/2004): UAE Regulations for Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials (Federal Environmental Agency, Radiation Protection & Control Department)

UAE RSTRM (56 of 2004)

• Ministerial Resolution # 32/1982 on determining prevention means and measures to protect workers from work hazards (UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization)

Ministerial Resolution # 32 of 1982

• Ministerial Resolution # 37/2 for 1982, regarding the level of medical attention the employer is obliged to provide to his workers (UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization)

Ministerial Resolution # 37 (2) for 1982

• Ministerial Decree # 401 of 2015 concerning the Determination of Midday Working Hours (UAE Ministry of Labour, Office of the Minister)

Ministerial Decree # 401 of 2015

The Abu Dhabi requirements pertaining to HSE include as follows;

• Law # 21 of the year 2005 concerning managing solid wastes in Abu Dhabi emirate
• Cabinet Decree # 12 of the year 2006 concerning the protection of air from pollution

Sample OSHAD Approval Certificate

Currently, ‘Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (previously OSHAD)’ is in the process of revising Mechanisms 7 and 8 in order to set new requirements for registration, both for an individual and a third party services provider. Once done, the authority will publish the list on its website as before.

ALADAA is an electronic application that can be accessed through login and password.

The users include

• Center (Authority) itself,
• Government departments,
• Sector regulatory authorities that include food; construction and building; education; industry; health; energy; tourism and culture; transport; and waste, and
• Private business entities that are required to develop and implement the OHS management systems in line with the latest version of OSHAD SF.

For more details, visit https://aladaa.oshad.ae 

Safety Officer requirements as per OSHAD

There are no specific requirements in OSHAD SF for approval as a safety officer, except completion of 2 days practitioner course and pass the exam through ADVETI. Upon completion and passing the exam, a certificate is issued.

First Aid kit requirements

These are listed below; however, these are applicable depending on the nature of work, and moreover, it’s not mandatory to develop a procedure(s) against each applicable CoP.

The applicable requirements can be addressed through other ways e.g. including the requirements in the training matrix/training plan, risk register, legal register etc.

CoP 1 – Hazardous Materials, CoP 1.1 – Management of Asbestos Containing Materials, CoP 1.2 – Lead Exposure Management, CoP 2 – Personal Protective Equipment, CoP 3 – Occupational Noise, CoP 4 – Vibration, CoP 5 – Occupational Health Screening and Medical Screening, CoP 8 – General Workplace Amenities, CoP 9 – Workplace Wellness, CoP 9.1 – New and Expectant Mothers, CoP 9.2 – Managing Work-Related Stress, CoP 10- Rehabilitation and Return to Work, CoP 11 – Safety in the Heat, CoP 12 – Prevention and Control of Legionnaires Disease, CoP 13 – Violence in the Workplace, CoP 14 – Manual Handling and Ergonomics, CoP 14.1 – Manual Tasks Involving the Handling of People, CoP 15 – Electrical Safety, CoP 16 – OSH Requirements for People of Determination (People with Special Needs), CoP 17 – Safety Signage and Signals, CoP 18 – Employer Supplied Accommodation General Requirments, CoP 18.1 – Temporary Employer Supplied Accommodation, CoP 19 – Occupational Food Handling and Food Preparation Areas, CoP 20 – Safety in Desing (Construction), CoP 21 – Permit to Work Systems, CoP 22 – Barricading of Hazards, CoP 23 – Working at Heights, CoP 24 – Lock-out Tag-out (Isolation), CoP 25 – Driver Fatigue Prevention, CoP 26 – Scaffolding, CoP 27 – Confined Spaces, CoP 28 – Hot Work Operations e.g. Welding and Cutting, CoP 29 – Excavation Work, CoP 30 – Lone Woking and/or in Remote Locations, CoP 30.1 – Working in International Locations, CoP 31 – Working On, Over or Adjacent to Water, CoP 33 – Working Adjacent to a Road, CoP 33.1 – Traffic Incident Site Management, CoP 34 – Safe Use of Lifting Equipment and Lifting Accessories, CoP 35 – Portable Power Tools, CoP 36 – Plant and Equipment, CoP 37 – Ladders, CoP 38 – Concrete Placing Equipment, CoP 39 – Overhead and Underground Services, CoP 40 – False Work (Formwork), CoP 41 – Steel Erection, CoP 42 – Pre Caste Construction, CoP 43 – Temporary Structures, CoP 44 – Traffic Management and Logistics, CoP 45 – Underwater Activities, CoP 46 – Underground Construction, CoP 46.1 – Construction of Water Wells, CoP 47 – Machine Guarding, CoP 48 – Spray Finishing, CoP 49 – Compressed Gases and Air, CoP 50 – Abrasive Blasting and Associated Protective Coating Work, CoP 51 – Powered Lift Trucks, CoP 52 – Local Exhaust Ventilation, CoP 53 – OSH Management During Construction Work, CoP 53.1 – OSH Management Plan, and CoP 54 – Waste Management.

These are as follows:

Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities, and Self Regulation

Element 2 – Risk Management

Element 3 – Management of Contractors

Element 4 – Communication and Consultation

Element 5 – Training, Awareness, and C0mpetency

Element 6 – Emergency Management

Element 7 – Monitoring, Investigation and Reporting

Element 8 – Audit and Inspection

Element 9 – Compliance and Management Review

The 2 Days mandatory OSH Practitioner course including the Exam is available online through ADVETI.

https://adveti.abudhabi.ae/contact-us/

The OSHAD SF V 3.1 Mechanisms outline mandatory processes and procedures e.g. OSH Incident Reporting. They include important information that entities must consider when developing and/or implementing their management systems such as timescales for submission of performance reports and requirements for registration with Qudorat as an OSH professional Entity or Practitioner.

One of the main purposes of the mechanisms is to ensure consistency for the implementation of the SF requirements across all sectors.

Mechanism 1 – The Integration of OSH Requirements in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Mechanism 2 – OSHAD-SF Administration

Mechanism 3 – Identification, Assessment, and Nomination of Entities

Mechanism 4 – OSH Management Systems Submission, Review, and Approval

Mechanism 5 – OSH Requirements for Medium Risk Entities

Mechanism 6 – OSH Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Mechanism 9 – Appointment of Principal Contractor for Construction Work

Mechanism 10 – Request to Develop or Update OSHAD-SF

Mechanism 11 – Incident Notification, Investigation, and Reporting

Mechanism 12 – Notification Requirements for OSH Awareness Activities

Ref # OSHAD SF V 3.1, OSH Standards and Guideline Values

Schedule A: Maximum Allowable Limits for Air Pollutants (Chemical Substances) in Working Areas

Schedule B: Occupational Noise Exposure Limits

However, although based on international and local best practices, these OSH Standards and Guideline Values are currently non-mandatory requirements. Entities are encouraged to incorporate these requirements to the extent possible alongside other international and local standards.

The information and guidance outlined in a Technical Guideline are non-mandatory. Although non-mandatory, it should be adopted unless you choose an alternative course of action resulting in an equivalent or better standard. Technical guidelines usually serve as a sub-ordinate document to an element or a Code of Practice.

These are

1. Audit and Inspection
2. Communication and Consultation
3. Management of Contractors
4. Occupational Air Quality Management
5. OSH Incident Notification, Investigation, and Reporting
6. Process of Risk Management
7. Safe Removal of Asbestos Containing Material
8. Safe Work in Confined Spaces
9. Safety in the Heat
10. Training, Awareness, and Competency
11. Dealing with Adverse Weather Conditions
12. Laboratory Safety
13. New and Expectant Mothers – A Guide for Employers
14. Dealing with Adverse Weather Conditions for School Transportation
15. OSHAD-SF Audit Non-Conformance A Guide for Auditors

CoP 8 – General Workplace Amenities

• clause 3.2 – Housekeeping

CoP 18 – Employer Supplied Accommodation – General Requirements

• clause 2.2.1 – Housekeeping/ cleanliness of rooms and facilities
• clause 3.1 (a) and 3.1 (b); as applicable

CoP 18.1 – Temporary Employer Supplied Accommodation

• clause 3.8.1 – cleanliness of rooms and facilities

OSHAD SF, Technical Guideline, Occupational Air Quality Management

• clause 3: Standards and guidelines on air measurement (page 4)
• clause 5: Indoor air monitoring (page 8)

OSHAD SF, Technical Guideline, Occupational Air Quality Management

OSHAD Internal Audit Checklist and Report – Sample

illumination standards

Currently, OSHAD doesn’t deal in the approval of third-party training providers; it’s ACTVET that grants approval for the provision of third-party trainings in different categories e.g. first aid, fire safety, safety, and security; whereas the categories are mentioned on the “certificate of approval” issued by ACTVET.

Note: Business Excellence Consultancy is approved by both ACTVET and OSHAD.

The training requirements are outlined specifically in each ‘Element’ and ‘CoP’. Additionally, as per Element 5, each organization that has been notified is required to conduct ‘Training Need Analysis in order to be able to identify and list both subject and task-specific trainings training depending upon its context.

Any entity that is in high risk requires OSHAD awareness training for all practical reasons.

So far, OSHAD SF V 3.1 doesn’t specify as to what should be the ratio of safety officers with regards to the total # of staff. However, it should be decided carefully depending upon various factors, including # of staff, # of locations, risks associated with the critical activities, competency of staff, applicable legal and contractual requirements, etc.

“Qudorat” is a program through which entities and individuals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi who wish to engage in the OSH-related activities e.g. development and/or implementation of management systems, auditing, etc. are evaluated for suitability of their competency are registered electronically.

Ref: CoP # 53- OSH Management Plan

The contents of the HSE plan may include

• Issuance, review and revision of HSE plan
• HSE policy
• HSE targets
• Roles, responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities
• Legal requirements
• Access to plant, equipment and location
• Competency and training requirements
• Emergency response and preparedness
• Permit to work system
• Audits and inspections
• Incident notification, reporting and investigation
• Schedule of meetings
• Chemicals handling
• Personal protective equipment
• Personal health etc

Under the requirements of OSHAD SF, Element 8, Audit and Inspection, section 3.2, all entities are required to develop an inspection program/procedure which covers the following issues, at a minimum:

The entity OSH inspection program/procedure(s) shall address, at a minimum:

1. 1. scope, and objectives of inspections;
   2. responsibilities, competencies, and resources;
   3. planning and implementation processes, including;
      • criteria;
      • frequency: it’s a good practice to ensure that all areas of the business are inspected twice a year at a minimum; however for high-risk processes, the entity should consider monthly inspections. Although the program should detail what the planned inspection requirements are, the entity should also consider undertaking random inspections when needed;
      • schedules (inspection plan)
      • there are no formal training requirements for internal inspectors other than they should be considered competent to undertake the inspection, both in terms of the principles of inspections and also the task/activity/area they are inspecting;
      • methods of collecting and verifying information;
      • non-conformance and corrective action process; and
      • records of inspections.
   4. inspection program monitoring and review; and
   5. internal reporting

The inspection program should cover all the activities that the entity undertakes and should be developed on a risk-based approach i.e. output of risk assessment to be used as an input to the inspection program.

Depending on the size, complexity, and operational safety requirements i.e. applicable CoPs, it may be decided to develop several checklists to cover the undertakings.

Below are some of the example checklists:

Work Place Inspection Check List, 

First Aid Box Inspection Form

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Form

Maintenance Log

OSH Practitioner General Registration Requirements

• Passport size photograph (white background)
• Copy of Passport
• Emirates ID
• Proof of residency status for Non-UAE Nationals: 1) UAE Residency Visa; 2) Labour Card
• Certified copy of Academic Qualifications Certificates, including certificate of equivalency issued by UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research;
• Resume completed in the format provided by OSHAD including Relevant Project Experience; and Two professional Referees
• Signed Declaration and Code of Conduct (OSHAD-SF Form Q)
• Completion of Training on OSHAD-SF principles and requirements¹.

Note: The applied practitioner type and field of work should be supported by the category of work visa. In case of discrepancy, OSHAD may, at its discretion reject the application or ask for further supporting evidence to establish the working relationship in compliance with UAE Ministry of Labour regulations.

1. 2 Days Practitioner Course on OSHAD-SF is mandatory for registration of all practitioners
2. Experience listed in OSHAD-SF Form N submitted with registration application shall be supported by a document (employment certificate, service certificate, experience certificate) issued by the concerned employer (including current employer) indicating the employee’s designation and duration of service at the concerned organization. The document should be signed and stamped by the concerned department of the organization.
3. Post-Secondary OSH Technical Qualification shall be min NEBOSH General Certificate (IGC) or Local/Int. equivalent qualification.
4. Practitioners unable to qualify for ‘Grade C’ because of lack of OSH experience are allowed to work under the direct supervision of a ‘Grade A or B’ practitioner, till achieving ‘Grade C’.
5. International Membership/Certification are not mandatory for Registration Scheme; these are however accepted as alternate grading criteria keeping in view the OSHAD-SF alignment with OSH registration standards/requirements/systems/practices maintained by relevant International OSH Organization.

Reference: Mechanism 8 (version 3.0) – OSH Practitioner Registration

Currently, there is no Fee for registration as an OSH Practitioner.

Renewal of Registration

• The OSH Practitioner’s registration with OSHAD shall remain valid for one calendar year from the date of issuance of the Registration Card.
• Every person wishing to maintain registration under the OSH Registration Scheme shall submit an application for registration renewal within one month before the expiry date.
• Registration renewal applications shall be accompanied by a Continual Professional Development (CPD).

Continual Professional Development

• Each OSH Practitioner shall maintain a log detailing the relevant CPD.
• Every OSH Practitioner is required to complete a minimum of 16 hours of relevant CPD within the one calendar year between the date of initial registration or renewal registration with OSHAD and the date of expiry.
• CPD recognized by OSHAD is as follows

1. attendance of professional body/association meetings;
2. conventions, conferences, lectures, seminars, workshops;
3. participation in formal OSH training and short courses;
4. participation in relevant committees and working groups;
5. public presentation of papers related to the field of specialization;
6. publication of articles in industry journals and newsletters related to the field of specialization; and
7. teaching of courses in the field of specialization.

• In addition to the CPD requirements, the following shall also apply to maintain registration with OSHAD

1. an OSHMS Generalist shall provide a list of all OSHMS related projects and activities that he or she carried out or contributed to in the preceding year;
2. an OSHMS Auditor shall provide a list of OSHMS audits that he or she has carried out against the requirements of the OSHAD-SF over the preceding year; and
3. an OSH Technical Specialist registered in a particular Filed of Work shall provide a list of all relevant OSH technical projects or activities engaged in over the preceding.

• an OSH Technical Specialist registered in a particular Filed of Work shall provide a list of all relevant OSH technical projects or activities engaged in over the preceding.
• OSHAD shall conduct random audits of 10% of the CPD submitted by the applicants to verify the truth and accuracy of information.
• The OSH Practitioner submitting the completed CPD form shall ensure that all CPD activities are verified through the inclusion of a certificate, details, and signature of the activity provider, or similar means of relevant evidence to indicate the Practitioner’s involvement. In the event that a certificate, signature, or other relevant means of evidence is not provided by the activity provider, the CPD may be verified, signed, and stamped by the Practitioner’s Line Manager or Employer representatives such as the HR Manager, or Training Manager. Information should be provided about the signatory including name and designation.
• In the cases where the OSH Practitioner is self-employed, the completed CPD form shall be verified and signed by the OSH Practitioner.

Reference: Mechanism 9.0, Heading 9.1 and 9.2

The OSHAD Grading System is governed by the Mechanism 8.0 version 3.0 for Professional Entities e.g. Third-party service provider for ‘audit, consultancy for development &/or implementation of OHS management systems,  training’ etc.

Mechanism 7 -OSH Professional Entity Registration

OSHAD has set the following standards:

• offices, general work areas, first aid stations, and medical treatment centers = 30 Foot- Candles;
• bathrooms, dining halls, mechanical and electrical equipment rooms, carpenter shops, and general construction plant and shops (eg. batch plants, screening plants, and active storerooms) = 10 Foot-Candles;
• access ways, storage areas, warehouses, refueling, maintenance areas, and loading platforms = 5 Foot-Candles; and
• general construction sites, concrete placement, excavation, tunnels, shafts, and underground work areas = 5 Foot-Candles.

Note: One Foot-Candle ≈ 10.764 lux.

Reference: CoP 8.0 – General Workplace Amenities, Heading 3.8

OSHAD Wind Speed Limits and Requirements

• An anemometer must be available on each worksite, where cranes are used, to measure wind. This must be fitted to the highest point of the crane where reasonably practicable. Handheld anemometers shall only be used as a secondary means of measuring wind speed at ground level.
• Employers shall ensure that provisions are in place to determine wind direction.
• Employers must ensure that the manufacturer or supplier specifications are available for each crane and that the wind-off speed of each crane is communicated to the crane operator and appointed person.
• Employers must regularly obtain (at least daily) meteorological reports for the area where cranes are being used for lifting operations.
• In all cases, employers must ensure that lifting operations cease when the recorded wind speed reaches or gusts in excess of 38 km/h (20.5 knots).

Reference: CoP 34.0 – Safe Use of Lifting Equipment and Lifting Accessories, Heading 3.6.6