How to register for ADOSH-SF — step by step
In Abu Dhabi, companies enter ADOSH-SF through their Sector Regulatory Authority. This guide follows ADPHC Mechanism 3.0 — Identification, Assessment and Nomination of Entities (Version 4.0, 15 July 2024). Registering an individual safety practitioner is a separate process — see the practitioner registration guide.
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Find your Sector Regulatory Authority (SRA)
Entities are not registered directly by ADPHC. Each entity is nominated or notified by the SRA relevant to its primary licence; where there are other licences or activities, the SRA that best fits the main activity applies.
Mechanism 3.0 §2.2
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Describe your main operations on Form A1
The SRA identifies entities using ADOSH-SF Form A1 — Identification of Entity Main Operations. Where operations span sectors, the SRA raises it with ADPHC with a completed Form A1, and ADPHC confirms the sector.
Mechanism 3.0 §2.2.1
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Risk classification and nomination
The SRA classifies the entity's risk using an ADPHC-approved process and submits proposed nominations to ADPHC for approval before informing the entity. ADPHC's decision on nomination is final.
Mechanism 3.0 §2.3–2.5
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High-risk entities: complete Form A within 30 days
The SRA officially informs a high-risk entity and gives it ADOSH-SF Form A (Registration for OSHMS Development). The entity completes Form A and registers with the SRA within the timescale the SRA sets — no longer than 30 calendar days. Use Form B later to update your details or development timelines.
Mechanism 3.0 §2.7.1
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Start incident notification straight away
Incident notification and reporting must start immediately following nomination/registration, under Mechanism 11.0.
Mechanism 3.0 §2.8(c)(iv)
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Develop and submit your OSH management system
The SRA sets a development deadline — a maximum of 12 months from the official nomination date for high-risk entities, and it may be shorter. The SRA monitors progress until the OSHMS is submitted and approved.
Mechanism 3.0 §2.8(c)(i), §2.9
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After approval: implement, report and audit
Start implementation within one month of SRA approval, start performance reporting in the next quarter, and complete the annual third-party audit within one year of OSHMS approval. ADPHC publishes the names of entities with an approved OSHMS.
Mechanism 3.0 §2.8(c)(ii)–(v), §2.10
Medium-risk entities
Medium-risk entities are notified rather than nominated, and must comply with Mechanism 5.0 — OSH Requirements for Medium Risk Entities within a maximum of 6 months of notification. The SRA inspects within 6 months of notification, then at least once every three years (§2.7.2, §2.8(d)).
Official sources
- ADPHC Mechanism 3.0 v4.0 (PDF)
- Forms A, A1 and B are on ADPHC's ADOSH-SF Standard Forms page. Your SRA may also have its own submission route — confirm with them before submitting.
This guide summarises the official mechanism and is not legal advice or registration approval. Checked against the ADPHC document on 3 November 2026.
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