Skip to main content
Got a site safety question? Ask UAE HSE practitioners in the community Q&A.Ask the community
Site Safety UAE — construction site safety software logoSite Safety UAE
Login
Got a site safety question? Ask UAE HSE practitioners in the community Q&A.Ask the community
Site Safety UAE — construction site safety software logoSite Safety UAE
Login

Dubai construction safety checklist by clause

1325 tasks quoted from the Dubai Municipality Code of Construction Safety Practice. Each shows its clause number, for example §8.8(1) is Chapter 8, section 8, item 1. Draft for review — always read the full code.

Chapter 1 – Preliminary

  • §1-2This code includes a set of rules which regulate construction projects carried out in the Emirate of Dubai. Technical guidelines appended thereto are part and parcel of this code. All rules and appended technical guidelines stipulated herein shall be applied to all building operations and engineering construction projects undertaken by way of trade or for the purpose of residential, commercial or industrial by or on behalf of the private or the public sector which includes the government or any other public authority.
  • §1-2(1)Construction works include erection, alteration, repair, dismantling, demolition, structural maintenance, painting, land cleaning, earth moving, grading, excavation, trenching, digging, boring, drilling, tunneling blasting, or concreting or any work or undertaking in relation to a construction project.
  • §1-2(2)Project means any public or private construction project and includes the following: The construction of a building, bridge, structure, industrial establishment, mining plant, shaft, caisson tunnel, excavation, highway, street, runway, parking lot, cofferdam, channel, conduct, sewer, storm water drainage, water main, service connection, telecommunication or electrical cable, or pipeline, etc. Development of mines, quarries, crushing and screening. Any work, project, land, or appurtenances used in connection with construction works.

Chapter 2 – General Health and Safety

  • §2.5(1)The contractor shall notify employees of the hazards they might be exposed to in different worksites and instruct them as to the most appropriate ways for their safety particularly when entering confined or enclosed spaces or dangerous atmospheres. He shall instruct them on how to use the necessary personal protective equipment and appliances such as masks and respiratory apparatus.
  • §2.5(2)Employees required to handle toxic or harmful materials shall be provided with the necessary information on safe handling and use of these materials prior to work initiation provided that they shall be supplied with all protective and necessary appliances and equipment.
  • §2.5(3)All personnel who are responsible for rescue of others’ life shall be instructed in the appropriate procedures for this work and they shall be fully aware of the locations of rescue equipment and appliances and how to use them appropriately.
  • §2.5(4)Employees who are responsible for receiving and sending communication signals shall be instructed in the simplest and most successful recognized system to enable them to use it efficiently.
  • §2.5(5)Employees shall be instructed in the safe and appropriate handling of flammable liquids and gases and other relevant protection requirements.
  • §2.5(6)Employees shall be instructed in the most appropriate ways and methods to protect themselves when working in harsh conditions such as: severe coldness and hotness or where harmful animals and insects exist. In addition, they shall be trained in first aid procedures to enable them providing first aid in the event of any employee injury.
  • §2.5(7)The contractor shall provide the workplace with necessary firefighting equipment and instruct employees in how to use them to protect lives and properties available in the workplace from hazards resulting from his work in accordance with the requirements specified in this manual. Employees responsible for firefighting shall be capable of carrying out this work and fully aware of the locations of all necessary firefighting agents and equipment.
  • §2.5(8)All employees in the worksite shall be instructed and trained in how to use their personal protective equipment and appliances in case of any emergency occurrence in the project.
  • §2.5(9)No employee shall be permitted to use or operate any machinery or heavy equipment unless he is qualified, not younger than 18 years old, healthy ft and possess a valid deriving license issued in the United Arab Emirates. In addition he shall have a certificate from a certified external safety company approved by concerned authority qualifying him to do so.
  • §2.5(10)No employee shall be permitted to use fixed machinery and equipment such as tower cranes and temporary material and personal hoists unless he is trained and has a certificate issued by a certified external safety company approved by concerned authority
  • §2.5(11)No employee shall be permitted to perform any work unless he is qualified and adequately trained in performing this work safely in accordance with the occupational health and safety regulations specified in this manual. It is mandatory that all new employees shall be instructed and trained in the safety regulations and guidelines (Safety Induction) prior to starting their work.
  • §2.5(12)Safety training shall be conducted by certified external safety company approved by concerned authority, in addition to the internal training conducted by safety representative according to the nature and activities of the project and the hazard associated with each activity.
  • §2.14(1)1. Every contractor/subcontractor shall provide every website with the necessary signs, signals and barricades to warn employees against hazards and to prevent accidents. (Refer to Chapter 6 on Signs, Signals and Barricades).
  • §2.15(1)Every contractor shall ensure that machinery, equipment and tools available in the workplace are in good operating condition and if used, employees shall not be adversely affected if they comply with their operational instructions.
  • §2.15(2)Every crane and lifting equipment (i.e. tower cranes, mobile cranes, construction hoists and forklifts) shall be fully inspected one time every 12 months by an inspection body (company) approved and accredited by Competent authority and a safety certificate shall be obtained. The contractor shall conduct regular and periodical maintenance to ensure that it is safe and to compare this with the issued safety certificate and record the inspection results in a special log.
  • §2.15(3)The contractor shall inspect rigging tools (such as alloy chains, wire ropes, shackles, and eye bolts) every 6 months.
  • §2.15(4)Earth moving, compacting and leveling equipment and crawlers (Such as excavators, bulldozers, trucks, crawlers and graders shall inspected one time every 12 months and obtain a certificate from accredited inspection company.
  • §2.15(5)The contractor shall conduct periodical inspection every 6 months to all personal and material hoist equipment, this inspection shall be conducted by an inspection authority (company) accredited by Competent authority and shall obtain a safety certificate from this company. The inspection body shall conduct a regular and periodical inspection every 3 months to ensure.
  • §2.15(7)Contractor shall inspect all types of scaffolds on site (Supported scaffolds, suspended scaffolds and cradles once every 6 months by an inspection authority (company) and obtains the relevant safety certificates, the test will be repeated in case of any alteration, increasing the height level of the scaffold and moving it to another place.
  • §2.15(8)All operators of all machinery and equipment mentioned above shall be tested every 12 months by an approved and accredited inspection authority (third party inspection body) and issuing a qualifying certificate to each operator.
  • §2.15(9)All air receivers, compressors, pressure vessels shall be inspected once every 12 months by an approved and accredited inspection authority (Third party inspection body) and the relevant certificates shall be issued.
  • §2.15(10)In case of carrying out any changes or alteration to the lifting machinery or equipment by the contractor or occurrence of any environment conditions which may affect the safety of these equipment, the previous certificate shall be considered cancelled and a new inspection must be carried out by an approved and accredited inspection authority (Third party inspection body) and a new certificate shall be issued.
  • §2.15(11)The contractor shall conduct periodical maintenance for all machinery, equipment and lifting equipment (slings) in the worksite in accordance with the manufacturers’
  • §2.16(1)All required safety precautions must be implemented throughout every stage of the work, including any periods of suspension, to ensure the protection of buildings, facilities, nearby residents, metro and tram lines and stations, as well as all public transportation systems and public amenities.
  • §2.16(2)The structural condition of the buildings and adjacent walls must be inspected prior to the commencement of work, and any damage, cracks, or settlement identified in these structures must be properly documented.
  • §2.16(3)The relevant department must be notified of any damage or defects in buildings, adjacent facilities, and public utilities, whether such damage existed prior to or resulted from the execution of the work. Any damage caused by the contractor during the course of the work must be rectified in accordance with a method approved by the engineering office, under their supervision, and in coordination with the affected neighbor.
  • §2.16(4)All adjacent parts of neighboring buildings, including façades, annexes, carports, and similar elements, must be adequately covered and protected throughout the duration of the work.
  • §2.16(5)Protective barriers must be installed along the dividing walls adjacent to neighboring buildings, extending to a height of not less than 2 meters above the wall, to prevent the spread of materials, dust, and debris.
  • §2.16(6)Workers must remain within the site boundaries at all times during their presence on the project and must not be permitted to leave the site or enter adjacent roads and streets.
  • §2.16(7)All essential needs and facilities for workers must be provided on site, including designated prayer areas, drinking water, temporary sanitary facilities, and similar amenities, to minimize the need for workers to leave the site during rest periods.
  • §2.16(8)In case of the work stoppage at the site, the contractor must ensure that the site is securely closed and that a permanent guard is in place to prevent unauthorized access and maintain public safety. The contractor is also required to maintain the site fencing, ensure proper cleaning and organization, and promptly remove debris and waste to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the Emirate of Dubai. “Appendix A” Form No. 1: Work Accidents

Chapter 3 – Occupational Health and Environmental

  • §3.1.1(1)The contractor shall carry out all necessary medical examinations for all employees who will be assigned to special works which necessitate such medical examinations to ensure that those employees are medically ft and free of diseases which might be caused by such work.
  • §3.1.1(2)The contractor shall ensure the capability of the employees to withstand the surrounding circumstances of the work which they will perform.
  • §3.1.2(1)First-aiders shall be adequately aware of the appropriate first aid for the treatment of injured persons. They shall have the ability to detect the place and type of injury, how they render temporary first aid for injured persons and how to transfer them to the nearest physician, medical center or hospital without causing any extra complications. The injured persons shall not be cared of or transferred except by qualified and accredited personnel by the authorities concerned.
  • §3.1.2(2)The contractor shall ensure the availability of medical personnel prior to commencement of the project for prompt medical attention in case of accidents or serious injury. First Aiders names shall be posted on notice boards in all workplace offices (according to table no. 1) Table (1) Required number of first aiders First aid Staff Part-time first-aider (performing other jobs and
  • §3.1.2(3)The part-time first aider shall be permanently available in the workplace to provide the necessary first aid in case of accidents or serious injuries in the worksite. The first aider shall have experience, adequate training in first aid and accredited by the authorities concerned and shall have the knowledge of how to act in case of emergencies. He shall know the places where first aid equipment are available in the worksite.
  • §3.1.2(4)Full-time first aider shall be scientifically qualified not less than obtaining secondary school certificate (G12 pre-university degree). He shall obtain adequate training in first aid and accredited by the authorities concerned (Medical Department – Medical Services – Dubai) or by any other specialized companies accredited by Competent Authority. He shall be responsible for all first aid equipment in the worksite.
  • §3.1.2(5)First aid boxes contain sufficient quantity of suitable first aid materials shall be provided and shall be placed in clearly identified and readily accessible locations. These boxes shall be protected against weather conditions, dust or rain, and shall be inspected on weekly basis and before sending them out of the worksite to ensure the replacement of the consumed materials. (According to table no. 2)
  • §3.1.2(6)A tag shall be fixed on all telephone sets with telephone numbers of responsible parties to call them in case of emergencies (ambulance, hospitals, fire brigade, police, municipality emergency, concerned authority …) also in well known places for all personnel in the workplace. Communication facilities on site shall be inspected to ensure their validity for work. A map shall be prepared to identify the best way leads to the nearest medical facility to the workplace. This map shall be displayed on safety announcement and advertisement board.
  • §3.1.2(7)When there are 250 or more persons at work on site, a suitable staffed and equipped first aid room shall be provided and maintained. This room shall be provided with suitable illumination in case of emergencies. (According to table no. 3)
  • §3.1.2(8)Employees who are responsible for first aid or medical assistance procedures shall obtain appropriate training on blood borne pathogens and shall be provided with personal protective equipment and apparatuses and shall use and preserve them (the protective tube used in CPR procedure, protective clothing, gloves, masks and eye protective apparatuses) to prevent contact with blood or any other contaminated materials that might transfer infection. In case any similar case detected, it shall be immediately referred to the medical authorities concerned.
  • §3.1.2(9)They shall have an exposure control plan identifies all steps that shall be followed for protection against such diseases hazards. Fig. 1
  • §3.1.2(10)In workplaces where the employees may be exposed to eye hazards by corrosives or any other substances, eye wash stations shall be provided in easy accessible unobstructed places, travel distance to reach such facilities shall not exceed 30 m. (See fig. #1).
  • §3.1.2(11)11. First aid facilities shall be in accordance with the specified requirements in the technical guideline no ( 26 ) issued by the Specialized Department.
  • §3.1.2(a)The contractor shall keep files including employees’ medical reports for a period not less than (5) five years to present them on
  • §3.2.1(1)Workplace shall regularly be kept clean and all construction wastes such as cement bags, wood and aluminum rubbish, etc.
  • §3.2.1(a)Flammable and combustible liquids shall never be spilled on grounds or walls and shall be cleaned up immediately.
  • §3.2.1(b)Metal containers with covers shall be provided to collect rags wetted with combustible substances or other highly hazardous
  • §3.2.2(1)A suitable dining area shall be provided in accordance with sound general hygienic conditions. It shall be protected against sun
  • §3.2.2(2)All joint and shared dining areas shall be provided, operated and maintained in accordance with the legislations of the authority
  • §3.2.2(3)All food services in the workplace shall be complying with the requirements of the authority concerned and sufficient number
  • §3.2.2(4)All occupational health and housekeeping rules shall be followed for food services in the workplace.
  • §3.2.2(5)Containers of rotten or hazardous wastes shall be manufactured in a way that prevent leakage and enable full and
  • §3.2.2(6)Solid and liquid wastes shall be removed promptly to keep a healthy environment.
  • §3.3(1)All Sanitary piping and installations shall be in accordance with the technical standards and specifications of sanitation facilities approved by the Competent department in Dubai Municipality or competent authority.
  • §3.3(2)Adequate sanitation facilities, sanitary sewage and water source shall be provided in the workplace in accordance with the following table: No. of Employees Minimum number of Sanitary facilities 20 or less 1 toilet seat + urinal + lavatory From 21 to 200 (1 toilet seat + urinal + lavatory) per 40 employees’ sequence More than 200 (1 toilet seat + urinal + lavatory) per 50 employees’ sequence No. of Employees Minimum number of Sanitary facilities 20 or less 1 toilet seat + urinal + lavatory From 21 to 200 (1 toilet seat + urinal + lavatory) per 40 employees’ sequence More than 200 (1 toilet sea
  • §3.3(3)Every sanitation facility and its openings shall be covered as appropriately as to prevent exposure to different weather conditions and falling materials. Toilets shall be separated with partitions and lockable doors for privacy purposes.
  • §3.3(4)Sanitation facilities shall be made accessible in all time in near proximity to the worksite and shall be equipped with suitable cleansing agents.
  • §3.3(5)Urinal facilities shall be provided in appropriate enclosed places so that it cannot be seen from any other places inside or outside the location.
  • §3.3(6)Sanitation facilities shall be maintained and kept permanently clean. The sanitation and washing facilities shall be daily cleaned up by water and soap and sterilized twice a week at least.
  • §3.3(7)Sanitation facilities shall be provided with adequate lighting and ventilation.
  • §3.3(8)In case lead components, permanent poisoned or colored materials are used, the workplace shall be provided with special sink for hand wash for every five employees in addition to soap and a brush for nails wash and any other washing means with an adequate water source to remove these materials.
  • §3.3(9)Adequate size holding tank shall be provided and regularly cleaned as required. Soak away or analyzing tanks shall not be permitted in the workplace.
  • §3.3(10)In case of modern toilets, they shall be provided with toilet seat and cover. All sanitary supplies shall be provided with adequate toilet cleaning tissues.
  • §3.3(11)In case temporary toilets are required for employees in high floors of the building, the sanitary sewage system shall be made in accordance with the engineering specifications and rules.
  • §3.3(12)Temporary toilet facilities and septic tanks must be located at a suitable distance from neighboring residents, with due consideration given to prevailing wind direction to prevent the spread of unpleasant odors.
  • §3.4(1)A supply of potable water shall be provided in accordance with the quality standards applied by Dubai Emirates and which is approved for drinking purposes by the local authority having jurisdiction (the authority concerned). Cold potable water shall be provided in hot weather.
  • §3.4(2)An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all places of employment and shall be distributed in such a manner as to prevent contamination between water consumer and the supply source.
  • §3.4(4)Drinking water shall be dispensed by water-pipelines installed in accessible locations for usage and maintenance purposes and equipped with taps. There shall be 2 meters separate distance at least between a pipe-system furnishing potable water and a pipe-system furnishing non-potable water.
  • §3.4(5)The common drinking cup (one cup to be used for many) shall be prohibited and where disposable cups (to be used once) are used, a waste receptacle for disposing of the used cups shall be provided.
  • §3.4(6)Potable water tanks shall be fabricated of anti-corrosion materials, which shall not affect the physical or chemical properties of potable water. Also these materials shall not cause any alteration of the color, taste or odor of the potable water, and shall not be affected by heat or humidity, opaque ( not transparent) and has no any bad health effect, and in accordance with the regulations of the concerned department.
  • §3.4(7)Potable water tanks shall be clearly marked as containing «Safe drinking water».
  • §3.4(8)When designing potable water tanks, consideration shall be given to avoid sharp angles between tank walls which will allow the accumulation of dirt and germs and restrict cleaning operations.
  • §3.4(9)Any container used to distribute drinking water shall be clearly marked as to the nature of its contents and not used for any other purpose.
  • §3.4(10)Uncovered containers shall not be used and potable water shall not be stored in any other containers not designed for storing potable water.
  • §3.5(1)Outlets for non-potable water shall be conspicuously posted, “Danger, Water Unfit for Drinking, Washing or Cooking” in Arabic Language, English Language and the most common language used in the workplace.
  • §3.5(2)There shall be no cross-connection, open or potential, between a system furnishing potable water and a system furnishing non-potable water.
  • §3.6(1)All toilets shall be provided with adequate and sufficient number of washing facilities (lavatory) in accordance with item 3.3.2 of this chapter.
  • §3.6(2)Each washing facility shall be kept in good sanitary condition and provided with hot and cold running water, body soap and individual cloth towels.
  • §3.6(3)Whenever bathing is required by a particular standard, showers shall be provided in accordance with the following standards:
  • §3.6(d)One shower shall be provided for each 10 employees of each sex, who are required to shower during the same shift.
  • §3.6(e)Body soap or other appropriate cleansing agents convenient to the showers shall be provided.
  • §3.6(f)Showers shall be provided with hot and cold running water.
  • §3.6(g)Employees who use showers shall be provided with individual clean towels
  • §3.6(4)Whenever employees are required by a particular standard to wear protective clothing, change rooms equipped with storage facilities for street clothes and separate storage facilities for the protective clothing shall be provided.
  • §3.6(5)Adequate washing facilities shall be provided for employees engaged in the application of paints, coating, insecticides, or herbicides, or in other operations where contaminants may be present. Such facilities shall be in near proximity to the worksite and shall be so equipped as to enable employees to remove such harmful substances.
  • §3.8(1)No temporary residences shall be erected in worksites unless after obtaining approval from the concerned department in competent authority.
  • §3.8(2)When temporary residences for employees are permitted, they shall be adequately heated, air-conditioned, ventilated, and lighted and shall be provided with a good sewage system.
  • §3.8(3)Open areas and lands surrounding temporary residences shall be kept free of accumulation of garbage, trash, paper rubbish, dirt and other wastes.
  • §3.8(4)Temporary residences shall provide protection against weather conditions. Every sleeping room shall be at least 4 square meters (40 square feet) floor area for everyone in accordance with the conditions and specifications specified by the concerned department in competent authority.
  • §3.8(5)Areas for rest and protection against bad weather conditions shall be provided for employees.
  • §3.9(1)Adequate and appropriate illumination in Construction areas, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops, and storage areas shall be provided.
  • §3.9(2)Construction areas, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops, and storage areas shall be lighted to not less than the minimum illumination intensities listed in the following table. Area Illumination intensity (Lux)
  • §3.9(3)The technical guideline number (12) shall be referred to in this regard.
  • §3.10(1)The contractor shall provide adequate and appropriate ventilation in confined or enclosed spaces such as vaults, basements and water tanks to discharge dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases produced in the course of construction work to the outside atmosphere.
  • §3.10(2)Whenever hazardous substances such as dusts, fumes, vapors, or gases exist, the contractor shall provide adequate ventilation systems which include local ventilation to exhaust those hazardous materials from the workplace.
  • §3.10(3)When ventilation systems in the workplace are unavailable, inadequate or out of order, the contractor shall provide adequate protective equipment for employees in accordance with the technical guidelines no. (7) issued by the Competant Department in Dubai Municipality.
  • §3.11(1)Noise affecting public and neighbors: allowable noise levels resulting from workplaces during the period from 7 am to 8 pm and in the period from 8 pm to 7 am shall not exceed the following levels: Allowable Limits for Noise Level in Different Areas Allowable Limits for Noise Level (dBA)* Area Day (7 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Night (8 p.m. - 7 a.m.)
  • §3.11(3)The contractor shall not expose the employees in the workplace to noise levels higher than levels specified in table (5) (5) Table Sound Level dBA Duration per day, hours 85 hours 8 87 hours 6 90 hours 4 92 hours 3 95 hours 2 97 One hour and half 100 One hour 102 minutes 45 105 minutes 30 107 minutes 22.5 110 minutes 15 115 minutes 7.5
  • §3.11(4)When employees in workplace are exposed to sound levels exceeding those listed in above table (5), feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. Some examples of engineering controls include installation of noise reducing baffles or installation of vibration absorbers for machinery which produce noise. Administrative controls include, for example, the reduction of noise exposure time to employees, posting of appropriate warning signs and appropriate training for employees. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table, appropriate personal prot
  • §3.11(5)In all cases where the sound levels exceed the values shown, a continuing effective hearing conservation program shall be administered for.
  • §3.11(7)When the daily noise exposure is composed of two or more periods of noise exposure of different levels, their combined effect should be considered rather than the individual effect of each. Exposure to different levels for various periods of time shall be computed according to the following formula:
  • §3.11(8)In all cases where noise levels exceeding those listed in table (5), appropriate hearing conservation guidelines shall be posted in known places to all employees.
  • §3.11(9)Exposure to impulsive or impact noise resulting from heavy gavels shall not exceed 140 dBA peak sound pressure level, where the variations in noise level involve maxima at intervals of 1 second or more as shown in table (6). If the intervals are less than one second, it shall be considered continuous within the values shown in table (5). Table (6) Sound Level dBA Permitted number of impacts per work shift (8 hours) 140 dBA 100 Impacts 130 dBA 1000 Impacts 140 dBA 10000 Impacts
  • §3.11(10)The contractor shall obtain a night work permit from the competent authority before the initiation of any work which produce noise in neighborhood areas during the night time period from 8 pm to 6 am, in compliance with all the conditions specified in the work permit and provision of the following conditions:
  • §3.12(1)The contractor shall arrange to remove gases and vapors from places in the workplace where employees perform their jobs to prevent hazards and injuries which may affect respiratory system or any other parts of the body.
  • §3.12(3)The contractor shall provide appropriate procedures for protection against atmospheric contaminants (gases, vapors, dusts) and prevent the exposure of employees in different worksites to harmful concentrations higher than permissible levels specified in technical guidelines no. (31) on occupational health.
  • §3.12(4)To reduce exposure to less than harmful levels specified in tables therein, the contractor shall apply the appropriate engineering and administrative controls for example: Use tools equipped with wetting method (water suppression of dust) or exhaust system to exhaust dusts, when such controls are not feasible to achieve full compliance, proper personal protective equipment shall be used.
  • §3.12(5)The contractor shall take all necessary precautions (for example adequate ventilation, proper storage of hazardous materials) to limit the release of dust, mist, fumes and volatile liquids by applying the following:
  • §3.12(c)Garbage chutes shall be used for disposal of debris or mechanical equipment or any other appropriate method, in all cases debris shall be prohibited to be thrown directly from higher floors.
  • §3.12(6)The contractor shall take all adequate and necessary measures to eliminate gas and fume emission from equipment and machinery used in different worksites through continuous maintenance of these equipment and machinery and providing them with special filters to prevent the emission of fumes and gases.
  • §3.12(7)The contractor shall not dispose debris by burning them inside or outside the workplace. They shall be transferred to the dumping areas approved by the authorities concerned.
  • §3.12(8)All façades of the work area must be fully covered with dense, standard protective barriers made of suitable materials to prevent the spread of dust, dirt, splashes, liquids, and paints.
  • §3.12(9)Safe aisles with adequate protective canopies shall be provided to protect passengers against exposure to volatile liquids, construction wastes or falling objects.
  • §3.13.1(1)Reference shall be made to Regulations on Hazardous Goods Management/Control of 1997 specified in Chapter Four issued by Dubai Municipality.
  • §3.13.1(2)Appliances which constitute hazardous radiation source on employees shall not be used without appropriate permissions from the authorities concerned.
  • §3.13.1(3)Employees shall not be permitted to be exposed to radiation doses exceeding the permissible limits specified by the authorities concerned in accordance with age and gender.
  • §3.13.1(4)When determining the radiation doses, all internal and external radiation sources shall be considered whether the effect is immediately (one exposure) or accumulated effects.
  • §3.13.1(5)Technical guidelines (20) on radiation types and safety precautionary measures and procedures shall be applied.
  • §3.13.1(6)Necessary medical examinations shall be conducted to all employees to determine the exposed doses, and the result of these examinations shall be recorded in special log kept on site to be inspected by authorities concerned and take the necessary measures accordingly.
  • §3.13.1(7)Any activity which involves the use of radioactive materials or x-rays shall be performed only under the supervision of a competent person specially trained and has an approved certificate from the authorities concerned authorizes him to perform such activities.
  • §3.13.1(8)All areas where radioactive materials and tools are used shall be temporary or permanently barricaded, and proper warning signs in Arabic, English and the most common language used in the worksite shall be posted (fig. # 3).
  • §3.13.1(9)Primary (basic), periodical and final medical examinations shall be conducted and provided to all employees working in this field in accordance with the guidelines and regulations of the authorities concerned. Fig. 3
  • §3.14(1)Employees shall not be exposed to vibrations resulting from electrical or compressed air equipment more than the allowable limit (2.8 M/S2) during 8 hours per day. (See fig. # 4).
  • §3.14(2)The contractor shall select equipment with vibration levels less than those allowable limits and in case that is not feasible, vibration hazards can be minimized by using anti-vibration gloves and any other alternative method.
  • §3.14(4)All the recommendations and guidelines of the manufacturing company regarding use, maintenance and safety rules shall be followed. (4 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §3.14(5)The contractor must refrain from using excavation methods, pile installation, or shoring systems that generate vibrations which could adversely affect the safety of adjacent buildings, facilities, and utilities.
  • §3.15(1)All employees working in locations where they are exposed to high heat, shall be instructed on heat hazards, different heat- related illnesses, accompanying symptoms for each type and case and methods of prevention and treatment.
  • §3.15(2)Proper warning signs shall be posted.
  • §3.16(1)The contractor shall be committed to and comply with all items specified in the Council of Ministers decree no. (39) of 2006 on banning importation, exportation, production and utilization of asbestos sheets and the technical guidelines no. (13) on safety procedures regarding working in demolition worksites where there is an exposure to asbestos fibers.
  • §3.16(2)The contractor shall be responsible for the health of his employees who perform works on asbestos-containing materials or asbestos fiber-releasing materials in demolition worksites. He shall be responsible for the protection of any of his employees who might be exposed to asbestos dust. All precautions shall be taken to prevent the spread of asbestos dust and fibers within the working environment. (demolition worksites)
  • §3.16(3)The contractor shall take adequate precautions/controls to prevent emissions of asbestos dust or fiber into the environment or workplace by preventing abrading operations or using of abrasive wheel disks for cutting asbestos materials.
  • §3.16(4)All employees shall be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing and shall ensure they wear them. (protective clothing, safety shoes, protective glasses, gloves, proper respirators for asbestos fibers).
  • §3.16(5)Asbestos dust and fibers on grounds shall be cleaned up by vacuum cleaning machines.
  • §3.16(6)Asbestos fibers shall be kept in dust-tight double plastic bags.
  • §3.16(7)All asbestos bags shall be labeled with approved printed warning signs (information cards) that identify asbestos health hazards.
  • §3.16(8)All asbestos wastes shall be collected, wetted and kept in dust-tight non-preamble bags.
  • §3.16(9)Asbestos wastes shall be disposed of in accordance with the regulations of the authorities concerned in Dubai.
  • §3.16(10)If any employee is exposed to airborne asbestos dust resulted from cutting and drilling asbestos products shall be immediately reported to the concerned medical authorities and necessary medical examination shall be conducted to him by a specialized doctor.
  • §3.16(11)Approval must be obtained from the relevant department responsible for issuing permits for hazardous material disposal prior to commencing any demolition works involving components that contain asbestos sheets.
  • §3.17(1)Employee who carry out waste collection shall be provided with necessary and appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • §3.17(2)Plastic bags shall be provided for waste collection and dust-tight metal containers shall be provided for keeping the plastic bags until disposed of.
  • §3.17(3)Construction material wastes shall be disposed of regularly and frequently to prevent accumulation in roads and passageways. They shall be removed to the specified areas designated by authorities concerned.
  • §3.17(4)Containers of solid or liquid rotten wastes shall be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. They shall be fully cleaned up, kept healthy and provided with suitable covers. They shall be emptied in coordination with the authorities concerned.
  • §3.17(5)Debris shall be removed by means of garbage chutes, mechanical equipment or any other appropriate means. In all cases, they shall never be thrown directly to ground from high floors.
  • §3.17(6)The disposal or burial of waste, debris, and leftover concrete in adjacent open lands is strictly prohibited. A designated area within the site must be allocated for the collection of all debris and waste.
  • §3.17(7)Construction waste must be segregated and classified on site according to type, and disposed of in accordance with the requirements and regulations set out in the Waste Segregation Guide issued by the relevant authority.

Chapter 4 – Personal Protective Equipment

  • §4.1(1)The contractor shall provide at his expense, personal protective equipment (PPE) required for different operations and shall take
  • §4.1(2)The contractor shall assess the workplace hazards to determine the PPE as required for the job being performed. The contractor
  • §4.1(3)Personal protective equipment approved by the concerned parties and comply with the requirements of this manual shall be
  • §4.1(4)Personal protective equipment shall be properly fitting for each employee and adequate for the work he performs.
  • §4.1(5)Employees shall be physically able and medically determined qualified (medical examination) to use respiratory protection
  • §4.1(6)Contractor shall ensure that users of personal protective equipment are trained by their direct supervisors to know how to use
  • §4.1(7)When personal protective equipment are not in use, they shall be kept in plastic bags and maintained in such a sanitary and
  • §4.1(8)Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be suitable for the worker’s body, comfortable to wear, and easy to use. It should
  • §4.1(9)Workers must be trained in the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to develop the necessary knowledge and
  • §4.2.1(2)Safety helmets shall meet the specifications contained in the technical guidelines no. ( 1 ) issued
  • §4.2.1(3)Before using a safety helmet, it shall be inspected to ensure their safe reliable working condition,
  • §4.2.1(4)All points of entry to a hard-hat areas shall have a sign warning of the requirement to wear
  • §4.2.1(5)The contractor shall prevent any worker, visitor or supervisor from entering to the worksite
  • §4.2.2(1)Employees shall be provided with eye and face protection equipment when machines or operations present potential eye or
  • §4.2.2(2)Eye and face protection equipment shall meet the requirements specified in the technical guidelines no ( 2 ) issued by the
  • §4.2.2(3)Employees whose vision requires the use of medical spectacles shall be protected by one of the following types:
  • §4.2.2(4)Table (4 – 1) shall be used as a guide for the selection of the proper shade numbers of filter lenses or plates used in welding.
  • §4.2.3(1)1. Where it is not possible to reduce the noise levels in the workplace to the permissible noise exposure levels specified in Table (4 – 3), by using different engineering controls, the contractor shall provide the employees with ear protective devices. Employees shall be trained on correct ft, use, and maintenance of PPE and on how to keep them in a sanitary and reliable condition. The selection of protectors shall be comfortably used in accordance with the technical guideline no (4) issued by the Specialized Department.
  • §4.2.3(2)Ear protective devices inserted in the ear or earmuffs shall conform to the international standards (British, European and American standards).
  • §4.2.3(3)Plain cotton is prohibited as an acceptable protective device against noise hazards.
  • §4.2.4(1)The contractor shall provide safety shoes for all employees in Steel Cap construction or demolition workplaces to protect their feet from any potential injury.
  • §4.2.4(2)Selection of safety shoes shall be determined in consideration of the hazards or potential hazards in the workplace and they shall comply with the requirements and specifications in the technical Puncture resistant sole guideline no (8) issued by the Specialized Department. (fig. 4)
  • §4.2.4(3)Safety shoes lined with steel toe cap covering top and steel sole shall be used in worksite.
  • §4.2.4(4)For wet and muddy conditions, rubber boots shall be used.
  • §4.2.4(5)Where live electrical current is the hazard (during working in electrical installation), non-conductive safety footwear with adequate insulation according to the nature of work shall be used.
  • §4.2.5(1)The contractor shall implement adequate engineering and administrative controls to prevent employees’ exposure to harmful atmospheric contaminants (gases, fumes,vapors, mists, sprays, bad smells, etc.)
  • §4.2.5(2)The contractor shall provide appropriate respiratory protection equipment, which shall be used in compliance with the details in the technical guideline ( 7 ) issued by the Specialized Department.
  • §4.2.5(3)Respiratory equipment shall be of the appropriate types and suitable for the contaminants to which the employees are exposed.
  • §4.2.5(4)The contractor shall prepare a written program plan for respiratory protection which specifies the standard operating procedures controlling the selection and usage of respirators.
  • §4.2.5(5)No employee shall be permitted to enter or work in any workplace where the percentage of oxygen is less than 19.5 % unless he is provided with a source of air with high purification quality.
  • §4.2.5(6)No employee shall be permitted to enter to septic tanks or non – ventilated basements unless these places have been ventilated and ensured that adequate oxygen levels is available and free of explosive gases after being tested using oxygen and gas detectors.
  • §4.2.5(7)Confined spaces located under ground level shall be provided with the following types of devices which shall be used according to the nature of work:
  • §4.2.5(8)Table 4-4 shall be used as a guide in the selection of respiratory protection devices forthe hazards and hazardous operations noted. Table (4-4) Selection of Respiratory Protection Devices Hazard Respirator Self contained breathing apparatus. Hose mask with blower.
  • §4.2.5(9)Compressed breathing air in respiratory protection equipment must meet at least the requirements specified in table number (4 – 5) and it may be guided by the specification for breathing air Type 1 - Grade D described in ANSI/CGA G-7.1-1989. Table (4-5) Description Limits
  • §4.2.6(1)Any contractor shall provide adequate and suitable hand protection for any person handling rough, abrasive, sharp or excessively coarse material such as reinforcement rods,pre-cast concrete, etc. or toxic and corrosive materials, electricity, hot materials.
  • §4.2.6(2)The material of the protective equipment shall be suitable for the operation ensuring proper protection against the hazard, as detailed in technical guideline # (3) issued by the specialized department.
  • §4.2.6(3)Employees working in construction activities shall be provided by the suitable gloves according to the type of work as follows:
  • §4.2.6(4)Any damaged gloves shall be disposed of and replaced with new gloves.
  • §4.2.7(1)Every contractor shall provide adequate and suitable protective clothing for all
  • §4.2.7(2)Reference shall be made to the technical guideline # 6 issued by the specialized
  • §4.2.8(1)Each employee working at a level which is 2 m (6 feet) or more above lower level shall be provided with safety harness and
  • §4.2.8(3)Safety belt lanyard shall be minimum of 1 cm thickness of nylon or
  • §4.2.8(4)Safety harness and lanyard must bring an employee to a complete
  • §4.2.8(5)Safety belt shall not be used for fall protection. (fig. 8)
  • §4.2.8(6)Safety belts shall be used only as a part of an worker positioning system (Restricted employee from reaching to the edges)
  • §4.2.8(7)The requirements and specifications shall conform to technical guideline # (5) issued by the specialized department. (fig. 9,10)
  • §4.2.9(1)Safety nets shall be provided when working places are more than 8 meters above the ground or water surface or other surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines or safety harnesses is impracticable.
  • §4.2.9(2)Where safety net protection is required, operations shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested without failure.
  • §4.2.9(3)The requirements and specifications shall conform to the technical guideline (fig. 12) # (19) issued by the specialized department
  • §4.2.9(4)Safety net shall extend not less than 2.5 meters (8 feet) horizontal distance beyond the edge of the work surface and this distance shall be increased whenever the distance between the work surface and the net is increased.
  • §4.2.9(5)Safety nets shall be installed in locations where employees are exposed to falling objects.
  • §4.2.9(6)Safety net shall be installed as close under the work surface as practicable but in no case more than 8 meters (25 feet) below such work surface.
  • §4.2.9(7)Nets shall be hung with sufficient clearance to prevent user’s contact with surfaces or structures below.
  • §4.2.9(8)The maximum size of each safety net mesh opening shall not exceed 15 cm x 15 cm.
  • §4.2.9(9)Safety nets shall be inspected at least once a week for wear, damage, and (fig. 13) other dete rioration. Safety nets shall be capable of absorbing an impact force of drop test consisting of a 180 kilogram (400-pound) bag of sand 76 cm (30 inches) in diameter dropped from the highest walking/working surface at which workers are exposed, but not less than 1.1 meters (42 inches) above the level.
  • §4.2.9(10)Forged steel safety hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the not to its support. (Fig. # 12)
  • §4.2.9(11)Any material, scrap, tools or equipment that falls into the net must be removed as soon as possible but no later than the end of the work shift.
  • §4.3.1(2)All platforms near water shall be adequately illuminated.
  • §4.3.1(3)Adequate protective clothing and equipment, suitable for the work involved shall be provided and worn.
  • §4.3.1(4)Adequate number of rescuer according to the nature of work performed shall be provided.
  • §4.3.1(5)A first Aider, trained in Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and familiar with both rescue and treatment of drowning must
  • §4.3.1(6)A minimum of two persons shall carry out the job, to ensure that always there are someone who can activate the alarm
  • §4.3.1(1)Platforms and gangways must be a minimum of 80 cm wide complete with guard rails and toe-boards. (Fig. # 13).
  • §4.3.3(1)Employees working over or near water where the danger of drowning exists shall be provided with approved life jacket or
  • §4.3.3(2)Buoyancy aids which is manually inflated shall be able to support even an unconscious person face upwards within 5 seconds
  • §4.3.3(3)Life jackets and buoyancy aids shall be inspected for defects that would alter its strength or buoyancy. Defective devices shall
  • §4.3.3(5)Lightweight throwing lines of adequate lengths attached to a floating capsule or floating canvas bag shall be provided for
  • §4.3.3(6)Self illuminated lights shall be used when working at night.
  • §4.3.3(7)Employees working over or near water shall be trained on the proper rescue procedures,how to act in case of emergency and
  • §4.3.3(8)The distance between ring buoys shall not exceed 60 meters (200 feet).
  • §4.3.3(9)All rescue equipment shall be inspected on daily basis to ensure that it is in its place, and functioning properly. (fig. 15) (fig. 16) (fig. 17)
  • §4.3.4(1)At least one life-saving skift (boat) shall be immediately available at locations where employees are working over or adjacent
  • §4.3.5(1)The number of persons at work shall be periodically checked to ensure that no one is missing.

Chapter 5 – Fire Protection and Prevention

  • §5.4(1)The contractor shall submit a map showing all firefighting equipment locations, rescue entries, emergency exists, means of egress, assembly points, access to all required firefighting equipment and apparatuses and fire hydrants in the workplace. This map shall be reviewed and approved by the engineering office.
  • §5.4(2)The contractor shall develop a fire protection and prevention plan throughout all phases of the construction and demolition works. The contractor shall ensure the availability of all required fire protection and suppression equipment as specified in this manual.
  • §5.4(3)The fire protection plan shall include all applied procedures in emergency cases, fire accidents in the worksite, and building or worksite evacuation steps. All employees shall be trained on applying those procedures. Regular fire evacuation drills shall be conducted to ensure the effectiveness of those procedures and the name and telephone numbers of the person(s) responsible(s) of the fire protection plan.
  • §5.4(4)Manual or automatic alarm systems shall be provided in the workplace to be used in case of fire accidents or any other emergency cases to warn the employees to evacuate the location or the building.
  • §5.4(5)A qualified employee in the worksite shall be assigned to regular inspection of all firefighting equipment and ensure their reliable working conditions and shall be provided with appropriate training to perform this inspection.
  • §5.4(6)Access to all firefighting equipment shall be kept free from any obstruction and maintained at all times. All construction sites shall be accessible (fire lane shall be provided) to permit approaching of Civil Defense vehicles/equipment through a not less than a 6-meter-(20 feet)-wide unobstructed access way capable of withstanding firefighting equipment loads.
  • §5.4(7)All exit routs in construction sites shall be properly protected and free of any debris, fall of hazardous materials or any other obstacles in all times. In case any of these exits is closed, an alternative exit shall be provided.
  • §5.4(8)All cars shall park 6 meter (20 feet) away from the new buildings or buildings under construction.
  • §5.4(9)Firefighting equipment shall be located in designated places, visible and easily accessible in all times for all employees in the location. Civil Defense personnel shall be able to access all connections/ facilities and guiding valves and all outside fire protection system components in all times. Guiding signs shall be fixed to clearly identify the location of those components when it is difficult to see them.
  • §5.4(10)A regular inspection shall be conducted for all fighting equipment and maintaining them in good working condition. Damaged or defective equipment shall be replaced immediately.
  • §5.4(11)The contractor shall provide the employees with adequate training on fire fighting procedures.
  • §5.4(12)An adequate means of escape shall be maintained. Gangways, doors and stairs shall be kept free of any obstructions at all times. In view of the changing nature of the construction operations, escape routes shall be frequently surveyed. Illumination shall be provided in emergency cases in each floor such that illumination intensity shall not be less than 50 lux especially near emergency exits.
  • §5.4(13)Adequate emergency exits shall be provided in every building under construction according to the number of employees in the building, and by any means they shall not be less than two emergency exits in each floor above the ground floor.
  • §5.4(14)Adequate signs shall be provided in the location or the building to direct to escape routes of the location or the building which shall be used by all employees in emergency cases to reach to the assembly points. (Fig. # 3).
  • §5.4(15)Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas, whether inside or on the roofs of buildings under construction, as well as in buildings under maintenance, except in designated areas that are specifically assigned and equipped with appropriate fire prevention measures.
  • §5.4(16)Any hot works (welding, cutting, heating and burning) shall not be performed without obtaining appropriate hot work permits.
  • §5.4(18)Building floors shall be numbered from inside and outside the building to facilitate their recognition in case of emergencies.
  • §5.4(19)In demolition operations which include flammable materials, hydrants with fire hoses and water tankers equipped with pumps shall be provided.
  • §5.4(20)All emergency exits shall be provided with self-closing, and 60 min. fire resistant doors to prevent the spread of flames and smoke into these exits or to other floors. (fig. 3)
  • §5.5.1(1)A program shall be prepared to ensure that portable fire extinguishers are fully charged, maintained in a good operating condition and exist in the designated locations at all times.
  • §5.5.1(2)Fire extinguishers shall be located in visible locations, in normal path of travel and shall be easily and readily accessible.
  • §5.5.1(3)Fire extinguishers locations shall be identified with an appropriate size red square fixed above each extinguisher and the wall behind the fire extinguisher shall be painted with red paint if possible.
  • §5.5.1(4)In places where extinguisher cannot be visible as a result of the existence of partitions that prevent its visibility, the extinguisher’s place shall be designated by a distinct sign fixed on an appropriate height which refers to the extinguisher’s location (figure 4). (fig. 4)
  • §5.5.1(5)All extinguishers shall have clear class-identifying signs for easy selection of appropriate extinguisher class in case of fires (as shown in figure 2).
  • §5.5.1(6)All portable extinguishers shall be fixed on holders, special boxes or on shelves except for wheeled extinguishers.
  • §5.5.1(7)All portable extinguishers shall be mounted on walls on heights not more than the following: (figure 5)
  • §5.5.1(8)Extinguishers shall be mounted on walls, so that the operating instructions must face outwards.
  • §5.5.1(9)Different types, capacity, and classes of fire extinguishers shall be provided to protect buildings, according to the type of flammable and combustible materials in the building.
  • §5.5.1(10)Fire extinguishers shall be distributed in easily accessible locations and the maximum travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 15 meters (50 feet).
  • §5.5.1(11)At least one portable fire extinguisher according to the class and capacity specified by the concerned authority shall be located in no less than 8 meter and no more than 15 meter away from any storage area of flammable liquids outside the location.
  • §5.5.1(12)Fire extinguishers shall be provided in each floor of the multi-story buildings in accordance with the above specified requirement in addition to one fire extinguisher at least shall be located adjacent to stairways.
  • §5.5.1(13)Wheeled and portable fire extinguishers located in open areas shall be protected against direct sun rays or surrounding atmospheric conditions by using proper covers.
  • §5.5.1(14)In case of using any fire extinguisher, it shall be refilled and returned immediately to its designated place.
  • §5.5.1(15)All portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected at least monthly to ensure their existence in their locations and that their safety seals are not broken and there are no damages or defects.
  • §5.5.1(16)Periodic maintenance of all fire extinguishers must be carried out carefully, with inspections conducted in accordance with the intervals specified by the relevant authority and in compliance with the applicable requirements and standards set by that authority.
  • §5.5.1(17)A sticker or card shall be fixed on each extinguisher including date of recharging and maintenance with the name and signature of the individual who made the inspection and maintenance.
  • §5.5.1(18)Additional number of spare extinguishers shall be provided to replace any extinguisher needs maintenance.
  • §5.2.2(1)Dry risers mains shall be provided and installed at each level of of the buildings under construction when the height of the same exceeds 18 meters to 30 meters height, and shall be equipped with controllable outlets on each level to be used by connecting fire hoses or hose reels. These risers shall be equipped with proper inlet at the ground level for water supply by fire brigade from outside the building.
  • §5.2.2(2)Wet risers mains shall be installed in the building when exceeds 30 meters height and supplying it with enough water through tanks and movable pumps installed in different floor levels in accordance with its design by a competent organization authorized by the Civil Defense Administration taking into consideration the building area, required number of risers, flammable and combustible material types, the appropriate water amount to extinguish the fires, type and water tanks size.
  • §5.2.2(3)In case of using some floors for the storage of flammable and combustible materials, additional firefighting systems shall be provided in these places such as automatic water sprinklers or water mist units or any other system, that these systems shall be appropriate and adequate for firefighting according to the storage amounts and types of stored materials.
  • §5.2.2(4)All the specifications and requirements for all firefighting systems and equipment used in the location, shall comply with the specification and requirements prescribed by the Civil Defense.
  • §5.2.2(5)The required water supply for adequate operation of the equipment and firefighting systems in the location shall be made available.
  • §5.2.2(6)The contractor and the engineering office shall periodically and continuously ensure that all firefighting
  • §5.2.2(7)Hoses shall be carefully dried after each inspection or use and return them to their
  • §5.2.2(8)All fire fighting equipment and tools shall be only used for fire extinguishing purposes or training and shall not be used for any
  • §5.6.1(1)Electrical wiring and electrical equipment used for light or power purposes shall be installed in compliance with the
  • §5.6.1(2)Internal combustion engine powered equipment shall be so located that the exhausts are well away from combustible
  • §5.6.1(3)Smoking shall be prohibited in all construction sites except for the areas previously designated and provided with special
  • §5.6.1(4)No smoking signs shall be conspicuously posted at all locations except for areas permitted for smoking.
  • §5.6.1(5)Any hot works including welding, cutting, heating and burning shall not be performed without issuing
  • §5.6.2(1)No temporary building shall be erected where it will adversely affect safe means of entrance to and exit from the workplace.
  • §5.6.2(2)Temporary building, when located within another building or structure, shall be of either noncombustible materials or of
  • §5.6.2(3)Temporary buildings shall be located at a distance of not less than 3 meters from any other adjacent buildings or structures.
  • §5.6.2(4)The temporary buildings, divided into rooms, shall be provided with doors to help contain the spread of fire.
  • §5.6.3(1)Combustible materials shall be stacked with due regard to the stability of stacks and in no case higher than 3 meters if stacked
  • §5.6.3(2)Driveways between and around combustible material storage area shall be at least 4 meters wide and maintained free from
  • §5.6.3(3)The entire storage site shall be kept free from accumulation of unnecessary combustible materials. Weeds and grass shall be
  • §5.6.3(4)Method of pilling shall be solid wherever possible and in orderly and regular piles. No combustible material shall be stored
  • §5.6.3(5)Portable fire extinguishers, suitable for the fire hazard involved, shall be provided at convenient, conspicuously accessible
  • §5.6.4(1)Storage shall not obstruct, or adversely affect, means of exit. Materials shall not be stored within one meter of a fire door
  • §5.6.4(2)All materials shall be stored, handled, and pilled with due regard of their fire characteristics.
  • §5.6.4(3)In-compatible materials, which may create a fire hazard, shall be segregated by a barrier having a fire resistance of at least
  • §5.6.4(4)Materials shall be stored to minimize the spread of fire internally and to permit convenient access for firefighting.
  • §5.6.4(5)Clearance shall be maintained around lights and heating surfaces to prevent ignition of combustible materials.
  • §5.6.4(6)All aisles leading to firefighting equipment shall be always kept free from any obstruction. All construction sites shall be accessible
  • §5.7.1(1)Only containers and portable tanks made of material suitable for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be used.
  • §5.7.1(2)Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be stored in areas used for exits, stairways, or normally used for the safe passage of people.
  • §5.7.1(3)No more than 10 gallons of paints and flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored at night in or within 15 meters (50 feet) of the building unless it is stored in an approved flammable liquid storage cabinet in a designated area specified by the project administration.
  • §5.7.1(4)Flammable liquids shall be kept in appropriate safe closed containers (Safety Cans) and stored in a well ventilated storage room either located in a safe area or constructed of fire-resistant concrete, masonry or metal structure.
  • §5.7.1(5)Wherever flammable liquids are stored, all reasonably practicable steps shall be taken to ensure that any flammable liquid which leaks, split or otherwise escape shall be contained or immediately drained of to a suitable container or to a safe place or otherwise treated to make it safe.
  • §5.7.1(6)Outdoor portable tanks shall not be nearer than 3 meters from any building. Each tank shall be surrounded by a dike walls with at least 110 % volume of the total gross capacity of the tank in a manner to contain any leakage and prevent accumulation of spilled flammable liquids to prevent fire. Every two or more portable tanks shall be separated by at least 1.5-meter-clear area.
  • §5.7.1(7)Containers and tanks shall be labeled with the product/material name and «Keep away – Flammable». Containers, in excess of 60 gallons, shall be labeled with «Keep 15 meters clearance of the building».
  • §5.7.1(8)Within 60 meters of each portable tank, there shall be a 5-meter-wide clear access way to permit approach of fire control apparatus.
  • §5.7.1(9)Storage areas shall be kept free of weeds, debris, and other combustible material not necessary to the storage.
  • §5.7.1(10)At least one portable fire extinguisher of the type & capacity as specified by the Civil Defense Department (The concerned authority) shall be located outside of, but not more than 3 meters from, the door opening into any room used for storage of flammable or combustible liquids.
  • §5.7.1(11)At least one portable fire extinguisher, of the type & capacity prescribed by the concerned authority shall be located not less than 8 meters, nor more than 15 meters, from any flammable liquid storage area.
  • §5.7.1(12)Appropriate warning signs shall be posted near flammable liquids storage areas. reference to technical guideline # (40)
  • §5.8.1When LPG cylinders are stored in construction sites, the following provisions shall be applied:
  • §5.8(1)They shall be kept on ground level and readily accessible.
  • §5.8(2)They shall be kept in open air, protected from unauthorized access by a fence not less than 2 meters high.
  • §5.8(3)They shall be stored in an upright position and tightly tied to prevent fall hazards.
  • §5.8(4)They shall be adequately sheltered to be protected against sunrays.
  • §5.8(5)They shall be kept away from all flammable or combustible materials.
  • §5.8(6)They shall be tagged with «LPG – Highly Flammable» and «No Smoking or Naked Flame».
  • §5.8(7)LPG cylinders’ regulators shall be examined and appropriately designed to capable of withstanding an operational pressure more than 250 PSIG. Cylinder hoses shall be examined to withstand operational pressure not less than 350 PSIG, the hose length shall not exceed 2 meters.
  • §5.8(8)A safe separated distance not less than 6 meters (20 feet) shall be maintained between LPG cylinders and other gas cylinders such as oxygen, chlorine and ammonia. If this space cannot be provided because of limited space area, a partition of not less than 1.5 meters (5 feet) high shall be erected and resist fire for not less than 30 minutes.
  • §5.8(9)LPG storage locations shall be provided with appropriate firefighting extinguishers as specified by the concerned authority.
  • §5.8(10)All installations and maintenance shall be performed by trained LPG fitters. All LPG pipelines and hoses shall be tested for safe working/leak conditions.
  • §5.8(11)The use of gas cylinders shall be strictly limited to construction activities only and is prohibited for any other purposes, such as cooking or personal use by site guards.
  • §5.10.1(2)Equipment and machinery shall be allowed to cool down to the surrounding temperature before re-fueled. These equipment shall not re-fueled while running.
  • §5.10.1(3)Equipment and machinery shall be placed in such a way that the direction of its exhaust pipes is directed toward an opposite direction to the location where combustible materials are present. The exhaust pipe is preferred to be directed outside the building.
  • §5.10.2(1)Temporary heating devices powered with liquefied petroleum gas shall be listed and shall be installed, used and maintained in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturer.
  • §5.10.2(2)Heating devices shall be installed away from combustible materials. They shall be refilled with fuel in accordance with the approved provisions.
  • §5.10.2(3)Heaters shall not be used in areas painted with flammable materials. Propane or Kerosene heaters are prohibited to be used inside buildings. Heaters shall not be kept unattended while working.
  • §5.10.2(4)Heating devices shall be located at least 90 cm. (3 feet) away from flammable materials in a safe place protected from fall hazards.
  • §5.10.3(1)Bitumen and tar heaters shall be placed not less than 6 meters (20 feet) away from any combustible materials or combustible floors or building openings.
  • §5.10.3(2)Except heaters fitted with thermostat, a watch person shall be attended at a distance of 30 meters (100 feet) to supervise the heater during its operation.
  • §5.10.3(3)No obstacles shall be allowed between the watch man and the heater. The heater shall be provided with secure covers.
  • §5.10.3(4)One dry powder 9 kg (20 pounds) fire extinguisher shall be placed at a distance of 10 meters (30 feet) away from any heater during operation.
  • §5.10.3(5)At least one dry powder 9 kg (20 pounds) fire extinguisher shall be placed on roof during the application of butch men.
  • §5.10.3(6)Cleaning rags saturated with asphalts and butch men shall be kept away from combustible materials and structure to prevent fires caused by spontaneous ignition of these rags.
  • §5.10.4(1)All wastes and debris accumulated in the building shall be removed on daily basis, and on close intervals as necessary to keep the place clean and tidy.
  • §5.10.4(2)Waste baskets shall be provided inside and outside the building, wastes and debris shall be removed daily.
  • §5.11(1)Drums which contains a flammable liquids shall be stored in a vertical position on pallets to minimize puncturing due to forklifts vehicles handling drums by their side walls.
  • §5.12(1)Procedures to be followed when fire occurs, shall be written in Arabic language, English language and other most common language on site, and shall be displayed at entrances and exits, and near telephone sets. These procedures include important telephone numbers, how to evacuate the building correctly.
  • §5.12(2)Number of workers shall be designated and trained on what they shall do in case of a fire on site.
  • §5.12(3)Regular training on basic measures on fire fighting shall be provided to all employees on site to ensure that they are able to operate and use fire fighting equipment correctly.
  • §5.12(4)All employees shall be trained on steps to be taken should an emergency occur, how to safely evacuate the building and the location of the assembly points.
  • §5.12(5)Smoking is prohibited at all or in vicinity of locations where flammable and combustible materials are stored. Areas shall be conspicuously posted: “NO SMOKING”.
  • §5.12(6)Smoking and using of open flames are prohibited at enclosed facilities.
  • §5.12(7)Non-compatible materials, which may create a fire hazards, shall be segregated by a barrier having a fire resistance of at least 1 hour.
  • §5.12(8)A distance of not less than 6 meters (20 feet) shall be maintained between buildings and structures and sheets and other combustible materials used in construction activities.
  • §5.12(9)All routes and passageways leading to the areas where combustible materials are present shall be maintained free of any obstacles.
  • §5.12(10)When a fire occurred at any site or building under construction, the contractor/engineering office in coordination with the competent department shall carry out a comprehensive assessment, and testing to the building to ensure it is safe and how bad it is affected by fire, and determine the suitable engineering solutions and approve it from the specialized department.

Chapter 6 – Signs, Signals and Barricades

  • §6.2(1)Every contractor or subcontractor shall provide appropriate signs, signals and barricades to warn the employees of hazards to prevent accidents in each work site.
  • §6.2(2)Signs, signals and barricades required in the worksite shall be visible at all times when work is being performed. The colors and symbols used shall conform to international standards.
  • §6.2(3)Wording (text) on the warning signs shall be in Arabic, English and other language known to majority of persons in the workplace.
  • §6.2(4)Guiding and warning signs shall include a symbol/pictorial panel in addition to the text.
  • §6.2(5)All employees shall be informed as to the meaning of the various signs, tags, and barricades used in the workplace and what special precautions are required.
  • §6.2(6)All signs, signals and barricades shall be free from sharp edges and shall be furnished with rounded corners to prevent injuries to employees.
  • §6.2(7)Exit signs affixed to emergency exits shall be of a type which store energy, and shall emit light (stored energy) when the power shuts of and when it is invisible to provide some light to assist employees to find the location of emergency exits during emergency.
  • §6.2(8)Exit signs shall be lettered in legible red letters not less than 15 cm (6 inches) high.
  • §6.2(9)Signs shall be posted in visible locations and the wording on any sign should be concise and easy to read for intended viewing distance. The size of lettering must be as large as possible for intended viewing distance and shall not be less than the limits specified below in table (1). Safety officers on site shall determine the appropriate locations of signs and barricades.
  • §6.5.1(1)A flagman or other appropriate traffic control shall be provided for traffic
  • §6.5.1(3)Flagmen shall be provided with and shall wear a red or orange warning
  • §6.6(1)Accident prevention tags shall be used as a temporary means of
  • §6.6(2)Colors used in accident prevention tags shall conform to those
  • §6.7(4)The contractor shall arrange for perimeter fencing/sheeting to protect the public from hazards.
  • §6.7(5)Flashing amber lights shall be used to warn at night.
  • §6.7(7)The contractor shall obtain approval for all works in the road corridor from the authorities concerned. (fig. 16) (fig. 15)

Chapter 7 – Material Handling and Storage

  • §7.1(1)The contractor shall prepare a sketch of the construction site identifying material storage areas and entrances and exits thereof.
  • §7.1(2)The storage area shall have safe conditions such as provision of necessary safety equipment, fire extinguishers, illumination ... etc.
  • §7.1(3)Guidelines identifying types, hazards, handling and the maximum safe load limits of materials stored in this area shall be conspicuously posted in the storage entrance.
  • §7.1(4)All materials stored shall be stacked or racked to prevent sliding, falling or collapse.
  • §7.1(5)Loads stored on floors, scaffolds, platforms or any temporary structures shall not exceed the designed allowable floor loads. Maximum safe load limits of each floor shall be conspicuously posted in all storage areas and shall not be exceeded (figure 1).
  • §7.1(6)Storage areas shall be adequate to provide safe and free movement of employees, equipment and machinery.
  • §7.1(7)Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear to provide free and safe movement of employees and material handling equipment. Such areas shall be kept in good repair, appropriately and periodically maintained. They shall be of such suitable width for stored material nature and method of material handling.
  • §7.1(8)All material in bags or stored in tiers, unless racked, shall be stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so that it is stable and secured against sliding or overturning. Material more than 10 bags high shall be stacked by stepping back the layers and in no case higher than 4 meters.
  • §7.1(9)Unauthorized persons shall be prohibited from entering storage areas.
  • §7.1(10)Combustible liquids, gases and greases shall be stored in areas designed for this purpose. A clearance of not less than 15 meters shall be maintained between a storage area and any ignition source. A clearance of not less than 4 meters shall be maintained between the combustible materials and any electrical source. Smoking shall be prohibited in such areas and signs, tags and additional barricades shall be provided when necessary.
  • §7.1(11)No material shall be stored behind exit doors and emergency exits in particular. A clearance of not less than (1) meter shall be maintained behind these doors, and kept clear and free from obstructs. Runways leading to emergency exits shall not be obstructed or used for any other purpose.
  • §7.1(12)When a difference in road or working levels exit, means such as ramps, blocking, or grading shall be used to ensure the safe movement of vehicles between the two levels.
  • §7.1(13)Material stored inside buildings under construction shall not be placed within (2) meters of any hoist way or inside floor openings, and not within (3) meters of an exterior wall which does not extend above the top of the material stored.
  • §7.1(14)When materials stored adjacent to a wall, the wall shall be ensured not to be endangered by falling or collapse of stored materials or load side-effects of storage.
  • §7.1(15)Employees required to work on stored material in silos, tanks and similar storage areas and exposed to a fall hazard of a distance more than 2 meters shall be equipped with suitable lifelines and safety belts (figure 2). (fig. 1)
  • §7.2.1(1)Bricks shall be stacked on an even, solid surface.
  • §7.2.1(2)Brick stacks shall not be more than 2 meters in height.
  • §7.2.1(3)When masonry blocks are stacked higher than 2 meters, the stack shall be tapered back one half block per tier above the 2 meters level.
  • §7.2.1(4)The stacked blocks shall not be more than 4 meters high in all cases.
  • §7.2.1(5)Adequate clearance distance shall be maintained between masonry blocks for (fig. 2) free movement and handling.
  • §7.2.2(1)Used lumber shall have all nails withdrawn before stacking (figure 3).
  • §7.2.2(2)Lumber shall be stacked on level and solidly supported sills.
  • §7.2.2(3)Lumber shall be so stacked as to be stable and self supporting.
  • §7.2.2(4)Lumber members shall be stacked level and stable and partitions, if used, shall be erected orthogonally with lumber members. (fig. 3)
  • §7.2.2(5)Lumber piles shall not be stacked beyond a safe height of 3 meters if lumber to be handled manually and 4.5 meters if handled by mechanical equipment (figure 4).
  • §7.2.3(1)Bags of cement and lime shall be stacked 10 cm (4 inches) above land on a dry and level surface. The bags shall not be stacked and interlocked more than 10 bags high. Worn bags shall be removed to prevent spreading of their contents and covered to be protected from atmospheric conditions.
  • §7.2.3(2)The top of the cement bags stack shall be maintained level and stable at all times The height of wood piles should not exceed (3) m particularly during un-stacking and unloading (figure 5). for manual storage and should not exceed (4.5) m
  • §7.2.3(3)The storage area shall be adequate for orderly cement stacking with due regard to the best usage of stored bags. (fig. 4)
  • §7.2.3(4)Clearance of at least 60 cm shall be maintained between the cement stacks and the storage walls.
  • §7.2.4(1)During handling of precast concrete members, employees shall be kept clear from the handling area.
  • §7.2.4(2)Precast concrete members shall be adequately supported to prevent collapse during loading and stacking and ensured not to be placed on each other.
  • §7.2.4(3)Precast concrete members shall be stacked on solid, level surfaces. (fig. 5)
  • §7.2.5(1)Reinforcing and structural steel shall be piled according to their measurements in separated bundles away from
  • §7.2.5(2)Structural steel shall be securely piled to prevent members sliding of or the pile toppling over.
  • §7.2.5(3)Reinforcing steel shall be stored on floors above land with partitions to permit convenient raising and lowering process.
  • §7.2.6(1)Materials shall be separated by concrete walls or steel bridges designed so as to withstand the material loaded
  • §7.2.6(2)When stone blocks are stacked, the stack shall not be kept in vertical position or tapered back.
  • §7.2.7(2)Cylindrical materials shall be piled according to their type and size on a solid
  • §7.2.7(3)Stacked pipes shall not be higher than 1.5 meter and adequately secured so as to be stable.
  • §7.2.7(4)Either a pyramid or wedged stack shall be used.
  • §7.2.7(5)Where a wedged stack is used, the outside pile or pole shall be securely chocked. Wedged stacks shall be tapered
  • §7.2.7(6)Before cutting the tie wires, cylindrical stacks shall be maintained stable and no person shall be on the unloading side
  • §7.2.8(1)Dust-producing materials such as loose cement shall be stored in silos or tanks or similar containers. All necessary
  • §7.3(1)Debris shall not be thrown from upper stories, but be removed either by machinery or enclosed tilted passage/
  • §7.3(2)Disposal of waste material or debris shall be as per the Dubai Municipality Regulations.
  • §7.3(3)Garbage chute shall have such appropriate opening diameters suitable for the type of debris and constructed of such strong materials capable of withstanding the impact of materials loaded therein and securely and adequately attached to the building.
  • §7.3(4)The contractor shall periodically inspect garbage chutes to ensure their efficiency and stability.
  • §7.3(5)All solvent waste, oily rags and flammable liquids shall be kept in fire resistant/metal containers with lid until removed from worksite.
  • §7.3(6)Debris of maintenance or décor works in structured and inhabited buildings shall be accumulated in metal containers for safe disposal.
  • §7.4.1(1)No employee shall be asked to carry loads above his capacity and in any case no load shall exceed 32 kgs. as specified in Table (1) (figure 8).
  • §7.4.1(2)Where possible, mechanical lifting equipment shall be used (figure 9).
  • §7.4.1(3)Materials in the worksite shall be moved by hand trucks, forklifts, dump bodies, mechanical pulled trucks or any other
  • §7.4.1(4)Appropriate aisles for material movement by mechanical devices shall be prepared and marked with suitable signs for
  • §7.4.1(5)Forklifts, dump bodies and other mechanical handling equipment shall not be operated otherwise than by personnel
  • §7.4.1(6)All materials subject to dismantling, gliding or rolling shall be piled for transfer and handling.
  • §7.4.1(7)Whenever material is to be moved by hands, the material size shall not be above the size which the employee can easily
  • §7.4.2(1)The forklift truck shall be:
  • §7.4.2(3)No attachment shall be incorporated on the forklift unless approved by the manufacturer (importer).
  • §7.4.2(4)All persons, drivers and assistant drivers shall be thoroughly conversant with the factors which affect the stability of the
  • §7.4.2(5)Forklift driver shall lift the load for a distance of at least 20 cm above land to ensure the stability and balance of the load
  • §7.4.2(6)The driver or any part of his body shall be prohibited to be out of the driving cabin during lifting processes.
  • §7.4.2(7)Maximum allowable loads specified in the metal placards affixed on forklifts shall not be exceeded.
  • §7.4.2(8)Reference shall be made to the technical guideline no. (33) on forklifts.
  • §7.4.2(2)The contractor shall periodically maintain the equipment in accordance with the recommendations and requirements of
  • §7.4.2(9)No person shall be allowed to ride on a conveyor.
  • §7.4.2(10)Guards shall be provided at all pulleys and belt nips and at all idlers and other places where the risk of trapping exists.
  • §7.4.2(11)All moving parts of the conveyor shall be covered and guarded to protect employees against their hazards.
  • §7.6(2)ROPS removed for any reason shall be remounted with equal quality, bolts or welding as required for the original
  • §7.6(3)Each ROPS shall have the following information affixed to the structure:
  • §7.6(4)ROPS shall be so designed and constructed so as to withstand at least two times the weight of the equipment when
  • §7.6(5)Safety belt shall be provided and the contractor shall ensure that all heavy equipment operators use the safety belt
  • §7.6(6)Any person other than the driver shall be prohibited to ride the equipment during driving and operation of the equipment
  • §7.6(7)No person other than the trained operator shall operate the heavy equipment.
  • §7.6(8)All machines such s rollers, compactors, front-end loaders, excavators, bulldozers and similar equipment shall be

Chapter 8 – Scaffolding Safety

  • §8.1(1)Scaffolds must be provided for employees engaged in work that cannot be done safely from the ground or from solid
  • §8.1(2)All scaffolds must be erected, moved, dismantled or altered, only under the supervision of a competent persons and by skilled
  • §8.1(3)Each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the
  • §8.1(4)The contractor shall prepare the construction designs, drawings, and design loads for all scaffolds used on site including forms
  • §8.1(6)The contractor must provide a suitable means of measuring wind speed on site. Work on fixed or suspended external
  • §8.1(7)Supported scaffolds with a height to base width ratio of more than four to one (4:1) shall be tied to the building structure
  • §8.1(8)Supported and suspended scaffolds shall be inspected by a third party inspection body approved by Competent authority and
  • §8.2(1)Scaffolds must have base plates, even when setting on a concrete floor.
  • §8.2(2)When setting the scaffold on soft soil, the soil shall be compacted to avoid
  • §8.3(1)The front edge of all platforms shall not be more than 35 cm (14 inches) from the face of the work, unless guardrail systems are
  • §8.3(2)The width of the platform of a scaffold shall be determined according to the purpose of use and height from the ground to
  • §8.3(3)The open side edges of platforms higher than 2 m shall be provided with standard guard rail not less than 95 cm and not
  • §8.3(7)7 Faces of scaffolds shall be covered with tarpaulin sheeting covers
  • §8.4(4)When the length of the ladder exceeds 9 m, it shall be provided with intermediate
  • §8.4(6)Ladders shall be securely tied from upper and bottom to prevent slipping and
  • §8.5(1)Each scaffold shall be designed to be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum
  • §8.5(2)Each suspension rope, used on non-adjustable suspension scaffolds shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least 6
  • §8.5(3)Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of the working load they are intended, and this load shall be evenly distributed on the
  • §8.5(4)Materials or loads shall be moved or deposited without imposing any violent shock.
  • §8.5(5)Material shall not be kept upon a scaffold unless needed for work within a reasonable time. These loads shall not exceed the
  • §8.6(1)Each contractor shall prepare a design for scaffolds systems according to the nature of work, and the expected intended
  • §8.6(2)The maximum height of scaffold shall not exceed 38 m (125 feet), and in case the need for higher scaffolds, the contractor shall
  • §8.6(3)The maximum number of working levels at the same time and the maximum number of additional planked levels shall be
  • §8.7(1)Metal parts used for scaffolds shall be of suitable quality and be in good condition and free from corrosion or other patent defect likely to affect their strength materially.
  • §8.7(2)Nails or bolts used in the construction of scaffolds shall be of adequate size and in sufficient numbers at each connection to develop the designed strength of the scaffolds. Fiber rope lashing, nails, clamps and any other means shall be used according to the manufacturing recommendations.
  • §8.7(3)All lumber used in construction of scaffolds shall be free of large knots, split, wraps, decay, twist, dry rot or any other defects, and shall have straight-grained, and shall not be painted or treated by any means so that to hide defects.
  • §8.7(4)It is strictly prohibited to use any ropes that have been affected by acids or bases (alkalis) or damaged ropes for scaffolds.
  • §8.7(5)Fiber ropes shall not be used for scaffolds in places that might cause the rope to be damaged.
  • §8.7(6)All necessary precautions shall be taken to avoid the split of planks.
  • §8.7(7)All material used for erection of scaffolds shall be stored properly and away from any other materials that might affect it. (Refer to Section 7 – Storage and Handling of Materials).
  • §8.8(1)Scaffolds shall be erected or dismantled by skilled workers, trained and qualified to perform such work, under the supervision of a competent person.
  • §8.8(2)Scaffolds shall not be extended beyond its highest fixing point to the extend that will affect its stability.
  • §8.8(3)Worker erecting and dismantling scaffolds shall be provided with proper fall protection measures and shall be provided with the suitable personal protective equipment to protect them from fall hazard.
  • §8.8(4)Where materials of the scaffolds are handled manually during erection or dismantling, no workers shall exist under these materials.
  • §8.8(5)All scaffold materials used for the support of the working platform shall be sound rigid and of adequate strength and firm footing and well strutted and braced.
  • §8.8(6)Loose bricks and drain pipes or any other unsuitable materials shall not be used for erection or supporting scaffolds.
  • §8.8(7)Proper protection from the hazard of falling objects shall be provided to the top of scaffold if this hazard exists.
  • §8.8(8)All faces of the scaffold shall be braced diagonally, both internally and externally to adequately support the scaffold.
  • §8.8(9)Partially erected or dismantled scaffolds shall not be used, and a prominent warning notice indicating that the scaffold is incomplete and not safe to be used (Red Scaffold Tag) shall be posted. The access to the scaffold shall physically be blocked.
  • §8.8(10)Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be thoroughly inspected by a competent persons who is authorized by the contractor to ensure that the scaffold is stable, and capable of supporting the intended loads and then he shall post the green scaffold tag after signing it which indicate that the scaffold is complete and safe to use.
  • §8.9(1)When the height of scaffolds exceeds 4 times its width, the scaffold shall be tied to the fixed building structure, vertically and horizontally. The first bottom tie must be placed no higher than four (4) times the minimum base width and vertical ties shall be repeated at intervals not greater than 8 m (26 feet). Horizontal ties shall be placed at each end and at intervals not greater than 9 m (30 feet).
  • §8.9(2)At least 50 % of all ties shall be positive (+ ve) ties, that is, they do not get their strength from friction as in the case with the reveal ties.
  • §8.9(3)3-1-3 These vertical tubes shall be fixed to the scaffold using right angle clamps.
  • §8.9(4)3-5-4 The raker tube shall be tied to the scaffold using proper clamps and the other end will be fixed on base plate and mud sill. (fig. 11) (fig. 12)
  • §8.10(1)Scaffolds shall be inspected by a competent person who has been provided with the necessary and adequate training to
  • §8.10(2)Scaffolds shall be inspected before use by a competent person to ensure of the following:
  • §8.10(3)All the scaffolds shall be inspected by a competent person as follows:
  • §8.10(4)All material for any scaffold shall be inspected before being taken into use to ensure that they are in good and safe conditions.
  • §8.10(5)Every scaffold shall be properly maintained and every part shall be kept so fixed, secured or placed in position as to prevent
  • §8.10(6)No scaffold or part of a scaffold shall be partly dismantled and remain in such a condition that it is capable of being
  • §8.10(7)No excavation operations shall be carried out near the foundations of any scaffold, and when it is necessary to do so, safe
  • §8.11.1(1)All scaffolds shall be erected according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Intermixing of different types of metal is not
  • §8.11.1(2)Metal parts used for scaffolds shall be straight and of suitable quality and in good condition and free from bent, cracks,
  • §8.11.1(3)Metal parts used for scaffolds shall be securely connected together by adequate and strong method.
  • §8.11.1(4)Scaffolds shall be provided with proper ladders or stairways to be used for access to the scaffold and shall be attached to the
  • §8.11.1(5)Scaffolds components materials shall be stored in well protected stores to protect them from being affected by different
  • §8.11.1(6)Paints covering metal pipes shall be kept and maintained to protect it from being damaged the matter which may cause
  • §8.11.1(7)Metal pipes coated by special paints to protect them from rust and corrosion shall be used in places with high humidity when
  • §8.11.1(8)All clamps shall be inspected regularly and maintained properly and inspect them before each use, and grease moveable
  • §8.11.2(1)The height of the mobile tower shall not exceed 4 times the smallest base width of the scaffold, in case the height is exceeding
  • §8.11.2(2)Rolling scaffolds shall be used only on firm, level, clean surfaces.
  • §8.11.2(3)Rolling scaffolds shall be moved on leveled surfaces only by pushing or pulling or both. Manual force used to move the scaffold
  • §8.11.3(1)Every suspended scaffold shall be provided with adequate and suitable chains or ropes and winches or other lifting appliances or similar devices and shall be suspended from suitable outrigger beams, joists, runways, rail tracks or other equally safe anchorage.
  • §8.11.3(2)The winches or other lifting appliances or similar devices of a suspended scaffold shall be:
  • §8.11.3(3)The outrigger beams for a suspended scaffold shall be:
  • §8.11.3(4)When counterweights are used with outriggers, this counterweights shall be securely fastened to the outriggers and shall not be less than four times the total weight of the scaffold (its weight + capacity) (refer to technical guideline # 39).
  • §8.11.3(5)To avoid using large amounts of counterweights (counterbalance) the part of the outrigger installed on the roof of the building shall be much longer than hang over part of the outrigger where the wire ropes carrying the scaffold will be attached.
  • §8.11.3(6)All workers using such types of scaffolds shall be provided with appropriate fall protection system consisting of a full body harness, lanyard, shock absorber, rope grabbing device and lifeline (See fig. # 19).
  • §8.11.3(7)The points of suspension of every suspended scaffold shall be an adequate horizontal distance from the face of the building or other structure.
  • §8.11.3(8)Every runway joist and rail track supporting a suspended scaffold shall be:
  • §8.11.3(9)The suspension ropes or chains of a suspended scaffold shall be:
  • §8.11.3(10)Where winches are used with suspended scaffolds the suspension ropes shall be of such a length that the lowest position at which the scaffold is intended to be used, there are not less than two turns of rope remaining on each winch drum and the length of each rope shall be clearly marked on its winch.
  • §8.11.3(11)Every part of a suspended scaffold, and all plant and equipment used for that purpose shall be: of good construction, suitable and sound material, and properly maintained, and where constructed of metal, free from corrosion.
  • §8.11.3(12)No wire other than wire rope shall be used for the raising, lowering and suspension of a suspended scaffold.
  • §8.11.3(13)The platform of every suspended scaffold shall be:
  • §8.11.3(14)The space between the face of the building or structure and the platform shall not be more than 30 cm.
  • §8.11.3(15)All suspended scaffolds shall be inspected by a third party company approved by Competent authority and shall issue a testing certificate, inspection shall be repeated in case there is any alteration to the location of the scaffold, and a new testing certificate shall be issued.

Chapter 9 – Excavation

  • §9.1(1)Excavation works exceeding a depth of 1.20 meters are strictly prohibited unless an approved shoring system is implemented based on a design prepared by a competent authority, or an open excavation method is used and approved by the relevant authority.
  • §9.1(2)In open excavations, the angle of repose shall not be more than 40º measured from the horizontal unless the stability of an excavation sides at a higher slopes is determined by a professional organization and approved by the Specialized Department.
  • §9.1(3)Prior to opening an excavation, no objection certificates (NOC) shall be obtained from all concerned authorities having jurisdiction of excavation. Permits shall be in compliance with the actual conditions and in case that there are any differences; the concerned authorities shall be consulted before the start of the excavation.
  • §9.1(4)If the site is located within or near projects adjacent to Dubai Metro or tram lines, stations, or public transport corridors, the contractor must obtain the necessary permits from the relevant authority prior to commencing any temporary installations that may affect these systems, such as the installation of tower cranes, scaffolding, or similar works.
  • §9.1(5)When any changes occur during excavation in the location and/or in the adjacent services which may expose workers to hazardous situations, work shall be stopped and the Competent department shall be consulted.
  • §9.1(6)All adequate and appropriate personal protective equipment shall be provided to protect head, eyes, respiratory, hands, feet and other body parts as specified in chapter 4 in this manual and the attached technical guidelines thereto.
  • §9.1(7)A check in/check out system of all employees entering or exiting from excavations shall be established to clearly identify the identity of each employee working underground.
  • §9.1(8)Timbering sheeting or other support for any part of an excavation, shaft or tunnel shall be:
  • §9.1(9)In case there are different layers of different types of soil, the slope shall be made on the basis of the angle of repose of the weakest type of soil.
  • §9.1(10)Diversion ditches or other suitable means shall be used to prevent surface water from entering the excavation. When reaching groundwater level, excavations shall be stopped until dewatering the area using groundwater removal pumps by a specialized company in compliance with the provisions and approvals of the concerned authorities after determining that the groundwater is free from hazardous contaminants.
  • §9.1(11)The continuous and efficient operation of the groundwater dewatering system must be ensured at all times, including during any work stoppage at the site. This includes carrying out the necessary maintenance and providing a continuous power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation.
  • §9.1(12)Excavation below the level of the base of footing of any foundation of any other building shall not be permitted unless a support system such as underpinning and other precautions measures are provided by a professional engineer to ensure the stability of the adjacent walls and to protect employees involved in the excavation activities or in the vicinity thereof. If the stability of adjoining buildings or walls is endangered by excavations, shoring, bracing or underpinning designed by a qualified person and approved by the Competent department in Competent authority shall be provided to ensure
  • §9.1(13)Excavated materials/spoils shall be placed at least 60 cm (2 feet) away from the edge of an excavation (figures 1 & 2) and shall not be accumulated higher than 1.5 times of this distance.
  • §9.1(14)Excavated materials/spoils shall not be kept next to existed structure or walls, and the height level of the excavated materials/ spoils shall not be higher than the height of these walls.
  • §9.1(15)Protective barricades and flashing warning signs shall be placed in all excavations near sidewalks, pavements and streets. Warning signs shall be illuminated from dusk to dawn and when weather conditions reduce visibility. All wells, calyx, holes, pits and shafts shall be covered or barricaded and backfilled upon completion of the work. (fig. 3). Fig. 3
  • §9.1(16)Where employees or equipment are required or permitted to cross over excavations, walkways or bridges with standard guard-rails shall be provided.
  • §9.1(17)Dimensions of the members of shoring, shielding and bracing systems shall be appropriately and adequately determined.
  • §9.1(18)When a soil is adversely affected by weather, coverage and adequate support systems shall be installed to prevent cave-ins.
  • §9.1(19)The worksite shall be adequately and properly illuminated especially in access and egress points and during hoisting operations.
  • §9.1(20)Excavations greater than 1.2 m. in depth shall be provided with stairs, ladders or ramps. Ladders used as access ways shall extend from the bottom of the excavation to not less than 90 cm (3 feet) above the surface. At least two stairs, ladders or ramps, one on each side of excavation shall be provided with maximum of 15 meters travel distance to facilitate access and egress of employees from excavation (figure 4). Fig. 4
  • §9.1(21)Protective systems shall be inspected daily, regularly and after rain falls or occurrence of other hazardous conditions by a competent person. All necessary precautions measures shall be taken to prevent cave- ins, displacement or any other hazards. Where there is an evidence of a possible hazard, all excavation works shall be halted until the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of employees, properties and adjacent services.
  • §9.1(22)Ramps used solely for personnel access shall be a minimum width of 1.25 meters (4 feet) and provided with standard guardrail to protect employees against fall hazards. Ramps used for equipment access shall be a minimum width of 3.75 meters (12 feet) and provided with curbs or equivalent protection in accordance with the soil Fig. 5 classification type.
  • §9.1(23)In case the anchors ties of the excavation shoring system expire or become ineffective, additional anchors must be installed to ensure the stability and safety of the shoring system, subject to approval by the relevant authority. Alternatively, the excavation must be backfilled to prevent collapse or potential damage.
  • §9.1(24)Where any vehicle is used for tipping material into any excavation or over the edge of any embankment or earth work, well anchored stop blocks shall be used to prevent the vehicles overrunning the edge Fig. #5. A parking area capable of withstanding imposed loads shall be provided for loading/unloading equipment and vehicles.
  • §9.1(25)When excavation equipment used in hoisting materials and loads, all employees shall be cleared from the working area and necessary precautions shall be taken to protect them.
  • §9.3(1)Sides of trenches 1.25 meters or more in depth shall be shored, sloped or otherwise supported by means of sufficient strength,
  • §9.3(2)Installation of support systems shall be carried out along (in sequence) with excavations of trenches.
  • §9.3(3)Cross support systems shall be made by connecting both ends of the support systems by trench jacks to prevent slipping or
  • §9.3(4)Backfilling shall progress together with the removal of support systems from the excavation, beginning at the bottom of the
  • §9.3(5)Ladders used as access ways shall extend from the bottom of the trench to not less than (900 millimeter) above the surface of
  • §9.3(6)Hydraulic system materials shall be used in a manner consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
  • §9.3.1(1)Excavations shall be slopped at an angle not greater than 40º
  • §9.3.1(2)The members of the shoring system shall be vertically and horizontally erected and both ends are connected by trench jacks to prevent slippage or falling of the sides (figure 12). Wale Wale Brace Sheeting

Chapter 10 – Concrete and Masonry

  • §10.1.2(1)All formworks shall be erected according to the sizes and dimensions specified in the approved drawings, and shall be
  • §10.1.2(2)When dismantling the formwork after being used, all nails shall be removed, and the formwork shall be cleaned and stored
  • §10.1.2(3)Formworks for ceilings and other structures shall be erected by qualified well trained competent persons chapter 8 of this
  • §10.1.2(4)When employees working more than 2 meters (6 feet) above any adjacent working surfaces, standard railing system shall
  • §10.1.3(1)Concrete inclined chutes (skips) shall be erected by persons who has adequate experience in such type of work, and shall be
  • §10.1.3(2)These chutes shall be adequately fixed and supported to prevent vibration and displacement.
  • §10.1.3(3)The area under these chutes shall be barricaded to protect employees from the hazard of falling concrete.
  • §10.1.3(4)When transporting concrete to higher levels using pipes the following shall be considered:
  • §10.1.4(1)Riding on concrete buckets shall be prohibited. Also it shall not be used to transport employees to the different levels in the
  • §10.1.4(2)Concrete buckets shall be attached to the crane hooks which has a safety latch.
  • §10.1.4(3)Concrete buckets shall be free of any extensions that could allow the accumulation of concrete and thus falling down.
  • §10.1.4(4)Concrete movement shall be supervised by a competent person.
  • §10.1.4(5)All concrete buckets, pipes, and mixers shall be thoroughly cleaned at designated locations provided with recycling facilities for
  • §10.1.4(6)Water resulted from the cleaning operations of concrete wastes shall not be drained to the public sewage or drainage systems
  • §10.1.5(1)Concrete buggies shall be kept clean and free from any
  • §10.1.5(2)Concrete buggies shall be equipped with special handles
  • §10.1.5(3)Handles of concrete buggies shall not extend beyond the
  • §10.1.6(1)All concrete runways shall be of adequate strength
  • §10.1.6(2)No more than 5% slope shall be permitted in such runways, and timber runways shall be provided with proper stopper to slow
  • §10.1.6(3)Runways shall be free of slippery material such as greases and silts.
  • §10.1.7(1)Exposed gears, chains and rollers of mixers shall be properly guarded.
  • §10.1.7(2)Barricades shall be provided at the area where the box will be lowered to prevent employees from approaching or walking
  • §10.1.7(3)No residual concrete material shall be allowed around
  • §10.1.7(4)Wires and pulleys of the concrete handling shall be
  • §10.1.7(5)Bulk storage bins, containers, or silos shall have conical or
  • §10.1.7(7)Concrete buckets equipped with hydraulic or pneumatically operated gates shall have positive safety latches or similar
  • §10.1.7(8)Elevated concrete buckets shall be routed, to the extent practical, to minimize the exposure of workers to hazards associated with falling buckets or concrete. The crews shall be kept away from under concrete buckets by an adequate distance. (Fig. # 3).
  • §10.1.7(9)Riding on concrete buckets during lowering or raising it shall be prohibited. (Fig. # 3). Fig. 3
  • §10.1.7(10)Discharge pipes shall be inspected periodically and according to the guidelines of the manufacturer. All damaged parts shall be replaced and shall be adequately and safely attached.
  • §10.1.7(11)Concrete shall not be poured in the form of free fall.
  • §10.1.8(1)An employee who has a good knowledge of giving the correct signals shall warn employees on site when concrete transit mixers are moving in reverse and shall guide the truck operator regarding the direction of the discharge box.
  • §10.1.8(2)The routes designated for the reverse movement of the concrete trucks shall be free of any equipment, debris and workers.
  • §10.1.8(4)All trucks shall be equipped with reverse alarm and flash light which will work when trucks move backward.
  • §10.1.8(5)The contractor must take all necessary measures to regularly and continuously remove concrete residues and dispose of them at designated locations. The dumping of concrete waste and debris outside the site boundaries is strictly prohibited.
  • §10.1.8(6)The contractor must designate a specific area within the site for washing concrete trucks, pumps, and mixers, and provide facilities for cleaning the trucks and pumps tires before these vehicles exit the construction site onto public roads.
  • §10.1.8(7)Contractor shall arrange to clean the area surrounding the site from sands, dust and any other material which might affect the street cleanness, and pavement.
  • §10.1.8(8)Ready-made concrete companies shall take all the necessary measures and means to ensure that concrete or water shall not be leaked by treating the nozzles of the pumps and mixers by strong stoppers or using mechanical means to prevent leakage. All measures shall be taken to prevent the leakage of oil from the concrete trucks and mixers during transporting or discharging of concrete.
  • §10.1.9(1)The contractor shall develop and prepare a method statement for structure construction includes all the necessary steps to carry out works and the precautions to be taken to ensure the safety of employees during all the stages of work.
  • §10.1.9(2)The removal of the supporting systems from the structure elements shall be made at the pre- determined times according to the nature and specification of the project and after obtaining the permission of the engineering office on that to ensure safety of the building and to avoid collapse or any damage during the period of weakness or un-stability.
  • §10.1.9(3)Construction loads shall not be placed on a concrete structure unless the engineering office determines in writing that the structure is capable of supporting the loads.
  • §10.1.9(4)Employees shall not be permitted to work above or in positions exposed to protruding reinforcing steel or other impalement hazards unless provisions have been made to cover them and adequately protect them to avoid employees injury in case falling on them Fig. (4).
  • §10.1.9(5)The contractor shall take all the necessary precautions to ensure the stability of reinforced steel during the different stages of
  • §10.1.9(6)When working with formworks or reinforced steel on sloped surfaces, the contractor shall take the necessary measures to
  • §10.1.9(7)When pouring concrete for structure elements, provisions shall be made to avoid the accumulation of big quantities of concrete
  • §10.1.9(9)The structural steel and the reinforced steel used for walls, piers and columns or any vertical structures operations shall be supported and/or guyed to prevent them from overturning or collapse. The support of different reinforced steel shall be designed by specialized engineer and approved by the engineering office.
  • §10.1.9(10)All practical precautions such as using support systems whenever necessary shall be followed to prevent exposure of any employee or the public due to the collapse of any part of a building or other structure during the stage of weakness or un- stability.
  • §10.1.9(11)Measures shall be taken to prevent unrolled wire mesh from recoiling.
  • §10.2.1(1)Support systems shall be designed by a specialized organization and shall be approved by the engineering office.
  • §10.2.1(2)All formwork, shoring, and bracing shall be designed, fabricated, erected, supported, braced, and maintained so that it will safely support all vertical and lateral loads that might be applied until such loads can be supported by the structure, and then the temporary supports systems shall be removed.
  • §10.2.1(3)When the roof support systems are erected on concrete roof, the engineering office and the contractor shall ensure that these roofs are capable of supporting the imposed loads and to determine if additional supports (Back propping) is needed and designed according to the project specifications and approved by the engineering office.
  • §10.2.2(1)Slabs support systems shall be designed, fabricated and erected as per the specifications specified by the manufacturer.
  • §10.2.2(2)The specifications of the design, fabrication and execution of the support systems shall be kept on site during the stage of planning and execution to be reviewed by the concerned department.
  • §10.2.2(3)A comprehensive design for slabs support systems must be prepared by a specialized entity and approved by the engineering office.
  • §10.2.3(1)Supporting ground or completed construction upon which formwork and shoring is to be placed shall be of adequate strength
  • §10.2.3(2)When shoring systems shall be erected on sand soil, the type of sand shall be adequately inspected and mud sills shall be
  • §10.2.3(3)Formworks for shoring shall be sound, rigid and capable of carrying the maximum intended load.
  • §10.2.3(4)Shore heads, extension devices, or adjustment screws shall be firm contact with the (posts) footing sill and form material.
  • §10.2.3(5)Diagonal bracing shall be provided in vertical and horizontal planes to provide stiffness and to prevent buckling of individual
  • §10.2.3(6)Whenever connections in vertical posts are needed due to height of the ceilings, a diagonal and vertical bracing shall be
  • §10.2.4(1)The contractor and the engineering office shall inspect all shoring equipment prior to erection to determine that they meet the
  • §10.2.4(2)Erected shoring equipment shall be inspected during and immediately after the placement of concrete. Any shoring equipment
  • §10.3(1)Pre-cast concrete wall units shall be adequately and temporary supported to prevent overturning and to prevent collapse until
  • §10.3(2)No employee shall be permitted under pre-cast concrete members being lifted or tilted into position except those employees
  • §10.4(1)A limited access zone shall be established whenever a masonry wall is being constructed. The limited access zone shall conform
  • §10.4(2)Masonry walls shall not be used to support any lateral loads or
  • §10.4(3)All masonry walls shall be adequately braced to prevent overturning
  • §10.4(4)Scaffolds used by construction employees shall not be used to provide temporary lateral support for masonry walls.
  • §10.4(5)Employees working on more than 2 meters (6 feet) height shall be provided with fall protection equipment (safety belt).
  • §10.4(6)Excavation under the foundation level of any masonry wall shall not be permitted unless adequate shoring has been made.
  • §10.5(1)In case cast-in-place concrete lab shall be established in the site, environmental effects resulting from the lab shall be studied
  • §10.5(2)The contractor shall take all necessary precautions to prevent environment contamination through controlling dust emissions of
  • §10.5(3)Conveyor belts shall be fully guarded with exhaust hood equipped with filters at the front and rear ends of the conveyors and
  • §10.5(4)Concrete mix chambers shall be fully closed with enclosed contact pipes through which concrete components shall be mixed.
  • §10.5(5)Concrete mix chambers shall be provided with automatic cleaning devices. Manual cleaning shall not be permitted to prevent
  • §10.5(6)Appropriate PPE and respirators shall be provided to employees.
  • §10.5(7)An operating control switch for the lab which automatically opens the door of the concrete mix chambers shall be used to

Chapter 11 – Steel Erection

  • §11.1(1)Prior to beginning the erection of any steel structure, the contractor shall develop a detailed steel erection plan, including risk assessment, temporary supports, erection equipment used, and the sequence of erecting these structures. This plan shall be submitted to the engineering office for approval.
  • §11.1(2)A steel erection contractor shall not start steel erection unless ensuring that concrete has attained sufficient strength to support the loads imposed during steel erection, and obtains the approval of the engineering office according to the project specifications.
  • §11.1(3)The contractor shall provide his employees with all necessary personal protective equipment and shall ensure their effective use.
  • §11.1(4)Steel erection materials shall be stored and transferred in accordance with their erection order and sequence.
  • §11.1(5)Hand tools shall be protected from falling while steel erection activity is performed.
  • §11.1(6)Adequate precautions shall be taken during hoisting and rigging activities of steel structure to prevent their potential slipping out or fall. A structural engineer shall design the location of load anchoring points, load balance and hoisting with reference to chapter 21 on lifting tools and equipment.
  • §11.1(7)Load carrying capacity of the crane shall be determined to ensure that it is able to lift the load. Hoisting processes shall be controlled so as not to allow swinging of joists or any other structural members.
  • §11.1(8)Adequate precautions shall be taken when working on suspended scaffolds. If platforms are installed over those scaffolds they shall be free from bolts, nuts and debris in accordance with chapter 8 on scaffolds and the technical guidelines no. (38).
  • §11.1(9)When working on suspended scaffolds, employees shall be provided with harness belts anchored to a stable and permanent structure. When guardrail or safety belt systems are impracticable, a safety net shall be installed directly below the working area.
  • §11.1(10)The contractor must provide a suitable means of measuring wind speed on site. Work on exposed steel structures must be suspended during periods of high winds or rainy conditions that may pose a risk to worker safety. It is recommended to completely stop work when wind speeds reach 38 km/h, with strict adherence to the instructions and guidelines issued by the National Center of Meteorology and the relevant authorities.
  • §11.1(11)Each steel member shall be correctly erected in its place and adequately anchored before removing the temporary supports or released from the hoisting line.
  • §11.1(12)Trusses shall be adequately anchored or temporarily supported until completion of permanent anchorage.
  • §11.2(1)During hoisting operation, cranes and derricks shall be kept at a distance not less than 3 meters from electrical power lines.
  • §11.2(2)Cranes used in steel erection activities shall be regularly inspected to ensure their safe working condition.
  • §11.2(3)Routes of suspended loads shall be pre-planned to ensure that no employee is required to work directly below a suspended load, unless there is a protective shield above them. The area below the hoisting equipment shall be cleared (figure 1). Fig. 1
  • §11.2(4)Hoisting of different size steel bundles shall be avoided unless they are all tied
  • §11.2(5)Hooks with self-closing latches shall only be used in material hoisting activities.
  • §11.2(6)Tag lines shall be used to control the movement of the suspended loads
  • §11.2(7)Tightly closed boxes or basket nets shall be used to hoist small pieces, sheets
  • §11.3(1)All bolts, nuts, tools and any other objects which might be scattered shall be kept in boxes to avoid displacement resulting from
  • §11.3(2)Welding machines’ cables, air lines and hoses shall be laid in a way to avoid tripping hazards, and to protect them against
  • §11.3(3)Welding cylinders shall be fixed in stable upright position. Empty cylinders shall be immediately removed from the worksite.
  • §11.4(2)Upon completion of joist installations, temporary platforms shall be installed
  • §11.5(1)All columns must be secured using at least four anchor bolts, or in accordance
  • §11.6(2)Any structural member of the steel joists shall be
  • §11.6(3)Columns shall be supported in compliance with the

Chapter 12 – Underground Construction, Tunnels, Shafts, Cofferdams, Caissons

  • §12.1(1)Contractor shall develop and prepare an action plan (method statement) which shall be applied during the whole period of the execution of the work, methods of execution, details of the specifications of the equipment and materials used, rescue teams and equipment, inspection methods and inspection tools etc.
  • §12.1(2)Contractor shall carry out a risk assessment of the potential hazards, and shall develop and prepare a written plan includes safety measures that shall be followed according to the results of the risk assessment, also the suitable system of work permits shall be followed.
  • §12.1(3)All employees working in tunnels or underground construction activities shall be physically and mentally ft to the job and shall not be less than 18 years of age.
  • §12.1(4)Contractor shall ensure that workers are instructed and trained on the recognition and avoidance of hazards associated with underground construction.
  • §12.1(5)Adequate and suitable personal protective equipment and clothing shall be provided to the employees working in underground construction and shall be worn.
  • §12.1(6)Oncoming shifts shall be informed of any hazardous occurrences or conditions that have affected or might affect employee safety, including liberation of gas, equipment failures, earth or rock slides, cave-ins, flooding, fire or explosions, and shall be recorded in a special log book kept on site.
  • §12.1(7)The contractor shall provide and maintain safe means of access and egress to all work stations, these means shall be maintained clean, and free of any debris, wastes, and any other hazardous obstacles.
  • §12.1(8)Employees shall be provided with suitable means to protect them from exposure noise, reference shall be made to what have been specified in chapter 3 and chapter 4 of this manual in this regard.
  • §12.1(9)Employees working in wet underground areas shall be provided with rubber boots.
  • §12.1(10)Lighting circuits shall be installed on one side of the tunnel near the spring line and shall be mounted on insulators at each point of suspension.
  • §12.1(11)Oil-fitted transformers shall not be used underground unless they are located in a fire-resistant enclosure and surrounded by a dike to contain the contents of the transformers in the event of a rupture.
  • §12.1(12)Evacuating employees from underground construction shall be made easily in case of fire, sufocation or any bodily or respiratory inconveniences. All employees shall be made aware of all these hazards.
  • §12.1(13)Vertical shafts of small diameter which is entered by employees shall covered by a steel lining or concrete pipe, wood or any other material with adequate strength to support the adjacent soil and prevent its collapse.
  • §12.1(14)This lining shall cover the whole depth of the shaft and shall extend a minimum of 30 cm (1 foot) above ground level.
  • §12.1(15)All shafts or vertical access ways with depth more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) shall be supported by using wooden sheets or lining.
  • §12.1(16)The roof, walls and sides of the working area shall be inspected at the beginning of each shift and regularly thereafter.
  • §12.1(17)When any signs of the presence of historical statues are noticed in the working area, concerned authorities shall be notified immediately.
  • §12.2(1)Access to any underground openings shall be controlled to prevent unauthorized entry.
  • §12.2(2)Unused access ways or other openings shall be tightly covered or fenced of and shall be posted with warning signs indicating “KEEP OUT” or similar language.
  • §12.2(3)Every location of underground construction shall have a check-in/check-out system that will ensure that above-ground personnel can determine the identification of all underground personnel.
  • §12.2(4)A qualified competent person shall be available at all access ways to the underground construction for communication and
  • §12.3(1)It is not permitted to allow lone working inside confined areas or areas with restricted access. The contractor must keep at
  • §12.3(2)In situations where unassisted voice communication is inadequate, power-assisted means shall be used to provide
  • §12.3(3)At least two effective means of communication, at least one of which shall be voice communication, shall be provided in all
  • §12.3(4)A communication system shall be tested by qualified, trained, competent person upon initial entry of each shift to the
  • §12.4(1)Contractor shall develop and prepare plans for rescuing personnel who might become injured or incapacitating while
  • §12.4(2)Plans shall be periodically reviewed with all affected personnel so that they maintain a working knowledge of emergency
  • §12.4(3)Emergency plans shall be drilled on a periodic basis to ensure their efficiency.
  • §12.4(4)Emergency equipment specified in the emergency plan shall be provided within 15 minutes of each portal or shaft entry.
  • §12.4(5)When a shaft is used as a means of egress, arrangements shall be made for power assisted hoisting capability to be readily
  • §12.4(6)All employees working underground shall be provided with self rescuing/emergency respirators (ref. is made to technical
  • §12.4(7)Each worker underground shall have an acceptable portable hand lamp or cap lamp in his work area for emergency use,
  • §12.5(1)1. On job sites where less than 25 persons are underground at one time, provisions shall be made
  • §12.5(2)On job sites where 25 or more persons are underground at one time, provisions shall be made for at least two five-person
  • §12.6.1(1)Only equipment approved for the hazardous location and maintained in suitable condition shall be used in hazardous
  • §12.6.1(2)Mobile diesel-powered equipment used in hazardous atmospheres operations shall be approved from the concerned
  • §12.6.1(3)Smoking shall be prohibited in all hazardous atmosphere operations and the contractor shall be responsible for collecting all
  • §12.7(1)The contractor shall assign a qualified, trained and specialized competent person to conduct air monitoring in the underground
  • §12.7(2)Air monitoring devices shall be approved by the concerned authorities, calibrated before and after use, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • §12.7(3)When air monitoring is required, the competent person shall determine which substances to monitor and how frequently to monitor. Such determination shall be based on:
  • §12.7(4)A record, including location, date, time, substance, monitoring results, and name of person conducting the test, of all air quality tests shall be maintained at the job site.
  • §12.7(5)The atmosphere in all underground work areas shall be tested as often as necessary to assure that the atmosphere contains at least 19.5% oxygen and no more than 22% oxygen. (Fig. # 5). Fig. 5
  • §12.7(6)Testing for oxygen in underground work areas shall be conducted first and before any other test is conducted.
  • §12.7(7)The atmosphere in all underground work areas shall be tested quantitatively for Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and other toxic gases, dusts, vapors, mists, and fumes as often as necessary to ensure that the Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) are not exceeded.
  • §12.7(8)The continuous sampling and indicating Hydrogen Sulfide monitor shall be designed, installed, and maintained to provide a visual and aural alarm when the concentration of Hydrogen Sulfide reaches 10 ppm (10 parts per million). In this case, all employees shall be evacuated until additional measures are taken to reduce the concentration level to lower than this level.
  • §12.7(9)The atmosphere in all underground work areas shall be tested quantitatively for methane and other flammable gases as often as necessary to determine whether it is necessary to take the following precautions:
  • §12.7(10)If diesel-engine or gasoline-engine driven ventilating fans or compressors are used, an initial test shall be made of the inlet air of the fan or compressor, with the engine operating, to ensure that the air supply is not contaminated by engine exhaust.
  • §12.7(11)When rapid excavation machines are used, a continuous flammable gas monitor shall be operated at the face with the sensor placed as high and close to the front of the machine’s cutter head as possible.
  • §12.7(12)When ventilation has been reduced to the extent that hazardous levels of methane or other flammable gases may have accumulated, all affected areas shall be tested after ventilation has been restored and before any power, other than for acceptable equipment, is restored.
  • §12.7(13)Whenever the ventilation system has been shut down with all employees out of the underground work areas, only competent persons authorized to test for air contaminants shall be allowed underground until the ventilation has been restored and all affected areas have been tested for air contaminants and declared safe.
  • §12.7(14)Operations that meet the criteria for potentially gassy or gassy operations (hazardous operations) shall be subjected to the following monitoring:
  • §12.8(1)Fresh air shall be supplied to all underground work areas in sufficient quantities to prevent dangerous accumulation of dusts, fumes, mists, gases, vapors.
  • §12.8(2)Mechanical ventilation shall be provided in all underground work areas except where it is demonstrated that natural ventilation provides the necessary air quality through sufficient air volume and air flow.
  • §12.8(3)Ventilation and exhaust systems for tunnel excavation shall be of sufficient capacity to maintain an adequate supply of uncontaminated air at all points in the tunnel.
  • §12.8(4)The supply of fresh air shall not be less than 95 liter/second (200 cubic feet per minute - cfm) for each employee underground plus that necessary to operate the equipment.
  • §12.8(5)The direction of mechanical airflow shall be reversible (with controls for reversing the airflow of ventilation systems).
  • §12.8(6)Following blasting, ventilation systems shall exhaust smoke and fumes to the outside atmosphere before work is resumed in affected areas.
  • §12.8(7)Gassy operations shall have ventilation systems installed which are constructed of fire-resistant materials and have acceptable electrical systems, including fan motors.
  • §12.9(1)Illumination intensity shall be sufficient to light the underground work areas in particular near to machinery.
  • §12.9(2)Only lighting equipment that approved for the hazardous location shall be used (ex-proof).
  • §12.9(3)Illumination intensity during general operations in tunnels shall not be less than 55 LUX (5 foot candle), and shall not be less than 105 LUX (10 foot candle) near shafts.
  • §12.9(4)At least two different sources of illumination shall be provided at each area inside confined spaces to avoid shadows.
  • §12.10(1)For every underground construction project, a fire prevention and protection plan shall be developed and implemented. The plan shall detail:
  • §12.10(2)Fire prevention and protection plans shall be reviewed with all affected personnel as often as is necessary for them to maintain a working knowledge of emergency responsibilities and procedures.
  • §12.10(3)Plans shall be drilled as often as is necessary to ensure their efficiency.
  • §12.10(4)Open flames and fires are prohibited in all underground construction operations except as permitted for welding, cutting, and other hot work operations.
  • §12.10(5)Smoking shall be strictly prohibited in all underground work areas, and readily visible signs prohibiting smoking shall be posted.
  • §12.10(6)Adequate and suitable fire extinguishers shall be provided and maintained at each portal and shaft entry, and at locations containing combustible materials.
  • §12.10(7)A suitable fire extinguisher shall be provided at the head pulley and tail pulley of underground belt conveyors.
  • §12.10(8)A fire extinguisher suitable for the expected fires shall be provided, and the maximum travel distance to reach the extinguisher shall not be more than 8 meters.
  • §12.10(9)No more than the amount of diesel necessary for work during the next 24-hour period shall be permitted underground.
  • §12.10(11)Motor gasoline shall not be taken, stored, or used underground.
  • §12.10(13)Oil, grease, and diesel fuel stored underground shall be kept in tightly sealed containers in fire-resistant areas at least 90 meters (300 feet) from underground explosive magazines and at least 30 meters (100 feet) from shaft stations and steeply inclined passageways.
  • §12.10(14)Diesel containers shall be contained within retaining walls strong enough to withstand any pressure applied on it as a result of spillage of all the diesel container contents, and shall contain such spillage; the volume of the retaining walls shall not be less than 110% of the volume of the diesel container.
  • §12.10(15)Flammable or combustible materials shall not be stored above ground within 30 meters (100 feet) of any access opening to any underground operation.
  • §12.10(16)Only fire-resistant hydraulic fluids approved by the concerned authority shall be used in hydraulically actuated underground machinery and equipment.
  • §12.10(17)Electrical installations in underground areas where oil, grease, or diesel fuel are stored shall be used only for lighting fixtures.
  • §12.10(18)Lighting fixtures in storage areas or within 7.5 meters (25 feet) of underground areas where oil, grease, and diesel fuel are stored shall be approved for such hazardous areas.
  • §12.10(19)Any structure located underground or within 30 meters (100 feet) of an opening to the underground shall be constructed of material having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 hour.
  • §12.12(1)All wells or shafts over 1.2 meters (4 feet) in depth that employees must enter shall be supported by lagging, pilling or casting of sufficient strength to withstand shifting of the surrounding earth. Except where the shaft penetrates into solid rock.
  • §12.12(2)After blasting operations in shafts, a competent person shall inspect the walls, ladders, and timbers to determine if they have loosened or its strength and stability is affected by the explosion.
  • §12.12(3)No employee shall be permitted to enter an unsupported auger-type excavation in unstable material for any purpose.
  • §12.12(4)There shall be two safe means of access in shafts at all times, this may include the ladder and hoist.
  • §12.13(1)Areas beside tunnel gates and areas on top of these gates shall be maintained free of loose or sharp material.
  • §12.13(2)All loose material shall be fixed by using suitable means, and these means shall be designed by qualified engineer.
  • §12.13(3)Anchored chain-link fabric shall be provided on rock faces subject to scatter.
  • §12.13(4)Where tunnels are excavated through earth or shale, any excavation above or adjacent to portal areas shall be sloped to the angle of repose or held in place by ground supports. When undercutting occurs on these slopes, whether due to erosion or other causes, the overhanging material shall be promptly removed.
  • §12.13(5)A protective shelter shall be provided at each underground portal to protect persons and equipment from the hazards of falling rock or other material. The protective shelter shall project at least 4.5 meters (15 feet) out from the portal.
  • §12.13(6)Contractor shall ensure that a comprehensive design for all casting and bracing systems for ceilings, sides, and walls of tunnels is made by qualified engineer and approved by the engineering office.
  • §12.13(7)Support sets shall be installed so that the bottoms have sufficient anchorage to prevent ground pressures from dislodging the support base of the sets. Lateral bracing shall be provided between immediately adjacent sets to provide added stability.
  • §12.13(8)Damaged or dislodged ground supports shall be repaired or replaced. Whenever possible, new supports shall be installed before removing the damaged supports.
  • §12.13(9)All services and utilities enter the tunnel shall be protected against any damage which might occur as result of entering and exiting of machinery and equipment.
  • §12.13(10)Outside drainage lines shall be installed to drain rain waters and other water accumulated near the portals of the tunnels to prevent this water from entering into the tunnel. In case the natural slope is not feasible, special mechanical means shall be used to remove such water.
  • §12.14(1)Haulage equipment used inside tunnels shall be of the type not consuming oxygen, and shall not contaminate the air in the tunnel.
  • §12.14(2)Haulage equipment with rubber tires shall be equipped with two headlights at both ends, a backup light, and an automatic backup alarm.
  • §12.14(3)All vehicles and mobile equipment required to move in and out underground construction areas shall have a revolving, flashing amber light, mounted so as to be visible in all directions. The flashing light shall be on whenever a vehicle or mobile equipment is in operation.
  • §12.14(4)Where narrow-gage railroads are used for haulage, the tracks shall be properly secured to prevent shifting.
  • §12.15(1)Materials, equipment and tools that are being raised or lowered shall be adequately secured or stacked by putting them in a cage or any other means to prevent them from shifting, snagging or falling into the shaft.
  • §12.15(2)A proper audible and visible warning system shall be used at the bottom of the shaft to warn employees during hoisting operations.
  • §12.15(3)Proper warning signs shall be posted at the bottom of the shaft to warn employees during hoisting operations.
  • §12.15(4)Hoisting pulleys shall be equipped with limit switch to stop the hoisting operation at a certain level before contact the boom tip.
  • §12.16(1)Drilling jumbo decks and stair treads shall be designed to be slip-resistant and secured to prevent accidental displacement. On jumbo decks over 2 meters (6 feet) in height, guardrails shall be erected (according to the technical guideline # 19 concerning fall protections). Safe access shall be provided to all working levels of drill jumbos.
  • §12.16(2)Suitable barriers shall be provided around powered mechanical loading equipment to prevent access.
  • §12.16(3)All connections between the hose supplying the drill with air shall be properly fixed to prevent kick back when disconnected or when the drill stops working. Fig. 6
  • §12.16(4)Necessary tests to the roof and walls at the work area shall be carried out at the beginning and end of each shift and periodically thereafter.
  • §12.16(5)Drilling machines shall be inspected by a competent person and all defects shall be repaired before use.
  • §12.16(7)When moving the jumbo drill from an area to another area, the steel drill and its attachment shall be securely fixed.
  • §12.16(8)The location where drilling shall take place shall be examined to ensure that there is no hazards before work begins.
  • §12.17(1)Where tunnels are excavated by conventional methods, the excavation shall not be extended more than 60 cm (24 inches) ahead of ground supports.
  • §12.17(2)Under no circumstances shall persons be permitted to work in unsupported sections of the tunnels.
  • §12.17(3)All voids in back of ground supports shall be flled, blocked, braced, or treated to prevent further cave-ins.
  • §12.17(4)Where liner plate is not used for tunnel support, 5 cm (2 inches) wire mesh or chain-link fabric shall be installed over the crown section, extending down to the spring line on each side of the tunnel and secured in place.
  • §12.18(2)When it is necessary to use slopes, bridges, and walkways during working in cofferdams, proper protection such as standard railing shall be provided.
  • §12.18(3)The minimum number of ladders, passageways, or slopes shall not be less than 2, or the area shall be provided with other means helps to evacuate workers and tools in case of emergency.
  • §12.18(4)Instructions and regulations concerning emergency evacuation of employees and tools shall be clearly posted.
  • §12.18(5)Every cofferdam or caisson and every part thereof shall be:
  • §12.18(6)In any cofferdam or caisson, there shall be adequate means (isolated room) for persons to reach places of safety in the event of an in-rush of water.
  • §12.18(7)No cofferdam or caisson shall be constructed or placed in position or altered or dismantled except under the immediate supervision of a competent person.
  • §12.18(8)All material for the construction or fixing of a cofferdam or caisson shall be inspected by competent person. Unsuitable or defective material shall not be used.
  • §12.18(9)No person shall be employed in cofferdam or caisson unless it has been inspected by a competent person at least once on the same or preceding day.
  • §12.18(10)Thorough examination shall be carried out whenever explosive charges have been fired or any damage has occurred.
  • §12.19(1)Explosives shall not be permitted or used except by or under the immediate control of a competent person with adequate
  • §12.19(2)Adequate warning shall be given to ensure that the employees are not exposed to risk of injury from the explosion or from flying

Chapter 13 – Demolition

  • §13.2(1)No demolition work shall be commenced unless a demolition permit is issued from the concerned department at competent authority according to the rules and regulations followed in this regard.
  • §13.2(2)Demolition work shall not be started unless all safety and security measured are provided at the demolition site and in the equipment which will be used during the demolition work.
  • §13.2(3)Any contractor before undertaking a demolition work shall obtain a no objection certificates (NOC’s) from the appropriate authorities (electricity, water, roads, sewer, traffic,etc.) and he shall ensure that the drawings and actual utilities are identical, and he shall stop working immediately and refers to the concerned party in case there is a deference.
  • §13.2(4)Before starting any demolition work, the contractor shall conduct an engineering survey (by a registered professional engineer) of the structure to determine the structure layout, the condition of the framing, floors, walls, the possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure and the existence of other potential or real demolition hazards. Also surveying the adjacent structures including historical buildings and accordingly plan his demolition method, equipment to be used, and all necessary precautionary measures.
  • §13.2(5)Prior to the commencement of any demolition job, the contractor shall conduct a survey for asbestos, to determine the presence, quantity, and condition of substances contain asbestos in the old buildings or buildings which is known or suspected to contain materials contain asbestos, and this survey must include all the components of the building including locations which could be reached and locations which could not be reached (confined). It is necessary to take all safety measures to control the hazards of asbestos and to protect employees against exposure to asbestos. (ref. is made to sectio
  • §13.2(6)Prior to the commencement of any demolition operations, the contractor shall conduct a survey for lead using the proper scientifc methods which should be approved by the concerned department, to determine the presence of lead in buildings, and shall take all the necessary safety measures to protect employees working in demolition from the hazards of exposure to lead and its associates according to the direction of the concerned party.
  • §13.2(7)A survey for PCB’s shall be carried out by contractor to identify equipment containing PCB’s such as fluorescent lights and the presence of mercury in fluorescent lights in buildings to be demolished, and it shall be disposed of as a hazardous waste according to visual checking and the results of tests if it is necessary. Transformers in fluorescent light without labels reading “Free of PCB’s” will be considered as it contains such substance.
  • §13.2(8)The concerned department at competent authority shall be provided with a written evidence that the required surveys have been performed as well as the results of the tests conducted
  • §13.2(9)It shall be determined if any hazardous building materials, hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, flammable materials, or dangerous substances have been used in any building construction, pipes, tanks, or other equipment on the property. When such hazards are identified, testing shall be conducted to determine the type and concentration of the hazardous substance and test results shall be provided to the concerned department, and all the necessary precaution shall be taken to control or eliminate before demolition is started.
  • §13.2(10)The contractor shall prepare a demolition plan by a registered professional engineer and based on the engineering and lead and asbestos surveys – for the safe dismantling and removal of all building components and debris, and the methods of demolition and the sequence of demolition operations, and safety measures to be followed.
  • §13.2(11)All demolition and removal of debris shall be carried out by approved and registered contractor who has the permission from the concerned department at competent authority to carry out such type of work and classified according to the jobs he will perform.
  • §13.2(12)The registered demolition contractor shall obtain a no objection certificate from the concerned department at Dubai Municipality and shall submit a detailed suggested method of operation for each case separately and obtain the necessary approval of such methods from the concerned department – Dubai Municipality. The approved method shall not be modified unless the concerned department has been notified to approve the modified method, also the method to be followed to isolate the adjacent buildings during demolition operations hall be determined.
  • §13.2(13)In case the approved demolition permit or the insurance certificate has been expired, the demolition operation shall not be continued and the contractor must renew them before the expiry date.
  • §13.2(14)Demolition operations shall be conducted under the supervision of consultant office in the following cases:
  • §13.2(15)In case that explosives will be used in the demolition operations, specialized party shall perform the job after obtaining the approval of the concerned department at competent authority and other concerned authorities and determining the suggested time of execution with this authorities.
  • §13.3(1)The demolition contractor must provide a qualified civil engineer approved by the municipality and a certified safety engineer to safely supervise the execution of demolition works in accordance with the approved method and permit requirements, from site preparation until the completion of the work.
  • §13.3(2)All employees engaged in demolition activities shall be instructed in the demolition plan so that they may conduct their work activities in a safe manner, and they must be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment (Safety shoes, helmets, suitable gloves, ear protectors, eye protection ..etc. according to the nature of work and the associated hazards.
  • §13.3(3)All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines shall be shut of, capped, or otherwise controlled outside the building line before demolition is started. The contractor shall obtain in advance all the needed No Objection Certificates (NOC’s) from the concerned authorities and shall ensure that it is identical with the actual locations of the existing utilities, and in case of any differences he has to inform the concerned authorities and coordinate with them to modify this situation.
  • §13.3(4)If it is necessary to maintain any power, water, or other utilities during demolition, such lines shall be temporarily relocated and protected in case it will be affected by the demolition activities, and that in coordination with the concerned authorities.
  • §13.3(5)When demolition activities are to be carried out in heavily populated areas, the contractor shall apply the highest standard of site protection, safe systems of work, and effective supervision during demolition operations.
  • §13.3(6)The contractor shall not be permitted to start demolition works, unless the proper warning and guidance signs have been provided at the demolition site.
  • §13.3(7)A fence, at least 2 m (6 feet) high shall be erected to enclose all demolition operations, and shall be maintained during all the demolition operations and removal of debris.
  • §13.3(8)The contractor shall provide a protection barrier not less than the building to be demolished high to the adjacent buildings, and he has to consider the safety of pedestrians and adjacent building and includes that in the demolition methods.
  • §13.3(9)The contractor shall follow adequate safe systems of work, and he must inform the concerned department in case there are any obstacles to report this case before the commencement of demolition operations.
  • §13.3(10)When employees are required to work within a structure to be demolished, adequate shoring or bracing shall be used to prevent accidental collapse of building. This is essential for structures damaged by fire, explosion or other cause. (fig. 3)
  • §13.3(11)The contractor shall close the demolition site at the end of working hours to ensure that unauthorised persons are not entered or damage the machinery and equipment.
  • §13.3(12)The contractor shall provide security services at the demolition site 24 hours a day
  • §13.4(1)The demolition operations must be executed in accordance with the approved method, and the terms of the license and under the direct supervision of the specialized engineering office. In case of any deviations, the concerned department shall be informed to obtain their permission.
  • §13.4(2)All demolition operations shall be carried out under the direct supervision of the contractor’s registered engineer.
  • §13.4(3)The contractor shall comply with the scheduled permitted working hours, and in case the need to work during night, he has to obtain the necessary permission from the concerned department and also must obtain the necessary other permissions from the concerned authorities, and he has to follow all the regulations concerning working at night. (fig. 4)
  • §13.4(4)An adequate safe area shall be determined as restricted area around the demolition site from all directions according to the nature and height of the building and the method of demolition and all of that shall be included in the demolition plan submitted to the concerned department at Dubai Municipality, and in case that this safe area can not be provided, the contractor shall suggest alternative protection method and include such method in the demolition plan and must obtain the approval on it from the concerned department.
  • §13.4(5)Horizontal demolition shall not be permitted on buildings which is higher than (ground + first floor), for buildings higher than that a mechanical demolition shall be used, and in all cases demolition will be from top to down and from outside to inside, unless an other demolition method has been approved by the concerned department.
  • §13.4(6)Before the starting of demolition operations, any part of the building which is attached directly to any adjacent building shall be isolated manually to a distance not less than 3 m (10 feet). The mechanical demolition ball is not permitted to isolate any parts of the building which is directly attached to adjacent buildings to protect those buildings from the effect of vibration resulting from the use of such mechanical equipment.
  • §13.4(7)Hazards to anyone from the fragmentation of glass shall be controlled. All glass parts or any fragile structures which are capable of being broken and scattered shall be dismantled manually before the starting of the demolition operations to protect employees from the hazards of flying scattering glass particles.
  • §13.4(8)At the end of working hours, the demolition work shall be stopped at a stage with a safe and stable structure to avoid the fall of any structure.
  • §13.4(9)Employees entrances to multi-story structure being demolished shall be completely protected by side-walk sheds or canopies or both. Protection shall be provided from the face of the building for a minimum of 2.4 m (8 feet).
  • §13.4(10)All such canopies shall be at least 0.6 m (2 feet) wider than the building entrances or openings and shall be capable of sustaining any loads or materials which might fall on it.
  • §13.4(11)Masonry walls or other sections of masonry shall not be permitted to fall upon the floors of the multi-story buildings in such masses as to exceed the safe carrying capacities of the floor.
  • §13.4(12)Mechanical equipment shall not be used on floors or working surfaces unless such floors or surfaces are of sufficient strength to support the imposed load.
  • §13.4(13)Except for cutting holes in floors for chutes, holes through which to drop materials, preparation of storage space, and similar preparatory work, the demolition of floors and exterior walls shall begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward.
  • §13.4(14)Only those stairways, passageways, and ladders designated as means of access to the structure shall be used during the demolition operations as follows:
  • §13.4(15)The contractor shall coordinate with historical buildings department to provide additional protection measures to protect such historical buildings from any damages in case of performing a demolition work in buildings adjacent to those buildings.
  • §13.4(16)The demolition permission does not allow the contractor to carry out any excavation works at the worksite for the purpose of building. In case of removal of foundations, the contractor shall re-fall the excavation to the ground levels.
  • §13.4(17)Employees shall not be permitted to approach to the locations which will expose them to any hazard during the execution of demolition operations, and the contractor shall prevent any one from entering such dangerous locations.
  • §13.4(18)It is not permitted to leave big quantities of debris at site; the contractor must remove them promptly to the designated areas determined by concerned authorities.
  • §13.4(19)The contractor is fully responsible for the worksite and he has to comply with the method of demolition approved by the concerned department according to the conditions of the demolition permission, and he shall be subject to legal obligations and penalties in case of violations or damage to the public properties.
  • §13.4(21)In case of partially demolition operations to any building, the following conditions shall be followed in addition to the previous conditions:
  • §13.5(1)Any chute opening into which debris is dumped shall be protected by a guardrail 1.05 m (42 inches) above the floor or other surface on which personnel stand to dump the material. Any space between the chute and the edge of openings in the floors through which it passes shall be covered. (See fig. # 5).
  • §13.5(2)When debris is dropped through openings in the floors without chutes, the openings and the area onto which the material is dropped shall be enclosed with barricades not less than 1.05 m (42 inches) in high and not less than 1.8 m (6 feet) back from the projected edge of the opening above.
  • §13.5(3)Any openings cut in a floor for the disposal of materials shall be not longer in size than 25% of the aggregate of the total floor area to avoid the effect on the stability of the whole floor. (fig. 5)
  • §13.5(4)Signs warning of the hazard of falling materials shall be posted at each side of the debris opening at each floor.
  • §13.5(5)Debris removal shall not be permitted in lower areas until debris handling ceases on the floors above.
  • §13.5(6)The storage of waste and debris on any floor shall not exceed the allowable floor loads.
  • §13.5(7)All openings at all floors below the top floor when not in use, shall be kept closed.
  • §13.5(8)A substantial gate shall be installed in each chute at or near the discharge end. A competent employee shall be assigned to control operation of the gate and the backing and loading of trucks.
  • §13.5(9)Chutes shall be designed and constructed of such strength as to eliminate failure due to impact of materials or debris loaded therein. (fig. 6)
  • §13.5(10)Where materials is dumped from mechanical equipment or wheelbarrows, a toe board or bumper, not less than 10 cm (4 inches) thick and 15 cm (6 inches) high, shall be attached at each chute opening.
  • §13.6(1)Masonry walls, or sections of masonry, shall not be permitted to fall upon the floors of the building in such masses as to exceed the safe carrying capacities of the floors.
  • §13.6(2)All wall sections must be supported until all the adjacent waste materials which are restricting its demolition have been removed.
  • §13.6(3)Structural or load-supporting members on any floor shall not be cut or removed until all stories above such a floor have been demolished and removed.
  • §13.6(4)Employees shall not be permitted to work on the top of a wall when weather (winds, rains, .etc.) constitutes a hazard.
  • §13.6(5)Walls that serves as retaining walls to support earth or adjoining structures shall not be demolished until such earth has been braced or adjoining structures have been underpinned.
  • §13.6(6)Walls shall not be used to retain debris unless capable of safely supporting the imposed load.
  • §13.6(7)Floor openings within 3 m (10 feet) of any wall being completely demolished shall be planked using thick wooden boards. (See fig. # 7). (fig. 7)
  • §13.7(2)Before demolishing any floor arch, debris and other material shall be removed from such arch and other adjacent floor area.
  • §13.7(3)Planks not less than 5 cm x 25 cm (2 in x 10 in) in cross section, full sized undressed shall be provided for and shall be used by
  • §13.7(4)Safe walkways, not less than 45 cm (18 in) wide, formed of wood planks not less 5 cm (2 in) thick or of equivalent strength, shall be
  • §13.7(5)Planks shall be laid together over solid bearings with the ends overlapped at least 30 cm (1 foot).
  • §13.7(6)When floor arches are being removed, employees shall not be allowed in the area directly underneath. The area shall be
  • §13.7(7)Opposite Removal: in case of suspended ceilings, they shall be removed from bottom to top and all the precautionary measures
  • §13.8(1)When floor arches have been removed, planking shall be provided for the workers razing the steel framing.t
  • §13.8(2)Steel construction shall be dismantled column-by-column and tier-by-tier (columns may be in two-story lengths). The design of
  • §13.8(3)Any structural member being dismantled shall not be overstressed to avoid any sudden collapse.
  • §13.9(1)The contractor shall ensure that all tools and equipment working at the demolition site are in good operational condition, and shall
  • §13.9(3)When not in use all equipment must be secured against tampering.
  • §13.9(4)Only one equipment shall be allowed to work at the same location at the same time to prevent interaction which might lead to
  • §13.10.1(2)A safe place of work must be provided for hand demolition, where scaffolds are used to provide a working platform, it should
  • §13.10.1(3)Before starting the demolition operations, it shall be well planed and this will be in the reverse order to the erection of the
  • §13.10.1(4)Where demolition operations are carried out at upper open floors, the proper protection to the open sided edges shall be
  • §13.10.1(5)Each main structural member, shall be supported by a crane or temporary props whilst the ends are unbolted or cut.
  • §13.10.1(7)Steel structural members shall be demolished and lowered gradually to the ground or being cut to a suitable lengths of
  • §13.10.1(8)When it is needed to demolish a part of a building, the demolition line shall be determined to be at a safe structural areas.
  • §13.10.3(2)Ropes shall be attached to the structure before pre weakening is carried out. The diameter of wire ropes used should not be less
  • §13.10.3(3)When pulling over walls or portions of walls, all steel members affected shall have been cut free.
  • §13.10.3(4)All roof cornices or other ornamental stonework shall be removed prior to pulling walls over.
  • §13.10.4(1)Any demolition operations by using explosives shall be performed in coordination of the concerned authorities and under their
  • §13.10.4(2)Demolition by using explosives shall be performed by specialized companies who have qualified and trained personnel in this field
  • §13.10.4(3)The contractor shall consult specialized personnel in the field of demolition before taking the decision to use explosives in such kind
  • §13.10.4(4)A comprehensive survey to the adjacent buildings, private and public utilities and historical buildings shall be conducted by a
  • §13.10.4(6)The contractor shall take into his account the utilities at the demolition sites, weather underground or above ground utilities, and he
  • §13.10.4(8)All different explosive operations must be performed under the supervision of a highly qualified technical expert who is approved
  • §13.10.4(9)The technical expert who is specialized in the explosive operations shall determine the quantities of explosive substances, type,
  • §13.10.4(10)After blast have been fired, safety precautions should be taken during the removal of debris, in case there is a misfred charges, the area shall be evacuated immediately and prevent any one from entering to the demolition area until the blast expert deals with this charge and secure it.
  • §13.10.4(11)The specialised companies in the field of demolition using explosives must inform the concerned authorities before performing any demolition operations in order to take the necessary precautions to protects lives and properties. They should refer to BS 5607 or equivalent from Arabic or International Standards approved in UAE in this regards.

Chapter 14 – Hand and Power-Operated Tools

  • §14.1(1)All hand and power-operated tools shall be maintained in safe operating condition and shall be used only for the purpose for which they are designed.
  • §14.1(2)Every person who supplies, lease or maintain any industrial machinery, equipment or tools shall ensure that such machines/ equipment are of safe and good condition and that there is no danger to persons operating them if they comply with their operating instructions. (1 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §14.1(3)Defective tools or otherwise rendered unsafe by defects that impair their strength shall be removed from service.
  • §14.1(4)When tools used on platforms or aloft and subject to falling or displacement, all adequate precautions shall be taken for being appropriately secured or tied (figure 1).
  • §14.1(5)Employees using hand and power-operated tools and exposed to the hazard of falling, flying, abrasive and splashing objects, or exposed to dusts, vapors, mists and gases shall be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment necessary to protect them from the hazards.
  • §14.1(6)Handling of tools by throwing from one location to another, or from one user to another or from one level to another shall not be allowed.
  • §14.1(7)No spark-producing tools or equipment shall be used in areas containing combustible or explosive materials.
  • §14.1(8)Tools requiring heat treating and redressing shall be tempered, grooved, dressed and sharpened only by experienced employees of demonstrated skill in this kind of work.
  • §14.1(9)Powered-operated tools shall be inspected and determined to be in safe operating condition before use and periodic maintenance shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • §14.1(10)Any power-operated tools shall be operated and maintained only by qualified and trained personnel authorized by the contractor.
  • §14.1(11)Reciprocating and rotating hand-held powered tools shall be equipped with a constant pressure switch that will automatically shut of the power when the pressure is released (figure 2).
  • §14.1(12)The cranks on hoists or hand-powered winches shall be provided with positive self-locking dogs provided that hand wheels shall be free from exposed spokes, projecting pins or knobs.
  • §14.1(13)Pneumatically driven nail staplers shall be of the type which prevents the tool from ejecting fasteners unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface with force more than 25 Newton of the tool’s weight and the trigger is pulled/pressed.
  • §14.1(14)The manufacturer’s safe operating pressure for hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and fittings shall not be exceeded.
  • §14.1(15)Hydraulic or compressed air tools shall have non-conductive hoses.
  • §14.1(16)When fuel-powered tools are used in enclosed spaces, all employees using these tools shall be provided with appropriate respirators. (2 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §14.1(17)Loose clothing shall not be worn while working with power tools as set forth in chapter 4 of this manual on personal protective equipment.
  • §14.1(18)Employees shall be instructed in the safe and proper use, handling and maintenance of all hand and power-operated tools necessary for the project to avoid accidents.=
  • §14.1(19)All power-operated tools shall be supplied with instructions of proper use in Arabic, English and other language known to majority of employees. Employees shall adequately be instructed in the proper use of new unfamiliar equipment which have been recently brought and not previously used in the worksite.
  • §14.2.1(1)Hand tools shall be constructed of sound and good quality materials that are appropriate to works for which they are designed.
  • §14.2.1(2)The wooden handles of hand tools shall be of solid straight fiber wood and kept soft, free of cracks and splinters. They shall be kept tight in the tool. Wooden wedges shall be used as necessary to prevent slippage of the tool from the handle.
  • §14.2.1(3)Handles shall be designed so as to ft hand-held equipment and tools to which they are attached and kept permanently tight in the tool.
  • §14.2.1(4)Handles of cutting tools shall be provided with protrude parts (protection exposed) to prevent the sliding of hands to the blades.
  • §14.2.2(1)Hand-held tools or equipment shall be kept clean and protected against corrosion, decay. Moving parts shall be oiled and greased and cleaned with non-flammable liquids.
  • §14.2.2(2)The cutting edges shall be kept sharp by using special devices and cooling the equipment to keep the cutting edge cold during the abrasive process.
  • §14.2.2(3)Heads of chisels, wedges and other impact tools shall be properly pointed and tempered when cracked or mushroomed.
  • §14.2.2(4)Tool defects shall be repaired the soonest possible by a qualified person in the worksite or sent to the specialized workshop. They shall be totally removed when can not be repaired.
  • §14.2.3(1)The cutters of every hand-held tool shall be so covered as to prevent its hazards while being moved.
  • §14.2.3(2)Hand tools shall be carried in an appropriate box to avoid any hazards.
  • §14.2.3(3)Tools with sharp edges shall not be put in clothes’ pockets.
  • §14.2.3(4)Saw teeth edges and portable equipment shall be in other side of the body.
  • §14.2.3(5)Axe shall be carried by holding it near the blade, with the hand extended downward, and the axe blade parallel to the foot.
  • §14.2.4(1)Sharp tools shall be placed in its holders when not in use.
  • §14.2.4(2)Sharp tools and its attachments shall be stored away from the places where the workers sit and stand, to minimize the hazard of falling of such tools on workers.
  • §14.2.5(1)Hand tools shall be used only in the jobs they have been designed for.
  • §14.2.5(4)Insulated hand tools shall be used when working on electrical (3 ‫)شكل رقم‬ installations.
  • §14.2.5(5)Adjustable wrenches when used, they shall be fixed on nuts so that the permanent jaws of the wrench shall be facing the direction of pull. (Fig. # 3).
  • §14.2.5(6)When unscrew nuts and bolts using box or socket wrenches, the handle shall be pulled not pressed.
  • §14.2.5(10)When hammering chisels, it shall be held by chisel holder and not by hand unless it is fitted with sponge rubber. (Fig. # 4).
  • §14.2.5(12)Special torque wrench shall be used when it is needed to fix the nuts or bolts to a certain torque.
  • §14.3.1(1)The trigger of tools powered by compressed air shall be fixed to achieve the following:
  • §14.3.1(2)The following specifications shall be provided on hoses and connections used to connect tools with the compressor:
  • §14.3.1(3)Hammering or drilling machines operated with compressed air shall be equipped with clamps or fasteners which prevent the accidental disconnection of the bits from the cylinders.
  • §14.3.1(4)Employees working with compressed air equipment shall not wear loose clothing or dangling jewelry and loose long hair shall be covered.
  • §14.3.1(5)Bits fixed on tools shall be removed manually when not in use, and it is not permitted to remove it using compressed air, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • §14.3.1(6)When cutting rivets using cutters working with compressed air, the following shall be considered:
  • §14.3.1(7)Hoses shall be emptied of compressed air before calibration, repair or disconnect it from compressor.
  • §14.3.1(8)Hoses shall be kept away from places where vehicles move and when this is impractical, adequate protection shall be provided.
  • §14.3.1(9)Hose shall not be laid over ladders, steps, scaffolds, or walkways to prevent a tripping hazard.
  • §14.3.1(10)The use of compressed air for blowing dirt from clothing or any part of the employee’s body shall be prohibited.
  • §14.3.1(11)When hoses are cut or cracked or leaked, the defective part shall be cut and then the hose shall be connected using metal connection specially designed to this purpose.
  • §14.3.1(12)Hoses shall be protected from heat, chemical or mechanical impact or any thing might damage it.
  • §14.3.1(13)Compressors shall be appropriately located so as to minimize hazards of noise and fume gases resulting from ignition.
  • §14.3.2(1)All portable electrical tools shall be properly grounded or of the type of double insulation, the sign specifying that shall be posted on the tool body Fig. (6). (5 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §14.3.2(2)All electrical wires shall be inspected to find out any damage in the insulated cover.
  • §14.3.2(3)Electrical power shall be de-energized, locked out, and tagged out by qualified persons before performing any repairs or modifications.
  • §14.3.2(4)Electrical equipment used in wet atmospheres shall be suitable to such atmosphere (Water Proof).
  • §14.3.2(5)The operating switch shall be fixed on the mobile machine so that it will disconnect the power automatically when releasing the pressure from it.
  • §14.3.2(7)Branched electrical panels shall be capable of connecting several electrical tools according to the need, taking into consideration providing protection against humidity, tampering, and supply power lines shall be designed to support the expected loads.
  • §14.3.2(8)Electrical tools shall be kept in special place and only authorized persons can reach it.
  • §14.3.2(9)Electrical tools shall be periodically inspected by qualified competent person to ensure it is working properly, also before use and at the beginning of each shift and during work.
  • §14.3.2(10)Defective tools shall be disconnected and tagged “Do Not Operate”.
  • §14.3.2(11)It is completely prohibited to connect electrical tools to electrical sockets unless inspected and proved safe.
  • §14.3.3(1)All machinery shall be operated, maintained and inspected only by adequately qualified and trained personnel.
  • §14.3.3(2)Every machine shall be stopped at the end of the work day.
  • §14.3.3(3)Cleaning or adjustment of machinery while in motion shall be prohibited.
  • §14.3.3(4)When using different installations with different diameters, sizes in one machine, this machine must be equipped a switch which can change the speed of the machine according to the size of the installations. (6 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §14.3.3(5)When a speed governor is installed on a machine, the following shall be considered:
  • §14.3.3(6)Work pieces shall be tightly mounted or tied to feeders and free moving edges of the material shall be supported by extending the saw table beyond the leading edge of the saw blade or by using trestles. A push-stick or other safe means shall be used when small or short work pieces under cut are pushed or directed (figure 7).
  • §14.3.3(7)An appropriate exhaust system shall be used to protect employees form flying sawdust or splinters (figure 8). (7 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §14.3.3(8)Sawdust and flammable materials shall not be accumulated in the site and the workshop shall be cleaned periodically.
  • §14.3.3(9)Appropriate and adequate personal protective equipment shall be used while using power woodworking machines.
  • §14.3.3(10)Woods shall be free of nails, or any other metal materials which might interfere with the blade movement. The speed of feeding shall be suitable to the cross sectional area of the wood and its type, so that the blade shall not be exposed to increased pressure and temperature.
  • §14.3.3(11)Pressing the saw wheel to prevent the forward travel of the blade after shutting of the machine shall be prohibited.
  • §14.3.3(12)When cutting circular shape wood or wood column or the like, these materials must be secured using mechanical means to prevent twisting or overturning.
  • §14.3.3(13)Appropriate precautions shall be taken to prevent kicking back of pieces to be cut.
  • §14.3.3(14)Areas where saws are used shall be equipped with vacuuming devices to collect and exhaust sawdust, chips and splinters.
  • §14.3.3(15)Open-flame or spark-producing devices such as welding machines, etc., shall not be used in or near carpenter workshops.
  • §14.3.3(16)Accumulated saw shavings (waste) shall be prohibited in worksites.
  • §14.3.4(1)Every grinding machine shall be properly mounted on the work table.
  • §14.3.4(2)Employees who use grinding machines shall be provided with safety goggles
  • §14.3.4(3)Tongue guards on power grinders shall be adjustable to be within 6 mm.
  • §14.3.4(5)Abrasive wheels shall be so selected as to withstand and maintain the spindle
  • §14.3.4(6)All abrasive wheels shall be closely and thoroughly inspected and ring-tested
  • §14.3.5(2)Each part of such tools shall be provided with the following: (14 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §14.3.6(1)Blasting operation shall be performed by trained and experienced personnel in these operations and they shall be provided
  • §14.3.6(2)All connections and hose nozzles shall be designed to prevent disengagement and shall be equipped with safety lashings.
  • §14.3.6(3)Hoses and hose connections shall be so designed as to prevent build up of static electricity. Hose nozzles shall be grounded
  • §14.3.6(4)Nozzle attachments shall be of metal and ft on the hose. A safety device shall be provided at the sand blasting nozzle to cut
  • §14.3.6(5)In shot blasting machines, every door, aperture and joint of the blasting enclosure shall be kept closed and air tight while
  • §14.3.6(6)Blasting area shall be cleared and appropriately barricaded to provide protection to other employees or machinery.
  • §14.3.7(1)Only qualified personnel designated by the contractor shall operate, maintain and repair high pressure water jetting
  • §14.3.7(2)The work pieces to be jetted shall be moved to isolated areas. Where it is impracticable, area limits shall be defined with
  • §14.3.7(3)When carrying out the jetting operation with chemical additive, extra precautions shall be taken.
  • §14.3.7(4)No adjustments to the equipment shall be attempted when it is under pressure.
  • §14.3.8(2)A drain pipe and valve shall be installed at the lowest point of every air receiver to
  • §14.3.8(3)The drain valve on the air receiver shall be opened and the receiver completely drained frequently and at such intervals as to
  • §14.3.8(4)Every air receiver shall be equipped with a pressure gauge and safety valve. The safety valve shall be tested frequently and at
  • §14.3.8(5)Every pressure vessel shall be examined by an inspection body approved by Dubai Municipality once in 12 months by visual

Chapter 15 – Welding and Cutting

  • §15.1(1)The contractor shall not permit employees to carry out any hot work operations (welding, cutting, open flames, etc.) except after obtaining the appropriate written «Hot Work Permit» from the authorized person.
  • §15.1(3)Welders, cutters and their supervisor shall be trained in the safe operation of their equipment, safe welding and cutting practices and welding and cutting respiratory protection and fire protection.
  • §15.1(4)All welding equipment shall be inspected daily. Defective equipment shall be removed from service, replaced or repaired and re-inspected by qualified competent persons before again being placed in service.
  • §15.2(1)The contractor shall ensure that welding areas are free of combustible and flammable materials by conducting proper measurements using safety apparatuses to detect the percentage of flammable and combustible material in air. The lower flammable limit (Lfl) reading must not exceed 10 % before starting the welding operation.
  • §15.2(2)If the object to be welded cannot be moved, all moveable fire hazards in the vicinity shall be taken to a safe place at least 11 meter (35 feet) away from the welding area. (1 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §15.2(3)If the object to be welded or cut cannot be moved and if all the fire hazards cannot be removed, then guards shall be used to confine the heat, sparks, and slag, and to protect the immovable fire hazards. The floor shall be covered with damp sand or wetted to extinguish flying sparks, also if Possible, the work area shall be enclosed with portable fire-resistant screens. (Fig. # ).
  • §15.2(4)Suitable and adequate fire extinguishing equipment (fire extinguishers, fire hose reel, etc.) shall be immediately available in the work area and shall be maintained in a state of readiness for (2 ‫)شكل رقم‬ instant use in case of fire (Fig. # 2).
  • §15.2(5)A person who is well-trained on firefighting shall be assigned as a frewatcher to maintain a watch for flying sparks resulting from the welding operation within 11 meters (35 feet) area. A fire watch shall be maintained for at least a half hour after completion of welding operation.
  • §15.2(6)No welding or cutting operations shall be performed on used barrels or any other containers of flammable or combustible materials until they have been cleaned so thoroughly as to make absolutely certain that there are no flammable or combustible materials present (Fig. # 3). (3 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §15.2(7)Noncombustible supports shall be used under metal workings while welding operation is performed.
  • §15.2(8)A fire-resistant cover shall be used to cover all openings or cracks on walls adjacent to the welding area to prevent passage of sparks or heat transfer through those openings or cracks to adjacent areas.
  • §15.2(9)If welding or cutting is to be performed on a metal wall, partition, ceilings or roofs, adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side, due to heat transfer by conduction or radiation.
  • §15.2(10)No welding or cutting shall be performed in areas where flammable paints or other flammable or combustible materials are present.
  • §15.2(11)When welding or cutting is performed near fire fighting sprinkler heads, a wet cloth shall cover those sprinkler heads to prevent their activation as a result of welding produced heat. When welding or cutting operations complete, the cloth shall be removed. Necessary precautions shall be taken when performing welding and cutting operations in areas safeguarded with fire alarm system to prevent fire alarm activation.
  • §15.3(1)Employees performing any type of welding or cutting and other personnel present in the welding area shall be protected against radiation, flying sparks, glare, melting materials and welding slag by wearing proper and adequate personal protective equipment and clothing in accordance with the requirements specified in Chapter Four in this manual.
  • §15.3(2)Suitable eye and face protective wear (safety glasses, goggles, and face shields) with appropriate filter lenses to the nature and size of welding electrode shall be used.
  • §15.3(3)Protective flame-resistant gauntlet gloves and cotton suits with full sleeves and without pockets shall be used. The trousers shall have no cufs and shall extend well down to the shoes. Appropriate safety shoes shall be used and durable flame resistant aprons made of leather may be used as an additional protection over the protective clothing. (4 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §15.4(1)Prior to the start of any welding or cutting operation, metal components, anti-rusting coatings, welding electrodes and welding electrode coatings (if any) shall be identified.
  • §15.4(2)After identifying the above information, potential health hazards, types and kinds of appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate protective ventilation shall be determined.
  • §15.4(3)Proper ventilation shall be provided in welding area either naturally or mechanically.
  • §15.4(5)If above listed conditions are not provided for adequate natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation shall be required. Mechanical ventilation shall be at a minimum rate of 56 (5 ‫)شكل رقم‬ cubic meter per minute (2000 cubic feet per minute) per each welding equipment. It is preferable that local exhaust ventilation to be used as near as practicable to the work being welded and provided with a rate of air-flow sufficient to maintain a velocity in the direction of the hood of 30 meter per minute (100 linear feet per minute) which shall extract the welding fumes into a special filter in (HEPA Filt
  • §15.4(6)When performing welding and cutting operations in confined spaces, adequate ventilation shall be provided and local exhausting ventilation systems shall be provided to extract welding and cutting harmful fumes outside the confined space.
  • §15.4(7)Before welding, cutting, or heating is commenced on any metal surfaces covered by preservative or anti-rust coatings, all surfaces shall be thoroughly stripped of such coatings for a surrounding distance of 10 cm. (4 inches) from the area of heat application.
  • §15.4(8)When welding, cutting, or heating materials including the toxic substances specified in table # (1) is undertaken the following precautions shall be taken:
  • §15.4(9)Arc and gas cutting, Oxygen cutting using either an iron powder or chemical flux, gas-shielded arc cutting, and plasma cutting shall employ local mechanical exhaust ventilation or other means adequate to remove the fumes generated.
  • §15.4(10)Other persons exposed to the same atmospheres as welders or cutters shall be protected in the same manner as welders and cutters, according to the technical guidelines # (21).
  • §15.5(1)Torch valves and gas source valves shall be turned of when welding is temporarily stopped and they shall be removed from the welding area to a designated safe storage place at the end of each working shift.
  • §15.5(2)Torches and hoses shall be removed from confined spaces when the work is suspended.
  • §15.5(3)Non-return valves shall be installed to gas cylinders on each hose directly close to the torch for oxyacetylene welding, cutting and heating equipment which mix oxygen and acetylene or other fuel (7 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §15.5(4)Flash-back arrestor valve shall be installed on the regulators of oxygen and acetylene cylinders to prevent very fast flame back as a result of clogged torch tip. If oxygen and acetylene mixed in one of the hoses, it shall cause gas explosion or flashback. (Fig. # 7). (8 ‫)شكل رقم‬
  • §15.5(5)Hoses shall be stored in boxes with holes to provide ventilation for the contents.
  • §15.5(6)Acetylene gas (C2H2) pressure regulators shall be adjusted in order not to release gas pressure more than 15 psi (bounds per square inch) in any condition. Acetylene under pressure more than 15 psi will be unstable and may decompose and cause a violent explosion.
  • §15.5(7)Clogged torch tip openings shall be cleaned with suitable cleaning wires, drills or other suitable devices designed for such purposes and recommended by the manufacturing company.
  • §15.5(8)Torches shall be lighted by friction lighters or other approved devices, and not by matches or other hot work activity.
  • §15.5(9)Oxygen cylinders and fittings shall be kept away from oil or grease, and shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves to prevent fire accidents.
  • §15.5(10)Compressed gas cylinders (oxygen and acetylene) shall never be taken into confined spaces.
  • §15.5(11)All hoses used in gas welding and cutting shall be examined thoroughly to ensure they are very tightly attached and there are no gas leaks (by using soapy water, a flame shall never be used for this purpose).
  • §15.5(12)Torches in use shall be inspected by a qualified and trained person at the beginning of each working shift for leaking shutoff valves, torch connections, hose couplings, and tip connections. Any defective valves, torch connections, hoses or tip connections shall be removed from work immediately.
  • §15.5(13)Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from flammable gas cylinders or combustible materials, a minimum distance of 6 meters (20 feet) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least half hour. (30 minutes).
  • §15.5(14)Copper connections or regulators shall not be used with acetylene gas cylinders. Acetylene reacts with copper and produces hazardous compounds. Brass connections and regulators shall be used.
  • §15.6(1)Electrode holders shall be of a capacity capable of safely handling the maximum rated current for the electrical circuit and
  • §15.6(2)A disconnecting switch shall be fixed on the welding machine or near to it to ensure immediate disconnection of all electrical
  • §15.6(3)Adequate personal protective equipment shall be used, especially eye shields with filters suitable to the size of the welding
  • §15.6(4)Welding supply cables shall not be placed near power supply cables or other high tension wires.
  • §15.6(5)Personnel shall be protected against the harmful gases resulted from gas arc welding of stainless steel by providing adequate
  • §15.6(6)Wires or power connections’ length shall not exceed the appropriate length to execute the work. They shall be to the nearest
  • §15.6(7)Work lead to complete circuit shall be attached to the work piece or the work-table to be to the nearest point to the working
  • §15.6(8)Employees performing electrical welding and cutting shall be protected against the accidental contact with motor
  • §15.6(9)Welding operations shall be performed in dry areas away from moist or rain falls.
  • §15.6(10)Arc welding machines shall be effectively grounded.
  • §15.6(11)Cables and connectors of arc welding machines shall be appropriately insulated for normal or heavy works.
  • §15.6(12)External surface of manually operated electrode holders and the clamp shall be adequately insulated to protect from heat or electrical chock hazards.
  • §15.6(13)All welding installations shall be water proof.
  • §15.6(14)Insulated connections shall be used when attaching wires together for grounding cable and the power cable connecting the power source with the welding electrode.
  • §15.6(15)Electrical wires used in arc welding operations, shall be free of repairs or splices.
  • §15.6(16)Pipelines containing gases or flammable liquids or conduits containing electrical circuits, shall not be used as ground return.
  • §15.6(17)All arc welding and cutting operations shall be shielded by non-combustible or flame proof screens which will protect employees and other persons working in the vicinity from the direct rays of the arc. (Fig. # 1).
  • §15.6(18)When arc welding is used with inert gases (Argon), the resulting ultra violet (UV) radiations are 5 – 30 % more than metal arc welding. Thus, any chlorinated organic solvents shall be kept 60 meters (200 feet) away from welding area to prevent the decomposition of these chlorinated organic solvent and the formation of phosgene gas, unless shielded.

Chapter 16 – Electrical Hazards

  • §16.2(1)All electrical wiring and installations shall conform to the provisions and requirements of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
  • §16.2(2)All electrical works shall be performed by qualified persons who shall be provided with adequate and necessary personal protective equipment.
  • §16.2(3)Prior to maintenance operations on any electrical equipment or appliances, the electrical current shall be disconnected, lockout and tag out, with a lock or any other adequate means and tagged out to ensure the prevention of reenergizing of the equipment by any person during work.
  • §16.2(4)Employees working near electrical circuits shall not wear trinkets, rings, watches and jewelry.
  • §16.2(5)Approved explosion proof electrical lighting shall be the only means used for artificial illumination in areas where flammable liquids or gases are present and creating potential explosion hazards.
  • §16.2(6)Employees working in electricity shall be instructed in using the proper fire extinguishers in electrical fires such as Dry Chemical and CO2 extinguishers. Water or extinguishers containing water shall not be used in extinguishing electrical fires which occur in electrical equipment or conductors as water is a good conductor which causes electrical shocks for the person using the extinguisher.
  • §16.2(7)Metal ladders or non-insulated hand tools shall not be used while working in electrical installations. Handles of all hand tools used shall be insulated and wooden or fberglass-coated ladders shall be used. (figure 1).
  • §16.2(8)Fixed and mobile electrical appliances and equipment shall be grounded by means of non- current carrying wire. When a short circuit occurs and a live wire permits a high fault-current flow to the frame or cover of an equipment or machine, the circuit breaker or fuse shall be tripped to interrupt the current and disconnect the electrical circuit or ground wire carries the current to ground and prevent the current traveling through human body to the ground. The ground conductor shall be continuously checked by using Ohm Meter. Fig. 1
  • §16.2(9)When the fuse or circuit breaker disconnect the electrical circuit, electrical current shall not be re-connected before inspecting the cause of the fault and repairing it and thus replace the fuse with other fuse of the same rating or the circuit breaker shall be returned to its first position by a qualified employee.
  • §16.2(10)Electrical circuit shall not be overloaded to prevent occurrence of fires.
  • §16.2(11)Electrical wires shall not be passed through doors or windows and shall be kept away from heating sources such as heaters and shall not be hung from nails to prevent the damage or wearing of the insulating material.
  • §16.2(12)Defective or corroded electrical wires shall not be used and shall immediately replaced.
  • §16.2(13)In case a person receives an electrical shock, this person shall not be touched. First, disconnect the power and remove the injured person away using a piece of wood or any other insulated material, and then first aid shall be provided to the injured person such as Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The doctor shall be informed immediately or the injured person shall be taken to the nearest hospital.
  • §16.2(14)When recharging batteries, employees shall be instructed not touch the battery liquids, and shall be provided with adequate and suitable personal protective equipment when doing that (face shield, rubber gloves, aprons) and when reflling batteries by acid, acid shall be added to water (and not water to acid). In case any burns by the effects of acids occurred, immediately flush the burn with big amount of water.
  • §16.3(1)Before any operations or works at site commences and during work progresses, the contractor shall take all practicable steps to prevent danger to persons employed from any live electric cable or apparatus.
  • §16.3(2)The design and installation of all electrical power systems for the construction site shall be done by qualified competent electricians as per the regulations and requirements issued by the authority concerned.
  • §16.3(3)Necessary protective devices such as earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCB) shall be provided in the electrical circuit to avoid risks of electrical shocks (figure 3). Fig. 2
  • §16.3(4)All persons working with electrical equipment or installations in construction sites shall wear the necessary suitable personal protective equipment to protect them from electrical shock or burns (figure 3). PPE shall be selected by a qualified person in accordance with the nature of the assigned work.
  • §16.3(5)Electrical equipment and apparatuses shall be so installed as to make nameplates and markings affixed on them can be examined without removing the installed equipment from a hard wire position.
  • §16.3(6)All fuses and circuit breakers in the electrical panel shall be clearly marked and labeled in lieu to their connected apparatuses as to facilitate recognizing each equipment’s fuses or circuit breakers. Fig. 3
  • §16.4(1)Non-conductive helmets shall be used, and aluminum helmets shall not be used while working near electricity.
  • §16.4(2)Eye and face protection shall be used when working in electricity where flying sparks or electrical arcs may occur.
  • §16.4(3)Long boots made of non-conductive material shall be used.
  • §16.4(4)All hand tools used during working in electrical apparatuses shall be insulated. Power-operated hand tools shall be grounded or of the double insulated type equipment (figure 4). Fig. 4
  • §16.5(1)All temporary electric wiring shall be installed and protected so that the wiring cannot be damaged by traffic movement.
  • §16.5(2)Electrical wires which do not resist atmospheric conditions or of limited electrical information shall not be used.
  • §16.5(3)All wires shall be insulated to prevent contact with its supports.
  • §16.5(4)All pipes and conduits which contain electrical wires shall be provided with appropriate boxes and covers at their ends.
  • §16.5(5)All electrical wires, installations, tools and appliances shall be of the types which comply with the requirements of the authority concerned.
  • §16.5(6)Electrical apparatuses shall be appropriate to the atmospheric conditions where they shall be used. They shall be explosion proof while operated in wet, flammable or explosive locations.
  • §16.5(7)Switches located in or near the entrances of confined spaces shall be distinctive for immediate electricity disconnection in emergencies.
  • §16.5(8)Exposed empty lamp sockets and broken electrical bulbs shall not be permitted.
  • §16.5(9)Mobile electrical lamps shall be provided with electrical cables capable of withstanding the severest operating conditions to which they may be exposed. Electrical lamps shall not be mounted by its wires.
  • §16.5(10)Non-spark-producing lamps of 12 volts shall be used in wet, flammable and explosive locations.
  • §16.5(11)Portable electrical tools without double insulation shall comply with the specified requirements of the authority concerned and shall be grounded.
  • §16.5(12)Electrical installations in the worksite shall be protected against damages as a result of over passing persons or equipment. They shall also be protected from sharp edges or suitably raised from ground. Automatic circuit breakers shall be used in the electrical circuits exposed to heavy equipment passage or hammering by metal machines.
  • §16.5(13)Appropriate clearance distance shall be maintained between electrical cabinets doors and electrical installations. Equipment doors and hinged panels must have at least a 90 degree opening provided in the workplace.
  • §16.5(14)Persons who are engaged in electrical installations shall wear insulated gloves and other insulated tools or hot line tools used for live lines when it is necessary to work with energized circuits.
  • §16.5(15)Clearance distance specified by the authority concerned shall be maintained between employees and any exposed live installations.
  • §16.5(16)Electrical equipment and machines shall be grounded and shall not be connected to electricity before ensuring safe electrical circuit status and enclosed and exposed live installations are appropriately insulated to prevent contact.
  • §16.5(17)If work nature in the worksite requires a temporary electrical transformer, all procedures specified by the authority concerned on required protection shall be applied provided that the installations shall be in compliance with the electrical volt used.
  • §16.5(18)All requirements of electrical installation and safety regarding machines, equipment and electrical apparatuses when used in the site shall be applied provided that those requirements shall include the procedures of protection against overloading, earth leakage current and short circuit current.

Chapter 17 – Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

  • §17.2(2)Tags shall be written in Arabic, English and any other most common language in the workplace to ensure that they are
  • §17.2(4)All procedures of all maintenance and repair works which shall take place in the project shall be coordinated between the
  • §17.2(5)Prior to starting maintenance or repair on machines or equipment, all authorized employees shall be notified.
  • §17.2(6)The contractor shall develop a written plan which clearly identifies work scope, purpose, responsibilities, permits, rules and
  • §17.3(1)Adequate training to all employees responsible of applying lockout and tag out system shall be provided to ensure the correct
  • §17.3(2)The training shall include the recognition of different hazardous energy sources, the type of the energy available in the
  • §17.3(3)Retraining must be provided on lock out / tag out measures in the following cases:
  • §17.3(4)4. Trained or retrained employees’ data shall be fully documented such as trainee’s name, date of training, the location and
  • §17.4(1)Periodic inspection shall be conducted in all operations applying lockout and tag out systems to ensure safe operational
  • §17.4(2)Inspection of energy isolation and control results shall be documented in special records.
  • §17.5(1)Tags must clearly identify the employee who applies them.
  • §17.5(2)Lockout and tag-out devices must withstand the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum duration of the expected exposure. Tag-out devices must be constructed and printed so that they do not deteriorate or become illegible.
  • §17.5(3)Lockout and tagout devices shall be standardized in color, shape and size. Tagout devices shall clearly indicate their purpose and shall include a legend such as (Do Not Operate, Do Not Energize, etc).
  • §17.5(4)Lockout and tagout devices shall be sustainable enough to prevent forceful or accidental removal.
  • §17.6(1)Before servicing or installing equipment, different types of energy source on the equipment and stored energy must be identified, identify persons to be notified that the equipment will be shut down for service, and affected employees shall be notified.
  • §17.6(2)The person in charge on site shall shut down the equipment using the normal procedure for shutting down the equipment by pressing the stop button. (figure 6).
  • §17.6(3)The person in charge on site shall shut of the power supply, close gas valves, and close compressed air and steam valves of equipment which will be maintained, according to the type of energy. The authorized employee who performs maintenance is responsible for locking out the energy sources of the equipment by the control devices (figure 7). Fig. 6
  • §17.6(4)Tagout devices shall be attached to energy-isolating devices or valves to indicate that these switches and valves of the equipment have been locked out for maintenance purposes and that the operation of equipment is prohibited except by the authorized employees (figure 8).
  • §17.6(5)Stored or residual energy accumulated in the pipes, such as compressed air, steam, compressed gases or residual electrical energy in the condensers, shall be released.
  • §17.6(7)Authorized employees who are responsible for maintenance operations shall start Fig. 7 work on the equipment. (figure 9)
  • §17.6(8)Whenever works on equipment will extend beyond one shift, employees of the new shift shall place their locks on the lockout devices before removing the locks of the previous shift employees.
  • §17.6(9)On-site occupational health and safety responsible employee shall conduct daily safety inspection tours to ensure the application of the abovementioned steps on equipment under maintenance and repair.
  • §17.6(10)Once maintenance works are completed, person in charge on site, in coordination with the authorized employee who performs maintenance and repair of the equipment, Fig. 8 shall carry out the following:

Chapter 18 – Chemical Materials Hazard and Labeling

  • §18.1.1The contractor shall prepare an inventory list of all available amounts of chemicals used in the workplace.
  • §18.1.2The contractor shall ensure that all hazardous chemical containers used in the workplace are labeled and tagged with appropriate warning signs. Labels and tags shall be conspicuously written in Arabic, English and the most common language in the workplace.
  • §18.1.3If chemical materials are transferred from their labeled primary containers into other secondary small containers, the contractor shall ensure that similar labels and tags of the primary containers are affixed to the secondary small containers.
  • §18.1.4The contractor shall ensure that material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical in the list is obtained. Copies of the MSDS for hazardous chemicals in a given work site are to be readily accessible to employees in that area to obtain information on hazardous chemicals in their work area.
  • §18.1.5Material safety data sheets shall be updated and available in Arabic, English and the most common language in the workplace.
  • §18.1.6All employees handling chemicals in the workplace shall be provided with appropriate and effective training on the safe handling measures of these chemicals.
  • §18.1.7In case subcontractors are working on-site, they shall be informed with the hazards of the chemicals used in the workplace. If subcontractors import chemicals which are not listed in the inventory of hazardous chemicals used in the workplace, the main contractor shall ensure that the containers of those chemicals are appropriately labeled, tagged or marked and that each chemical’s material safety data sheet is available. (MSDS)
  • §18.2.1The contractor shall develop a chemical hazard communication program which specifies hazards of the chemicals used in the workplace and inform the employees who are exposed to those chemicals about their hazards and safe means of handling and storage.
  • §18.2.2Technical guidelines no. (16) on chemical hazard communication shall be consulted.
  • §18.2.3The program shall include the following items (figure 1): . A list of all hazardous chemicals which are used in the workplace and their hazards. . Means to ensure that there is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical in the list, and to be readily accessible to all employees handling such chemicals. . System for ensuring that chemical containers are labeled. . Appropriate training of all employees exposed to hazardous chemicals. Fig. 1
  • §18.2.3.1A list of All Hazardous Chemicals: All hazardous chemicals used in different worksites shall be identified and listed. Chemical material is considered hazardous if it: 1. Has physical hazards (combustible, flammable, or explosive materials – compressed gases). 2. Has health hazards (toxic, irritant, corrosive, and carcinogen materials). 3. Is listed as hazardous in the List of Hazardous Materials specified in the Local Order no. 61 of 1991 or is assigned a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
  • §18.2.3.2Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): The contractor shall ensure that material safety data sheets for all chemicals in the workplace are available. They shall be provided to all employees who are exposed to hazardous chemicals to enable them to know all information on hazardous chemicals they handle. International warning labels and tags affixed to hazardous chemical containers shall be used to indicate the most hazardous items.
  • §18.2.3.3Employee Training: The training shall include the following: Information about different hazardous chemicals. Explanation of the hazards of all chemicals in the workplace. How to read and interpret information in the MSDS of each chemical. Knowledge of the necessary personal protective equipment needed when handling the chemical and how to immediately recognize them from the warning labels. Subcontractors who might be working on-site shall be informed of the hazard communication program.
  • §18.3Hazard Material Transportation Manual issued by Dubai Municipality shall be consulted for hazard material transportation purposes.

Chapter 19 – Confined Spaces

  • §19.1.1The contractor shall identify all confined spaces in the construction site and prepare a list of these spaces.
  • §19.1.2The list of confined spaces shall be updated as new confined spaces are discovered in the worksite.
  • §19.1.3Appropriate warning signs shall be posted on all confined spaces in the construction worksite to warn all employees of the danger of such spaces and that these spaces are permit-required (figure 1). Fig. 1
  • §19.1.4All employees who are required to enter and perform a work inside confined spaces shall be notified of the hazards of the spaces that may be faced during entry. Necessary periodic training shall be provided to those employees on safe working procedures while in confined spaces.
  • §19.1.5The contractor shall develop a written safety plan of the confined spaces and the safe working procedures in these spaces. An appropriate safety permit form shall be developed so as not to permit any personnel to work in confined spaces except after taking all necessary precautions and obtaining the required permit from the qualified competent person designated by the contractor.
  • §19.1.6No person shall be required or allowed to enter any chamber, tank, vat, pit, pipe, flue or other confined space in any construction site in which any gas, fume, vapor, dust or oxygen deficiency atmosphere is likely to be present as to involve risk to persons, unless: Certified by competent person based on test carried out by himself that the space is free from dangerous gas, vapors, fumes, dust or oxygen deficient atmosphere. Such person is wearing suitable breathing apparatus and safety belt securely attached to a rope where its free end is held by another person and anchored outside the confined space. A control system is established incorporating the safety precautions, testing of atmosphere testing, safety equipment and required supervision for the job.
  • §19.2.1Before a confined space entry or work begins, potential hazard evaluation shall be conducted and a work permit shall be issued and signed by a competent person designated by the contractor to authorize entry.
  • §19.2.2Identification of Confined Space Hazards: Before entry begins, it is crucial that the surrounding atmosphere in the confined space shall be tested in order as follows: Test oxygen concentration and ensure that it is not less than 19.5% and not more than 23.5%. Test combustible material concentration and ensure that it is less than 10% and when welding operations shall be performed in the confined space, the concentration shall be 0%. Test toxic gases concentration and ensure it is less than the permissible exposure limits. Reference shall be made to the technical guideline no. (12) to identify permissible exposure limits of toxic gas concentrations. Testing shall be conducted in the bottom, middle and top of the confined space as some toxic gases are heavier than air thus deposited to the bottom, others are of the same density of air thus remain in the middle and others are lighter than air thus accumulate on the top of the tank.
  • §19.2.3.1Mechanical ventilation shall be provided in a confined space by using proper air blowers. Those blowers shall be operated by compressed air to permit not less than 20 times air change of the space per hour.
  • §19.2.3.2In case of performing any welding operations within a confined space, mechanical ventilation shall be provided near the welding point. Appropriate PPE and hot work permit shall be provided to prevent any health hazards resulted from the welding fumes.
  • §19.2.4Before starting work in a confined space, all its contents shall be removed. All electrical and mechanical equipment, power sources, valves and lines shall be appropriately locked out and tagged. Blind flanges shall also be fixed on lines to ensure positive isolation and prevent hazardous materials from entering into the confined space which may cause hazards to employees therein (figure 5). Fig. 5
  • §19.2.5After verifying that the confined space is safe, well ventilated and the interior atmospheric conditions are suitable for work, all employees who will perform the job (entrants) shall be notified of all safe procedures followed, and responsibilities and tasks of each entrant, equipment and necessary PPE to be used, then entrant will enter to the space to perform work. Oxygen, toxic gases and flammable material testing instruments shall be kept working to continuously monitor the atmosphere while entrants are working in the confined space. These instruments are so designed as to activate an alarm siren when measurements exceed the permissible exposure limits. In case the alarm is activated, the employees shall be required to evacuate the confined space immediately.
  • §19.2.6A trained person (attendant) shall permanently exist in the confined space entrance to monitor activities of the entrants and to notice any hazards that may appear in the confined space. Under any circumstance, the attendant is not authorized to enter the confined space and if any entrant in the confined space is injured, the attendant shall: 19.2.6.1. Perform a non-entry rescue by using the available methods such as lifeline or other rescue methods such as retrieval methods. 19.2.6.2. In case performing non-entry rescue is not feasible, immediately he must summon rescue team which is equipped wit
  • §19.2.6.1If any entrant in the confined space is injured, the attendant shall perform a non-entry rescue by using the available methods such as lifeline or other rescue methods such as retrieval methods.
  • §19.2.6.2In case performing non-entry rescue is not feasible, immediately he must summon rescue team which is equipped with respirators, and other rescue devices appropriate to enter a confined space and rescue the injured person.
  • §19.2.7A qualified responsible person designated by the contractor as entry supervisor shall supervise all confined space procedures and activities.
  • §19.2.8All rescue team members shall be ready on call and equipped with all PPE necessary for making rescues to any entrant injured or exposed to other hazardous conditions.
  • §19.3.1The contractor shall instruct all employees in different construction sites not to enter any confined space without obtaining the proper entry permit.
  • §19.3.2All employees who are required to enter confined spaces or act as entry supervisors or attendants, and rescue members shall be trained to acquire the skills and procedures necessary for safe performance of their responsibilities while working in the confined space.
  • §19.3.3All rescue team members in the site shall be instructed in the proper use of PPE necessary for rescue processes and these PPE shall be tested periodically and regularly. Confined Space Entry Permit

Chapter 20 – Road Works / Site Planning / Site Transport

  • §20.1(1)All works within the boundary of work site shall require the issuing of a NOC (Non Objection Certificate) from the concerned party and other parties as may be required for the execution of the work. All such NOC shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any work on the site and shall be compared with utilities and services on site and in case of any differences a new NOC shall be issued from the concerned parties according to the exact situation on site.
  • §20.1(2)Any contractor who undertakes road work shall conform with the Construction Safety Rules and shall ensure the protection of his employees as well as the public.
  • §20.1(3)Road works are considered among dangerous and hazardous works, therefore the contractor must carry out adequate Risk Assessment and determine the safe work procedure to protect his employees, users of the road, and the public against these hazards.
  • §20.1(4)All works implemented on roads shall be supervised by a competent person who has been adequately trained, and this person must be permanently available on site.
  • §20.1(5)All workers working at road works projects shall be provided by necessary and adequate personal protective equipment.
  • §20.1(6)Where any work will be performed within the links of the road or part of the road, the contractor must obtain the necessary prior permission from the concerned parties, and must comply with the procedures and requirements of these parties.
  • §20.1(7)All construction workers engaged in highway works shall take all precautions against the traffic hazards.
  • §20.1(8)The provision of a complete system of advanced warning signs on highway works shall be maintained by the contractor and this system shall be approved by the concerned party at Dubai Municipality.
  • §20.1(9)All areas within site where the work will be performed during night shall be adequately illuminated and all workers shall wear light reflected suites.
  • §20.1(10)All workers handling bituminous material or concrete and all other workers on roadwork sites shall at all times wear protective clothing, safety boots, gloves, safety helmets and eye protection.
  • §20.1(11)All holes, excavations, open manholes, wet concrete, and spoil heaps on road work sites shall be provided with suitable and adequate barriers, with suitable light flashers, to protect pedestrians, workers, plant or vehicles from falling over or into such places.
  • §20.1(12)Where works within the boundary of working site are considered by the concerned department staff at Dubai Municipality to constitute a danger or hazard to the public, then warnings and suspensions may be issued and these shall be strictly adhered to. Failure to immediately comply with the warnings or suspensions shall result in further actions being taken by the concerned department staff at Dubai Municipality, which may include closing down of site.
  • §20.1.2(1)All vehicles and equipment on site shall be provided with high lights fixed on back of the vehicle which will work automatically when the truck or vehicle moves backward. Also, all vehicles and mobile equipment shall be provided with reverse alarm system to warn workers during the movement of such vehicles and equipment backward. In addition to that, the contractor must assign a trained person to guide these heavy equipment during reverse movements. This person shall be seen all the times by the drivers of such vehicles.
  • §20.1.2(2)The contractor must assign a Traffic Control Person (TCP) for the protection of other workers on site against moving cars and for the protection of moving cars against the hazards of the construction sites.
  • §20.1.2(3)The person who will be responsible of Traffic Control on site shall be medically ft, with good vision and hearing ability.
  • §20.1.2(4)The contractor shall provide the Traffic Control Persons (TCP) with the necessary training to enable them to carry their work safely and protect themselves against all the hazards they might face. Also, the contractor must train such persons on the proper signs which they are going to use during their work, and how to request car’s drivers to slow down when approaching road works sites.
  • §20.1.2(5)Traffic control person shall not perform any other work while directing vehicular traffic near road works sites.
  • §20.1.2(6)Traffic Control Persons (TCP) shall be positioned in safe positions not exposed to any hazards from the cars moving near the road works site.
  • §20.1.2(7)Traffic Control Persons (TCP) shall be provided with the following equipment:
  • §20.1.2(8)The contractor shall provide a separate routes for pedestrian and separate routes for vehicles in particular at entry and exit gates.
  • §20.1.2(9)Traffic Control Persons (TCP) shall be provided with the following traffic signs:
  • §20.1.2(10)The maximum speed limit inside the road works site shall not exceed 25 Km/Hour, and the necessary signs and humps shall be provided on site to slow down the speed inside the site and near entrance. All the necessary permissions shall be obtained from the concerned parties before fixing these signs and humps outside the boundary of the site.
  • §20.1.4(1)Traffic Control Persons (TCP) must be located at safe distance from the work site, and they must always face the coming traffic. ‫منطقة العمل‬
  • §20.1.4(2)Traffic Control Persons (TCP) must be located at places where they can see and be seen by the approaching traffic for at least 150 meters (500 feet) from the work site.
  • §20.1.4(3)Traffic Control Persons (TCP) must be located at a distance of 10–50 meters from the work zone. This distance depends on the speed limits ‫الرجوع لجدول تحديد أماكن‬ and volume of traffic at each road and according to table (1) and Fig. ‫وقوف األشخاص المكلفني‬ 3 & 4. ‫بتنظيم حركة المرور بالموقع‬ ‫منطقة العمل‬ ‫الرجوع لجدول تحديد أماكن‬ ‫وقوف األشخاص المكلفني‬ Fig. 3 ‫بتنظيم حركة المرور بالموقع‬ Fig. 4 Table (1) Posted Speed Km/Hour or less 60 Km/Hour to 90 Km/Hour 70
  • §20.1.4(4)In case of hills and curves, three Traffic Control Persons (TCP) shall be assigned to control traffic and each one of them shall be located in the place shown in Fig. 5 & 6, providing that the person located in the middle must be able to see both the other two persons. Fig. 5 Fig. 6
  • §20.2.1(1)Perimeter fencing shall be installed around the whole site with a minimum height of 2 m to protect the public from the site hazards. (As per Fig. 7). a. Adequate warning of entrances and exits. i. Storage, transport and use of flammable materials. b. Material storage area – mixer location, aggregate j. Access roads and plant movement areas. and cement storage. k. Car parking areas. c. Material of-loading area. l. Assembly points in case of emergency. d. Positions of hoist equipment and cranes. m. Locations of fire fighting equipment. e. Ofices, workshops, connection to the services. n. Locations
  • §20.2.1(2)Fencing must be installed along the plot limits of the project site. Any use of road rights-of-way, adjacent areas, or neighboring properties shall require obtaining the necessary permits from the relevant authority prior to commencement.
  • §20.2.1(3)Fencing, temporary rooms and offices, and signboard foundations must not be installed within areas designated for public utility lines (such as telecommunications, electricity, water, etc.).
  • §20.2.1(4)The contractor shall ensure that all vehicles on site are equipped with reverse alarm and flasher light which will work when any vehicle moves backward.
  • §20.2.1(5)At the commencement of each day/shift the driver shall carry out a thoroughly check to his vehicle to ensure that it is in good and safe condition before operating and driving it.
  • §20.2.1(6)The contractor shall provide all vehicle drivers and operators with the necessary training to ensure the safe use of such vehicles.
  • §20.2.1(7)Vehicles must not be manoeuvred too close to excavation sites. Reference is made to section 9 – Excavation and Trenching Safety Regulations and guideline No. 39.
  • §20.2.1(9)Security personnel shall inspect all vehicles before entering the site to ensure that tires are in good working conditions to avoid any accidents and stoppage of work.
  • §20.2.1(10)The driver shall not leave his vehicle unattended with the engine is running.

Chapter 21 – Sling and Rigging Equipment

  • §21.1(1)No chain, rope or lifting gear shall be used in raising or lowering or as a means of suspension unless:
  • §21.1(2)Rigging equipment for material handling shall be inspected prior to use on each shift and as necessary during its use to ensure
  • §21.1(3)All wire ropes and ropes used in lifting operations shall be of adequate length. No less than two full wraps shall be remained on
  • §21.1(4)All wire ropes, chains and their attachments when not in use shall be stored on
  • §21.1(5)Rigging and lifting equipment shall be clearly marked with its safe working load
  • §21.1(6)Rigging equipment shall not be loaded in excess of its safe working load
  • §21.1(8)The upper ends of sling legs shall be connected by means of a shackle ring or
  • §21.1(10)Slings shall not be shortened with knots or bolts or other makeshift devices.
  • §21.1(11)Every sling used for raising or lowering on lifting appliance shall be securely attached to the appliance, and the method of attachment shall not be a method likely to result in damage to any part of the sling or to any lifting gear supporting it so as to present a hazard to employees.
  • §21.1(12)Hands and fingers shall not be placed between the sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load.
  • §21.1(13)All lifting gears, chains, ropes and appliances except a fiber rope or fiber rope sling, which shall be destroyed, which have been lengthened, altered, or repaired by welding or otherwise shall, before being used again, be adequately re-tested and re-examined by a competent person of a company approved by Dubai Municipality and a testing certificate signed by this person shall be obtained.
  • §21.1(14)Shock loading is prohibited.
  • §21.1(15)A sling shall not be pulled from under a load when the load is resting on the sling.
  • §21.2(1)Alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and sling manufacturer. (See fig. # 3).
  • §21.2(2)Hooks, rings, welded or mechanical coupling links and other attachments when used with alloy steel chains shall have a rated capacity at least equal to that of chain. When using Fig. 3 more than one leg (multi sling legs), this equipment shall have a rated capacity at least equal to that of chain at that position.
  • §21.2(3)Only original components of shackles shall be used to avoid the occurrence of accidents. (See fig. # 4).
  • §21.3(1)The safe working load recommended by the manufacturer ‫ صواب‬Right ‫ خطأ‬Wrong for various sizes and classes of wire ropes shall not be Fig. 4 exceeded.
  • §21.3(2)Wire ropes shall not be secured by knots.
  • §21.3(3)When using U-shape clips to form eyes, the U-bolt of all wire rope clips must be applied on dead end of the rope. Also, rope thimbles of proper sizes shall be fitted in the eye to protect it from friction Fig. (5).
  • §21.3(4)The recommended number of clips and spaces of wire clips, as well as the tightening torque is illustrated in table # 1. The first clip shall be fixed as close to the thimble as possible. Fig. 5
  • §21.3(9)Wire ropes shall be lubricated with suitable lubricants recommended by the manufacturer and free of acids and alkalis.
  • §21.3(10)All wire ropes must be inspected before being used. Any rope showing excessive wear, corrosion, rust or any defect shall be taken out of service.
  • §21.3(11)Wire ropes used for rigging operations shall have a safety factor of five times its safe working load.
  • §21.3(12)Each wire rope used in hoisting, lowering or pulling loads shall consist of one continuous piece without knot or splice. (See fig. 6).
  • §21.3(13)Wire rope shall not be used and shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:
  • §21.4(1)All splices in rope slings shall be made in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation.
  • §21.4(2)Spliced fiber rope slings shall not be used unless they have been spliced as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
  • §21.4(3)Knots shall not be used in lieu of splices.
  • §21.4(4)Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:
  • §21.4(a)Synthetic webbing shall be of uniform thickness and width and selvage
  • §21.4(f)Stitching shall be the only method used to attach end fittings to webbing
  • §21.4(h)When synthetic web slings are used, the following precautions shall be taken:
  • §21.6(1)The load to be lifted shall be determined. This can be determined by the manufacturer, supplier, shipping tickets, or by
  • §21.6(2)The size and shape of the load must be considered together with any lifting points which may be available. An assessment of
  • §21.6(4)When using a sling of multi legs, the angle between the sling legs and the load shall not be less than 45 degrees.
  • §21.7(1)Pulley blocks shall be made of anti-impact metal.
  • §21.7(2)Sheaves shall be made of suitable metal and shall be compatible with the size and diameter
  • §21.7(3)Pulley blocks must be greased, lubricated and maintained frequently.
  • §21.7(4)Pulleys shall be designed so that the rope will not be stuck between the grooves and sides of
  • §21.7(5)The grooves must be free from surface defect which could cause rope damage.
  • §21.7(6)The load line shall be matched properly with the sheaves groove size to avoid the rope
  • §21.1(7)All crane operators shall be qualified and have adequate knowledge and experience about their job and with all aspects of safe crane operation, and they have been properly trained in this regard and have been approved by the concerned department – Dubai Municipality.
  • §21.1(9)All cranes must be fitted with brakes capable of holding and controlling the maximum load.
  • §21.1(16)Maintenance including preventive maintenance and repairs shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and shall be recorded in special logs and kept on site upon request by the concerned department – competent authority. These records shall be maintained for at least two years.
  • §21.1(17)Accessible areas within the swing radius of the crane shall be barricaded to prevent an employee from being struck or crushed by the crane. Also, no equipment shall be allowed in this barricaded area. (See fig. # 2).
  • §21.1(18)It is strictly prohibited to use any crane exceeded 25 years of service unless a safety and quality certificate is issued from the manufacturing company & Non Destructive Test for all structure.
  • §21.1(19)An unobstructed passageway not less than 600 mm wide shall be maintained between moving and rotating structures of the crane and any guard-rails, fencing or other nearby fixture to protect the rigger from being injured. Provided that if at any time it is impracticable to maintain such a passageway at any point, all reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent the access of any person to such place or point at such time Fig. (3).
  • §21.1(20)When working near excavation works (trenches), a safe distance of one and half the depth of the trench shall be maintained between the crane and the edge of the trench to make sure that lateral pressure shall not occur on the trench walls. The cranes shall be placed on stable soil. (See fig. # 4). Fig. 2
  • §21.1(21)Control handles, levers, and switches shall be designed so that they cannot be operated accidentally and shall be marked to show what they are for and how they should be operated.
  • §21.1(22)All cranes shall be provided with an automatic safe load indicator with a visual warning to the crane operator and an audible warning to those in the vicinity. Fig. 5
  • §21.1(23)A crane must have a stable and level base. If the ground is soft or not level, all precautionary measures shall be taken to ensure the stability of the crane, and that may be achieved by using adequate timber mats under each outrigger of the crane according to the type of soil. (See fig. 5).
  • §21.1(24)24. All cranes must stay clear of the power lines by at least 3 m (10 feet). (See fig. 6).
  • §21.1(25)When tower crane is used, the foundation where the crane will be fixed shall be designed so that it can support the maximum determined height and load. This design shall be approved by Fig. 6 the engineering office before executing this foundation and before fixing the crane structure on it.
  • §21.1(26)When handling long or large loads, a tag line shall be used to direct the load into position and prevent it spinning Fig. (7).
  • §21.1(27)No crane which has any timber structural member shall be used.
  • §21.1(28)When two cranes are used to lift one load at the same time, each crane shall work within its safe working load and remain stable throughout the lifting operation. One designated trained Fig. 7 competent person shall be responsible for the operation, and all communication and signaling systems to both operators shall be performed by one person.
  • §21.1(29)All tower cranes more than 30 meters high and mobile cranes with boom length more than 30 meters high shall be provided with warning lights to warn aircrafts and in particular helicopters in accordance with the regulation of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
  • §21.1(30)No employee shall be allowed to stand under any suspended load, not even to pass under that load Fig. (8). Fig. 8
  • §21.1(31)The hoisting mechanism of a crane shall not be used for any purpose other than raising or lowering a load vertically.
  • §21.1(32)Crane boom or jibs shall not be worked at a radius greater than specified on the test certificate.
  • §21.1(33)Test certificates for cranes shall include a special item concerning the crane foundation, specifying that it has been erected according to the recommendation of the manufacturing company, and shall be approved by the engineering office at the worksite. A proper written declaration about that shall be issued by the contractor and the engineering office.
  • §21.1(34)Cranes shall be erected on site by specialized company has commercial permission issued from Dubai Emirate permitting them to erect cranes.
  • §21.1(35)The contractor shall comply with the recommendations of the manufacturing company regarding crane erection method.
  • §21.1(36)Contractor shall take all precautionary measures to protect his employees, properties, adjacent buildings and utilities during the erection or increasing the height or dismantling of cranes.
  • §21.1(37)Contractor shall provide Lightning Protection System for all type of cranes used at site and ensure the maintenance of the same.

Chapter 22 – Cranes

  • §22.2(1)Only qualified, trained and licensed persons shall operate cranes. Training on crane operations shall not be permitted during
  • §22.2(2)An assistant (signal person) shall be appointed to give the necessary signals to the crane operator, this person shall be trained
  • §22.2(4)When wireless devices are used, the contractor shall ensure that these devices are in good working condition and the work
  • §22.2(5)When wireless devices are used, the contractor shall ensure that both the operator and the signal person understand each
  • §22.2(7)Every signal given for the movement or stopping of a lifting appliance shall be clear and distinct and such that the person to
  • §22.4.1(1)When any tower crane is selected for use on the construction sites, the following items shall be taken into consideration:
  • §22.4.1(2)Regarding the base of the crane, the following conditions shall be met:
  • §22.4.1(3)Tower cranes with height exceeding 30 meters shall be provided with warning lights to warn low flying aircrafts/helicopters. A white color warning light shall be fitted at the highest point of the crane and another white color lights shall be fitted on the crane jib, one at each end of the jib and then every 4 meters along the jib length.
  • §22.4.1(4)Warning lighting must be provided for low-flying aircraft and helicopters on buildings under construction that exceed a height of 60 meters, in accordance with the specifications approved by the relevant authority. These lights must remain operational at all times, including during extended periods of work stoppage at the site.
  • §22.4.1(5)Tower crane shall not be used as part of any scaffold or support for any access, storage or transfer feature or as a means of access by employees.
  • §22.4.1(6)Tower cranes on sites shall be provided with lightning protection systems.
  • §22.4.1(7)Tower cranes cabin for operator shall have its windows free of broken or cracked glass or any other means of obstructions for clear vision. Window glass shall be of Shutter proof type and shall be kept clean. (Fig. 10). Fig. 10
  • §22.4.1(8)8. When the height of tower cranes exceed the free standing heights determined by the manufacturing company, the crane shall be fixed and anchored to nearby solid structures or buildings in accordance with the regulations of the manufacturing company. At any time the height of the tower crane is adjusted a new safety certificate must be issued from a company approved and accredited by Dubai Municipality. (Fig. # 11).
  • §22.4.1(9)9. The safe working load (SWL) shall be marked at various radii and an indicator shall be fitted which shows the safe working load at each operating radius.
  • §22.4.1(10)A safe means of access to the crane cabin shall be provided by using a permanent steel ladder fitted with proper cage for fall protection with rest platform fitted with proper guard Fig. 11 rails shall be provided at every 9 meters vertical intervals.
  • §22.4.1(12)Each crane on site shall be re-tested and thoroughly examined following any repairs or major alterations or any weather conditions which may affect the strength or stability of the crane, and a new safety certificate must be issued.
  • §22.4.1(14)Gears of the slewing ring shall be protected and fitted in such a way to prevent the interference of other element like wire ropes and hoisting ropes and the likes with these gears.
  • §22.4.1(15)The correct amount of ballast and counter-weight must be properly fitted to the crane base as per the specification of the manufacturer during and after completion of fitting.
  • §22.4.1(16)Operating instructions issued by the manufacturer shall be posted inside the crane cabin or on the crane structure for easily seen and viewed.
  • §22.4.1(17)When the tower crane is not in use, the brake shall be activated to prevent the movement of the crane jib by the effect of wind or any other means. Once a building or structure is completed, a tower crane has to be dismantled, this factor should always be taken into account when deciding the initial position.
  • §22.4.1(18)When selecting the location for installing the tower crane, consideration must be given to the possibility of its removal after the completion of the project.
  • §22.4.1(19)The safety certificate for cranes must remain valid throughout their presence on site, even if work on the site is suspended. The crane must be removed from the site immediately once it is no longer required.
  • §22.4.2(1)In addition to what is specified in item # 2 regarding the base of the tower crane, the contractor shall ensure providing the
  • §22.4.2(2)The cranes shall be provided with effective brakes on traveling motion.
  • §22.4.2(4)Every travelling crane on rails shall be provided with guards to remove from the rails any loose material likely to cause danger.
  • §22.4.3(3)For any exceptions from the above-mentioned notices, the contractor shall get the written approval of the engineering office.
  • §22.4.3(5)The manufacturer’s recommendations for the crane must be followed in all installation, inspection, and maintenance procedures.
  • §22.5(1)The safe working loads shall be clearly marked on each crane and
  • §22.5(2)No load greater than safe working load shall be lifted by the crane Luffing
  • §22.5(3)Derricking cranes shall be marked with the maximum operating radius
  • §22.5(4)All mobile cranes shall be provided with boom angle indicator and ‫ذراع الرافعة‬
  • §22.5(5)All mobile cranes shall be provided with proper limit switch (Anti-Two
  • §22.5(6)The contractor shall ensure that any mobile crane enters the site has a
  • §22.6.1(1)Personal hoists shall be thoroughly examined after erection and before being put into service by a competent person working with a third party company approved and accredited by Dubai Municipality to ensure that they have been properly erected on fixed and suitable foundation and safe to operate, and a safety certificate shall be issued by this company.
  • §22.6.1(2)Passenger hoists shall be inspected every six months by a competent person working with a third party company approved and accredited by Dubai Municipality, and a safety certificate shall be issued from this company. A copy of the safety certificate shall be posted inside the cabinet.
  • §22.6.1(3)Each personal hoist on site shall be re-tested and thoroughly examined following any repairs or major alterations or any weather conditions which may affect the strength or stability of the hoist, and a new safety certificate must be issued. The personal hoist shall not be used unless the new safety certificate is issued.
  • §22.6.1(4)Personal hoists shall be operated by qualified competent persons.
  • §22.6.1(5)The contractor shall ensure that all the requirements and instructions of the manufacturer have been followed in regard to tying to the building, operation and maintenance measures.
  • §22.6.1(6)Gates shall be fitted in the enclosure at all landing places and shall normally be at least 2 meters high, covered with proper mesh for clear viewing, and these gates shall be opened only by the hoist operator from outside.
  • §22.6.1(7)A warning notice should be posted on the hoist gates requesting that these gates remain closed. No persons shall be carried by the hoist unless it is provided with a cage with the following conditions:
  • §22.6.1(8)Cage gates shall be provided with electrical or mechanical locking devices, so that the gates cannot be opened except when the cage is at the landing stage, and so that the hoist cannot be operated unless that gate is closed and the lock is in the shut position.
  • §22.6.1(9)Hoists must be fitted with an emergency brake to stop the fully loaded platform or cage in the event of failure of the hoist rope or driving gear. The hoist must be stopped completely within a fall distance not exceeding 3 meters or according to the manufacturer recommendations.
  • §22.6.1(10)Hoists shall only be operated from one position from inside the cage. If, for any reason, the cage stops between landing stages, it should be isolated electrically from outside to prevent any possibility of further movement and remove trapped persons from the cage safely.
  • §22.6.1(11)All hoists shall be provided with stoppers from top and bottom to prevent the cage from exceeding the pre-set top position or the pre-set bottom position by more than 100–200 mm.
  • §22.6.1(12)Adequate illumination shall be provided inside the cage, outside the cage and at all entrances and exits at all levels.
  • §22.6.1(13)An adequate space shall be maintained from the upper side of the cage when at its highest position to provide a free travel path if the cage over-runs the upper landing level. Also, an adequate space shall be maintained from the underside of the cage for the same purpose.
  • §22.6.1(14)Overhead protective covering shall be provided above the overhead work of all hoists to prevent objects falling down the shaft way.
  • §22.6.1(15)Proper shock absorber (springs) shall be erected at the bottom of the hoist shaft to absorb any sudden move in case the hoist fell down.
  • §22.6.1(16)Personal hoists shall not be used to carry materials.
  • §22.6.1(17)In case the personal hoist is used to carry materials, the following conditions shall be met: 1. Carrier device
  • §22.6.1(18)The speed limit of the hoist of single speed shall not exceed 0.5 (SWL) m/second in the under construction buildings. For hoists with two speeds, the lower speed shall not exceed 0.25 m/second. In case it is needed to increase the speed more than these limits, special approval must be obtained from the specialized department.
  • §22.6.1(19)Hoist main control panel shall be protected against dust, water and tampering by any person.
  • §22.6.1(20)Hoist shall be operated manually when descending and 1. Transport device ascending. 2. 2-meter landing gate 3. Hoist enclosure
  • §22.6.1(21)Hoist cage shall be provided with a fire extinguisher to be fixed 4. Hoist mast tied to the roof near the door. 5. Hoisting winch device
  • §22.6.1(22)When selecting the location of the hoist, if possible, it shall be 6. Hoist operated from a single remote control located away from the garbage chutes areas and also away providing the operator from the location of tower cranes and any other circumstances with clear visibility 7. Non-electrified handle that may present hazards to the hoist users. 8. Safe personnel carrying load in the shaft
  • §22.6.1(23)The control panel shall be electrically isolated in such a way to prevent the occurrence of any electrical faults or short circuits in the cage or the hoist structure.
  • §22.6.1(24)Personal hoists shall be inspected regularly to ensure that all safety devices available are in good working condition.
  • §22.6.1(25)Hoists shall be erected at easily reached places, the entrance Fig. 13 and exits shall be free of any obstruction. A temporary barricade shall be provided at the lowest level of the hoist for the safety of employees on site.
  • §22.6.1(26)Signs of conspicuous and easily read style, in Arabic, English and the most common language on site, giving instructions for the use of the hoist shall be posted at well known location to all employees.
  • §22.6.1(27)Personal hoist cages shall be provided with proper means of communication to be used in case of emergency or in case the hoist stops for any reason.
  • §22.6.1(28)The hoist shall not reverse its direction unless completely stopped.
  • §22.6.2(1)It is strictly prohibited to use material hoists to carry persons.
  • §22.6.2(2)The entrance of the hoist at the lowest level shall be barricaded.
  • §22.6.2(3)Rated load capacities of the hoist recommended by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded, and the lifting engines must be
  • §22.6.2(4)When loaded with materials, these materials shall be distributed in a uniform manner on the platform and stacked in such a
  • §22.6.2(5)The hoist shall be provided with proper over-run devices from top and bottom.
  • §22.6.2(6)Hoists shall be provided with suitable emergency brakes to stop it in case of emergency.
  • §22.6.2(7)Signs including the statement “No Riders Allowed” shall be posted at each material hoist entrance.
  • §22.7.1(1)The crane shall be fixed on a firm footing ground. Fig. 14
  • §22.7.1(3)Crane brakes shall be engaged and all other safety devices shall be used to ensure that the crane shall not move during the
  • §22.7.1(4)The total weight of the loaded personnel platform and related rigging shall not exceed 50 percent of the rated capacity for
  • §22.7.1(5)The crane operator shall remain at the controls at all times when the crane engine is running and the platform is occupied.
  • §22.7.1(2)Cranes shall be equipped with a device to indicate clearly to the operator, at all times, the boom’s extended length or an
  • §22.7.1(6)The platform and rigging shall be proof tested to 125 percent of the platform’s rated capacity in the following cases:
  • §22.8.1(1)Helicopter cranes when used shall comply with the regulations of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and after obtaining the necessary permits.
  • §22.8.1(2)All loading and lifting operations by using helicopter cranes shall be conducted under the supervision of qualified, trained competent person, who shall plan, assess all hazards and supervise such operations.
  • §22.8.1(3)Tag lines shall be of a length that will not permit their being drawn up into rotors Fig. (17).
  • §22.8.1(4)All electrically operated cargo hooks shall have the electrical activating device so designed and installed as to prevent inadvertent operation.
  • §22.8.1(5)All cargo hooks shall be equipped with an emergency mechanical control for releasing the load to avoid presenting any hazard to the plane. Fig. 17
  • §22.8.1(6)The hooks shall be tested prior to each day’s operation.
  • §22.8.1(7)Personal Protective Equipment for employees receiving the load shall consist of eye protection, hard hats secured by chinstraps and hearing protection devices.
  • §22.8.1(8)Loose-fitting clothing likely to flap in the downwash, and thus be snagged on hoist line, shall not be worn.
  • §22.8.1(9)Every practical precaution shall be taken to provide for the protection of the employees from flying objects in the rotor downwash. All loose gear within 30 m (100 feet) of the place of lifting or depositing the load shall be secured or removed.
  • §22.8.1(10)The helicopter pilot shall be responsible for the size, weight, and manner in which loads are connected to the helicopter. If, for any reason, the helicopter pilot believes the lift cannot be made safely, the lift shall not be made.
  • §22.8.1(11)When employees are required to work under hovering craft, safe access shall be provided for employees to reach the hoist line hook and engage or disengage cargo slings. Employees shall not work under hovering craft except to hook, unhook, or position loads.
  • §22.8.1(12)Static charges on the suspended load shall be dissipated with a grounding device before ground personnel touch the suspended load, or protective rubber gloves shall be worn by all ground personnel touching the suspended load.
  • §22.8.1(13)No unauthorized person shall be allowed to approach within 15 m (50 feet) of the helicopter when the rotor blades are turning. (Fig. 18). Fig. 18

Chapter 23 – Risk Management, Emergency, and Evacuation Situations

  • §23.1Both the contractor and the consultant share responsibility for preparedness in handling crises and emergency situations—whether through anticipation, planning, or actual response. A proper emergency response plan must be in place for potential incidents at the workplace. This plan should include evacuation procedures and all necessary occupational health and safety measures.
  • §23.2(1)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Being familiar with occupational health and safety regulations applicable to the worksite.
  • §23.2(2)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Identifying risk levels, causes of accidents and injuries, and methods of prevention, especially when handling, transporting, and storing chemicals.
  • §23.2(3)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Having knowledge of first aid procedures for common workplace injuries such as suffocation, fractures, and burns.
  • §23.2(4)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Identifying causes of fires and methods of prevention.
  • §23.2(5)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Keeping up to date with modern safety concepts in construction and contributing to improved workforce efficiency.
  • §23.2(6)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Assuming responsibility for safety measures, accident control, and safe storage of chemicals, as well as fire prevention.
  • §23.2(7)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Preventing any acts of sabotage.
  • §23.2(8)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Achieving a high level of professional performance on site.
  • §23.2(9)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Understanding protection tools and strategies against various workplace hazards.
  • §23.2(10)The site safety team must be qualified and capable of the following: Maintaining direct communication with relevant authorities regarding weather forecasts and conditions to anticipate severe weather such as strong winds and storms that may lead to accidents or injuries.
  • §23.4(1)Preparedness is achieved through the following steps: Developing an emergency plan tailored to site risks and project scale.
  • §23.4(2)Preparedness is achieved through the following steps: Preparing safety data sheets for hazardous materials, including risks and control measures.
  • §23.4(3)Preparedness is achieved through the following steps: Conducting regular inspections of storage areas, equipment, machinery, and excavations.
  • §23.4(4)Preparedness is achieved through the following steps: Establishing an effective communication and information network.
  • §23.4(5)Preparedness is achieved through the following steps: Implementing awareness and training programs.
  • §23.4(6)Preparedness is achieved through the following steps: Periodically reviewing and evaluating site conditions and materials.
  • §23.5(1)Key elements include: Immediate evacuation of the site upon hearing the fire alarm, directing all personnel to designated assembly points.
  • §23.5(2)Key elements include: Formation and training an emergency response team at each site, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for evacuation, firefighting, and rescue operations, in coordination with civil defense and relevant authorities.
  • §23.5(3)Key elements include: Controlling hazards and preventing the spread of fires or collapses using effective methods.
  • §23.5(4)Key elements include: Ensuring all personnel are familiar with emergency exits and escape routes.
  • §23.5(5)Key elements include: Establishing a fully equipped emergency control room.
  • §23.5(6)Key elements include: Defining roles and responsibilities before emergencies occur.
  • §23.5(7)Key elements include: Understanding how to deal with media during incidents.
  • §23.5(8)Key elements include: Conducting mock drills and implementing evacuation plans.
  • §23.6Mock drills and evacuation plans must be conducted in accordance with the procedures approved by the relevant authority.

Source: Dubai Municipality, Code of Construction Safety Practice. See also Decree No. (19) of 2025 Concerning Safety in Construction Works. General reference only, not legal advice. Dubai authority documents

Next step

Turn this into evidence you can hand over

Replace scattered spreadsheets and WhatsApp threads with one HSE operations system built around UAE authority expectations.

Start free — no card required HSE operations softwareWatch the walkthrough
  • Built around UAE authoritiesADOSH-SF, Trakhees, DM, DCD, MOIAT and ISO 45001 structures.
  • Usable the same dayTemplates and registers are pre-filled with your company details.
  • Evidence, not just formsEvery record carries dates, signatures and an export you can hand over.