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Working on Scaffolding is a dangerous activity. This is why the legal requirements, construction, maintenance, and safety of scaffolding are regulated worldwide, specifically in the UAE, where the construction industry experienced a major boom in the early 20th century. The UAE has established robust regulations with active regulatory bodies to ensure the safety of construction workers and the timely completion of construction projects without any accidents or delays.
The three major construction safety regulatory bodies are the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), Dubai Municipality, and the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD). Different free zones and municipalities in Dubai have slightly varying rules and separate authorities that ensure compliance and safety. Adhering to the safety rules and regulations set by the authorities and regulatory bodies is necessary to avoid delays and legal action.
Scaffolding is a temporary structure made of wooden planks or metal poles built outside a building. Construction workers stand on scaffolding to work on and repair buildings. Scaffold incidents are very common in the construction industry. They are often fatal or result in serious injuries like paralysis and broken backbones. MOHRE has set stringent safety rules for scaffolding installation, maintenance, working conditions, and fall protection to avoid these incidents.
You should be familiar with the scaffolding legal requirements in the UAE if you are a construction startup looking forward to entering the Dubai construction industry. Compliance with these rules will ensure the safety of your workers and help you avoid delays and legal fines. Today, we will introduce you to the safety regulations and legal requirements for scaffolding in the UAE. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Note: You can contact a scaffolding company in the UAE to ensure compliance with the scaffolding rules and install a sturdy scaffolding for your construction project.
Table of Contents
Scaffolding Legal Requirements in the Construction Industry in UAE
As stated earlier, different regions and municipalities in the UAE have varying legal requirements for scaffolding. The scaffolding requirements and construction regulations of the major regions and free zones are discussed ahead.
Scaffolding Legal Requirements in Abu Dhabi-UAE
Abu Dhabi is under the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD) jurisdiction, which has issued a detailed code of practice (COP) for Scaffolding. The COP describes the scaffolding requirements applicable to all stakeholders, from supervisors to contractors. It covers the installation, planning, assessment, fall protection, and control measures for building scaffolding. It also lays down rules for altering, using, inspecting, and dismantling scaffolds.
The COP describes the specific requirement for scaffolding in Abu Dhabi, which includes:
- Training and Competency
All the workers involved in installing, erecting, dismantling, and modifying the scaffolds need to be properly trained and deemed competent to do their jobs. They must be able to recognize hazards and use control measures to counter them immediately.
2. Roles and Responsibilities
The code lays down the responsibilities and roles of all stakeholders involved in scaffolding erection, installation, and dismantlement. From the employers to the principal contractor, everyone must comply with legal and technical regulations.
3. Planning and Assessment
As per the COP, a detailed plan must be developed before the scaffolding work begins. This includes clearly pinpointing the purpose of the scaffolding, the work it will complete, and the anticipated load on it. Planning and assessment should also include risk assessment and an outline of prevention measures put in place. Proper planning ensures that the scaffolding is installed and used safely.
4. Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment is an important legal requirement for Scaffolding in the UAE. A detailed risk assessment allows the stakeholders to identify risks, such as the risk of falling or structural collapse. This allows the contractors to put the appropriate control measures in place to protect the workers.
5. Design of Scaffolding
The scaffolding’s design must meet the legal requirements in Abu Dhabi. It should be suitable for the task at hand and meet the specific engineering standards. A professional should design the scaffolding and take into account the height factor, load capacity, and safety of the workers.
6. Foundation and Ground Conditions
The ground conditions must be evaluated to make sure that they can support the scaffold’s weight. Uneven or waterlogged ground is not suitable for supporting a scaffolding structure, and special measures should be taken to prevent shifting over uneven ground.
7. Loadings and Supporting Structure
The COP clearly states that the scaffold’s load capacity must never be exceeded because overloading can lead to fatal collapse. In addition, the scaffold’s supporting structure must also be stable enough to hold it safely.
8. Stability of Scaffolding
The scaffolding should be stable and supported by proper bracing and a fixed structure. Environmental factors like strong winds must also be taken into account to ensure the scaffold can withstand them.
9. Design of Working Platform
The COP clearly states that the working platform should be wide enough for both workers and their tools. It should be made of non-slippery material and must have guardrails to avoid accidental falls. The platforms should also be inspected regularly.
10. Safe Erection of Scaffolding
The scaffolding must be erected by trained professionals who are familiar with the safety procedures and COP guidelines. This is an important scaffolding legal requirement in UAE. Moreover, workers should only use approved procedures and tools in the erection process.
11. Select a Suitable Type of Scaffolding
You must select the suitable type of scaffolding based on load capacity, access needs, and the needs of the construction project. Independent scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, and trestle scaffolds are the most common types of scaffolds used in the UAE.
12. Walkways and Landing Places
Scaffolding must have walkways and landing areas that enable workers to move safely across different levels. These places must be stable and equipped with guardrails to prevent falls and ensure smooth workflow.
13. Access and Egress
Scaffolding must have safe access and exit points. Stair towers, ladders, or ramps should be used to access and exit scaffolds. These access points should be stable and fixed. Emergency exits should also be designed for fast evacuation.
14. Scaffold Alteration
Scaffold alterations should be approved and implemented by trained personnel under all circumstances. Unplanned and unapproved alteration to the scaffold jeopardizes the safety of the workers and the progress of the construction project.
15. Safe Dismantling of Scaffolding
The proper safety procedures should be followed while dismantling scaffolding to avoid structural collapse and avoid injuries.
You can download and read the Code of Practice of OSHAD from their website.
Scaffolding Legal Requirements of Dubai Municipality related to the construction Industry in the UAE
The Dubai Municipality has released a “Code of Construction Safety Practice” that dictates the safety procedures for construction projects in Dubai. Chapter 8 of this code covers “Scaffolding safety.” It describes the Scaffolding Legal Requirements in Dubai-UAE. It gives instructions about scaffold foundation, working loads, scaffold working platforms, installation of scaffolding, materials, types of scaffolding, prevention and control, and emergency procedures.
The seven most important requirements described in the Code of Construction Safety Practice are as follows:
- Erection, Alteration, and Dismantling
A competent supervisor must approve and oversee the erection, alteration, and dismantling of the scaffold to ensure compliance with the legal requirements.
2. Approved Design
Before installation, the stakeholders must have an approved scaffold design. The design should be appropriate for the intended purpose, load capacity, and height.
3. Weight Load Capacity
The Code of Construction Safety Practice clearly states that the scaffold should be sturdy enough to support a minimum of 4 times the maximum intended load. This weight load capacity ensures that the scaffold platforms can comfortably support multiple workers and their tools.
4. Distance from Power Lines
Active Power Lines pose a serious electric shock threat, and any contact between scaffolding and power lines can endanger both workers and the general public. This is why scaffolding must be installed at least 3m (10 feet) away from power lines.
4. Ground Support and Stability
The ground should be inspected before erecting the scaffold. The Scaffold should be installed on stable and even ground to ensure it can support its weight. Slippery or uneven ground can lead to shifting and structural collapse.
5. Training
The construction project management is responsible for guiding, supporting, and training workers to participate in scaffold-related activities. The training must include safe practices, an emergency code of conduct, and risk awareness so that workers are prepared to tackle hazards and emergencies.
6. Inspection and Certification
A third-party approved by the Dubai Municipality will visit the construction site and inspect the scaffolds. After careful inspection, the third party will issue a certificate of approval to indicate that the scaffold meets all the safety standards.
To learn more about the legal requirements for scaffolding in Dubai, download and read the Code of Construction Safety Practice.
Scaffolding Legal Requirements of Trakhees-Dubai-UAE
Trakhees is the Department of Planning and Development under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) in Dubai, UAE. This regulatory body oversees safety compliance, licensing, and business development in special development areas in Dubai.
Trakhees has issued “Construction Safety Regulations” to ensure the safety of its residents. Section 9 of the Regulations concerns scaffold safety and hazard prevention. This section discusses the scaffolding legal requirements of Trakhees and the scaffold’s design, types, installation, and inspection. Section 9 also dictates the safety measures, risk assessment, and emergency procedures for scaffolding. The most significant requirements discussed in Section 9 of the Construction Safety Regulations are:
- Responsibility:
The construction project management is responsible for ensuring compliance with the safety guidelines and legal requirements for scaffolding. Moreover, the management must train the workers to follow safety protocols, hazard prevention procedures, and emergency codes.
2. Access to Scaffolding
Workers must be provided with multiple safe access points to scaffolding. The access points should be free of obstruction and comply with ergonomic standards. Emergency access and exit points must also be there so the workers can safely leave the scaffolding in emergencies.
3. Trained and Experienced Scaffolders:
Trained and experienced scaffolders should be employed to erect scaffolds. They should be familiar with the guidelines discussed in the Construction Safety Regulations. The scaffolder must be assessed and approved by a third party backed by EHS.
You can read the guidelines published on the official website of Trakhees to learn more.
Scaffolding Legal Requirements of DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)-Dubai-UAE
DMCC is a free zone center of global commodities trading in Dubai. It has its own regulatory body and code of conduct for managing scaffolding. The activities in DMCC are governed by “Health, Safety, and Environment guidelines.” Section 9.10.3 of this guideline discusses scaffold safety and specifies the legal requirement for scaffolding.
The guideline covers Scaffolding installation, alteration, and disassembling, as well as the inspection and certification procedure. Tagging, safe access, edge protection, and emergency procedures are also discussed in detail. These guidelines ensure the well-being of the workers and protect them from harm.
You can read the guidelines on the DDA website.
Scaffolding Legal Requirements of Dubai Development Authority (DDA)-UAE
Section 8.0 of the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) regulations of DDA covers “Regulations of Scaffolds, Work platforms”. The seven main guidelines in section 8.0 are as follows:
- Supervision of Work:
The contract must note the name of a qualified supervisor who is familiar with the policies and guidelines in section 8.0. This supervisor will oversee the installation, modification, and disassembling of the scaffolding.
2. Material
Scaffolding must be made from high-quality, durable material. Any defective material must be removed from the site immediately, as using cheap or defective material can increase the chances of a collapse and structural failure.
3. Maintenance of Scaffolds
The scaffold must be regularly inspected and maintained to keep it in optimum condition. A supervisor should conduct routine checks and promptly repair any issues to ensure the scaffolding remains functional.
4. Load Management
The scaffolding must be sturdy and durable enough to handle the weight of workers and their heavy tools. It should also be stable and well-supported from the ground, and able to withstand tough wind and rain.
5. Risk Assessment and Prevention Control:
Proper Risk assessment and prevention control protocols must be in place to protect the workers and scaffolders. A comprehensive risk assessment will allow the supervisor to devise suitable prevention and control measures for the scaffolding.
6. Tagging System
After inspection, a tagging system must be used to indicate if a scaffold is safe for use. Usually, green is used for safe and red for unsafe. The stakeholders must communicate the meaning of the green and red tags to all the workers. This can prevent accidents and falls.
7. Prevention of Falls and Provision of Safety Nets
In addition to guardrails, safety nets must be used, and personal protection gear should be provided to the workers. The stakeholders must ensure that the workers are not put in danger while working, or else they may face serious legal action.
You can read the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) regulations on DDA’s official website.
Scaffolding Legal Requirement at Sharjah-UAE
The Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA) and the Occupational Safety & Health Sharjah System (OSHJ System) have developed codes of practice and guidelines to promote the well-being of workers and protect them from exploitation. The guidelines clearly describe the legal requirements for scaffolding in Sharjah-UAE, and every stakeholder must comply with them to avoid legal trouble.
Codes of Practice and Guidelines related to scaffolding legal requirements in Sharjah-UAE :
The Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA) has issued 20 codes of practice (COP). COP No. 04, which discusses “working at height Safety,” covers scaffolding. You can download and read the Work at Height Safety Code on the SPSA’s official website.
Additionally, the SPSA has also issued 28 guidelines about different safety procedures. Guideline No.3 covers the legal requirement of scaffolding in Sharjah. The following are the scaffolding requirements as per Guideline No. 3:
- Guidelines-Risk Assessment & Management of Scaffolding
The stakeholders of the construction project must ensure that:
- The design, installation, and dismantling of scaffolds must be carried out by skilled employees working under a competent supervisor.
- If a scaffolding contractor is working on the site, they must be competent in designing, installing, and dismantling scaffolds. To ensure this condition is fulfilled, an agreement between the stakeholders and the scaffolding contractor must clearly state who is responsible for altering, modifying, and inspecting the scaffolding.
- Besides this, a thorough risk-assessment inspection must be carried out, and rigorous prevention control measures must be put in place to reduce the risk of injury to the workers and ensure the construction project is completed on time. Also, while working on risk assessment, consider the work intended, the height of the scaffold, and load capacity.
2. Design of Scaffolds, Principles of design, Erection of scaffolding
The stakeholders of the construction project must make sure that any scaffolding above 10 meters in height is built on an approved design. They also need to guarantee that scaffolding above 10 meters in height must be altered and disassembled according to the safety procedure described in the guidelines. The stakeholders of the construction project are responsible for making the contractors comply with the guidance given in SHJ-CoP-04: Work at Height Safety.
3. Safety of Scaffolders, employees, and others
The stakeholders of the construction project are responsible for protecting the scaffolders and other employees from the risks associated with scaffolding work. They must implement proper preventive measures such as broad working platforms, stable ground support, guard rails, etc. The use of safety nets, safety harnesses, and personal protective equipment can also protect workers from fall-related injuries.
Members of the public may also be at risk during the installation and erection of the scaffolding because tools or scaffolding components may drop. Proper exclusion zones should minimize this risk.
Guardrails and toeboards are essential for preventing fall incidents. The guardrails also prevent tools from falling, keeping the public safe. The rails should be strong enough to withstand wind and force. As per the guidelines, an internal handrail should be provided if the distance between the structure and the scaffold is more than 225mm.
5. Incomplete Scaffolds, Materials, Working Platforms
The stakeholders and management of the scaffolding should pay special attention to protecting the public, especially if the scaffolding is installed in a crowded place. Adequate signs should be placed to let the general public know that scaffolding has been erected in the area. Incomplete scaffolding should be stable enough to stand on its own so that the wind does not knock it over.
Plus, Guideline No. 3 clearly states that the working platforms should be made of sturdy, non-slip material. Good quality non-slip building material will prevent fall-related accidents.
Dismantling scaffolds is as critical as the process of their installation. Scaffolds should be dismantled properly in compliance with safety standards, especially if they are erected in a public space. Only experienced and trained professionals who are familiar with the safety guidelines set by OSHAD should dismantle scaffolding. Approved tools like ropes and pulleys should be strategically used to disassemble a scaffold.
The guidelines discuss every aspect of scaffold erection, maintenance, and alteration in detail. You can download and read the scaffolding guidelines for Sharjah on SPSA’s official website.
Summing Up
The scaffolding legal requirements in the UAE are quite stringent. In addition, each municipality has its own regulatory body and a different set of instructions for scaffolding. These protocols guide the safe erection, maintenance, and disassembling of the scaffolding. They also ensure that scaffolds are inspected regularly and appropriate prevention and control measures are put in place. Moreover, many municipalities make it necessary to put guardrails on scaffolds and use safety nets to prevent falls.
These regulations and policies protect the workers and the general public from scaffold-related incidents and injuries. If you want to enter the construction industry in the UAE, you must familiarize yourself with the legal requirements for scaffolding. You could also hire a scaffolding company or a supervisor who is aware of the safety procedures to ensure compliance with the standards set by the regulatory bodies. Failure to comply with the safety codes of conduct can delay the completion of your construction project and get you in legal trouble.
