What Does ADOSH-SF CoP 53.1 Require on a Site OSH Notice Board in Abu Dhabi?

Short answer

ADOSH-SF CoP 53.1 (version 4.0, 15 July 2024) requires an Abu Dhabi construction site to have notice boards in prominent positions, clearly visible to workers and anyone entering, displaying ten minimum items in Arabic, English and the workforce's most common languages. CoP 17.0 clause 3.4 adds that signboards must be durable, securely fastened and maintained so they stay visible. The framework is ADOSH-SF (formerly OSHAD-SF), administered by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), which does not approve particular boards or products. The code sets no board size and no material.

What the code requires

The ten minimum items named in CoP 53.1:

• Construction licence (the source words it as "within one year"; read the clause text for exactly what that qualifies)
• Form H, the notification of the principal contractor
• Project directory
• OSH policy statements
• Incident reporting procedure
• Action to take in the event of a major incident
• Site emergency and evacuation plan
• Visitors notice
• Site rules
• Lost time injury rate

If you are comparing board formats and sizes used for the ten CoP 53.1 items, treat them as market choices, not code requirements: the clause prescribes contents and visibility, not a format.

The scope is Abu Dhabi. Dubai uses a different sign: a safety instructions sign at the entrance under DM Circular 11-1-1, 70 x 130 cm or 60 x 100 cm depending on permit type. It does not replace the CoP 53.1 board, and the board does not replace it.

Who is responsible

Form H, one of the ten items, concerns the notification of the principal contractor, so the principal contractor appears on the board. Beyond that, the sources used here do not name a party responsible for providing the board, maintaining it or keeping its documents current. Confirm that allocation against the permit conditions, the text of CoP 53.1 and your contract.

What an inspection against these clauses looks at

• Whether a board exists in a prominent position and is clearly visible to workers and to anyone entering (53.1).
• Whether each of the ten items is present, one by one (53.1).
• The language of the content: Arabic, English and the most common workforce languages on that site (53.1).
• The condition of the board: durable, securely fastened and maintained so it stays readable (17.0 clause 3.4(g)).
• Whether the Form H displayed relates to the principal contractor running the project (53.1).

Typical gaps against the requirement

• One or more of the ten items missing, for example the visitors notice or the emergency and evacuation plan (53.1).
• Content in English only, or in languages most of the workforce cannot read (53.1, language).
• A board set where visitors entering cannot see it, or one that is obstructed (53.1).
• A weathered, peeling or loosely fixed board that is no longer readable (17.0 clause 3.4(g)).
• Out-of-date documents, such as a stale lost time injury rate (53.1, LTI rate item).
• Mixing up the Abu Dhabi CoP 53.1 board with the Dubai safety instructions sign (DM Circular 11-1-1).

Checklist

• ☐ Board in a prominent position, clearly visible to workers and entrants (53.1)
• ☐ Construction licence displayed (53.1)
• ☐ Form H displayed (53.1)
• ☐ Project directory displayed (53.1)
• ☐ OSH policy statements displayed (53.1)
• ☐ Incident reporting procedure and major-incident action displayed (53.1)
• ☐ Site emergency and evacuation plan displayed (53.1)
• ☐ Visitors notice and site rules displayed (53.1)
• ☐ Lost time injury rate displayed and current (53.1)
• ☐ Text in Arabic, English and the main workforce languages (53.1)
• ☐ Board durable, securely fastened and maintained (17.0 clause 3.4(g))
• ☐ Owner of board upkeep confirmed from permit conditions and contract

At the same gate Abu Dhabi has a second requirement: the project QR code board at the same gate, which since October 2024 replaces the printed project board under the DMT guidelines.

FAQ

What must a site OSH notice board display in Abu Dhabi?

Ten minimum items under CoP 53.1: construction licence, Form H, project directory, OSH policy statements, incident reporting procedure, major-incident action, site emergency and evacuation plan, visitors notice, site rules and the lost time injury rate.

Which languages does the notice board need?

Arabic, English and the other most common languages of the workforce on the site, per CoP 53.1.

Does the code set a size for the board?

No. The sources used here set contents, visibility and durability, and say nothing on size or material. Sizes seen on sites are market conventions, not requirements.

Does ADPHC approve site notice boards?

No. ADPHC administers the ADOSH-SF framework and does not approve particular boards or suppliers. What is checked is whether the content, visibility and condition meet the clauses above.

Is this the same as the Dubai safety instructions sign?

No. Dubai requires a safety instructions sign at the entrance under DM Circular 11-1-1, in two sizes (70 x 130 cm or 60 x 100 cm by permit type). CoP 53.1 applies in Abu Dhabi.