ADOSH-SF Code of Practice CoP 33.1 - Traffic Incident Site Management

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Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 33.1 - Traffic Incident Site Management
Version 4.0
July 2024

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice - CoP 33.1 - Traffic Incident Site Management
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Training and Competency ........................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Training Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Initial Training ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.3 Refresher Training................................................................................................................................ 5
3. Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Vehicle Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Communication ...................................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Dynamic Risk Assessment ................................................................................................................. 9
3.5 Responsibilities towards the Public (including People of Determination) .................... 10
3.6 Working on or at the roadside (Vehicle Incidents).................................................................. 10
3.7 Working on or at the roadside (Other Incidents) ..................................................................... 11
3.8 Incident Site Information ................................................................................................................. 11
3.9 Personal Protective Equipment ..................................................................................................... 11
3.10 Lone Worker(s) and Remote Location Worker(s): .................................................................... 11
4. References ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
5. Document Amendment Record ............................................................................................................... 13
Appendix 1: Fend Positions.............................................................................................................................. 14

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1. Introduction
(a) This Code of Practice (CoP) applies to all employers within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
for provisions related to road incident site management including vehicle breakdown
or recovery activities. This CoP is designed to incorporate requirements set by UAE
and Abu Dhabi Regulatory Authorities. If requirements of this document conflict with
requirements set by another regulatory authority, employers are required to follow
the more stringent requirement.
(b) This Code of Practice shall not apply to Police or Military operations. It shall however
apply to all civilian entities.
(c) This Code of Practice covers the following activities:
(i) The attendance to all types of road incidences including vehicles break-down,
fallen tree, fallen billboards and other incidents on all types of roads including
major highways (E-Routes) with or without a hard shoulder;
(ii) The recovery or removal of vehicles, and / or other objects, from all types of
roads including major highways (E-Routes) with or without a hard shoulder; and
(iii) The task of temporary traffic management at the scene of a breakdown or other
emergency including major highways (E-Routes) with or without a hard shoulder.
(d) This Code of practice does not cover the recovery of vehicles from the live lane of a
highway, which must only be completed under the direct authority, and control of Abu
Dhabi Police.

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2. Training and Competency
2.1 Training Requirements
(a) Employers shall ensure that OSH training complies with the requirements of:
(i)
ADOSH-SF – Element 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency.
(b) Employers shall ensure that employees who are required to undertake activities
covered by this CoP are trained and competent to do so.
(c) The employer shall develop and maintain a documented training program which shall
detail:
(i) the initial training requirements; and
(ii) the ongoing or refresher training requirements
(d) Training shall include the specific requirements for undertaking dynamic risk
assessment when attending the scene of a breakdown or incident.
(e) Employers shall ensure that all persons responsible for the development and / or
delivery of the training content shall be competent to do so.
(f) Training shall encompass all of the required elements detailed in section 3 of this CoP.
(g) The employer shall maintain a record of all training delivered that contains the
following information:
(i) employee name and ID number;
(ii) emirates ID number;
(iii) subject(s) of the training;
(iv) dates and duration of the training;
(v) details of the training provider; and
(vi) records of any examination or assessment.
2.2 Initial Training
(a) The employer shall develop and deliver an initial training syllabus to be given to staff
attending to vehicles / other roadside incidents. This training must be based on a
detailed training needs assessment and as a minimum must include:
(i) training to ensure the safe operation of all vehicle types, including that the
vehicle is in safe and efficient working order and is clean and tidy;
(ii) procedure for the daily checking of vehicle safety systems and equipment, and
the process for reporting of defects or missing equipment;
(iii) training on the vehicle equipment, including the operation of equipment (such
as light bars, tow equipment, winches etc.);
(iv) training on communication equipment and communication protocols;

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(v) the requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including the correct
wearing, care and reporting of defective or missing equipment;
(vi) procedures for dealing with hazardous substances and spillages;
(vii) procedures for assisting members of the public including the young, elderly or
vulnerable persons (for example special needs / people of determination);
(viii) procedures and requirements for working safely on or adjacent to the highway,
including dynamic risk assessment, vehicle positioning, positioning of safety
equipment (such as cones), warning equipment, lighting etc;
(ix) the removal of vehicles and positioning of persons to a place of safety;
(x) legislative requirements, including the requirements of this CoP;
(xi) high risk activities and their associated controls (including adverse weather
conditions or periods of low visibility);
(xii) safe systems of work and standard operating procedures;
(xiii) driving in adverse conditions (for example adverse weather), or driving on
adverse terrain (for example off-road);
(xiv) dealing with emergency situations, summoning assistance and incident
reporting
(b) All initial training shall be verified by testing and/or practical exercises observed by
the trainer. Records of the results of such verification must be retained.
2.3 Refresher Training
(a) The employer shall develop a framework for refresher or update training as required
by section 2.1(c)(ii).
(b) The framework shall detail the timescales for refresher training for each required
training element, and the requirements shall be documented. The framework shall
also specify the precursors for initiating refresher training, including:
(i) time-based retraining;
(ii) remedial training as a result of poor performance;
(iii) update training where systems have been changed or amended, or when
equipment has changed; and
(iv) as a result of incident or accidents or changes in risk.
(c) All refresher training should be verified by testing and/or practical exercises observed
by the trainer. Records of the results of such verification must be retained.

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3. Requirements
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities
3.1.1 Employers
(a) Employers shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation, Section 3.2.5.
(b) Employers shall ensure that a risk assessment is performed in accordance with
OSHAD
– SF Element 2 - Risk Management and the requirements in section 3.4 of this CoP.
(c) Employers shall ensure that vehicles utilized for activities governed by this CoP are
suitable for the use and comply with the minimum vehicle requirements detailed in
section 3.2 of this CoP including:
(i) a documented system for pre-use checks of vehicles and for the recording and
rectification of faults;
(ii) a documented system for ensuring that necessary vehicle safety or operational
equipment is provided and maintained, including for reporting of missing or
defective equipment; and
(iii) records in relation to the systems, which shall be held available for 6 months.
(d) Employers shall ensure that systems are developed in order to monitor the adherence
of employees to the required Standard Operating Procedures (SoP’s) or operational
standards, including remedial actions to be taken in the event of poor performance
(for example remedial training).
(e) Employers shall ensure that suitable communications equipment (radio, telephone
etc.) is provided to enable employees to summon emergency assistance.
(f) Employers shall ensure that suitable first aid equipment and adequate fire
extinguishers are provided in case of any injury or fire and also ensure that there is a
documented system in place for the periodic inspection of the first aid equipment and
fire extinguishers.
(g) Employers shall ensure that all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is
provided and correctly worn. The employer shall ensure a system is in place for
employees to report damaged or defective PPE. The employer shall ensure that all PPE
is selected, managed and maintained in accordance with
OSHAD – SF CoP 2.0 - Personal
Protective Equipment.
(h) Employers shall ensure that staff who drive as an inherent part of their duties are
included within the driver fatigue risk management program as per the requirements
of
OSHAD – SF CoP 25.0 - Driver Fatigue Prevention.
(i) Employers shall ensure that a system is developed to ensure records are kept of all
incidents, these records shall include the outputs of the dynamic risk assessment
(update of the general risk assessments), SoP requirements and other information
related to OSH.

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3.1.2 Employees
(a) Employees shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF Element 1 - Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation section 3.2.7
(b) Employees shall:
(i) follow information and instructions provided by the employer for equipment use;
(ii) observe safe work practices and operating procedures prescribed by the
employer;
(iii) ensure that their actions do not endanger the safety of other road users or
members of the general public;
(iv) use provided PPE, equipment or safety devices provided for work by the
employer in accordance with any training and instructions received;
(v) report any activity or defect, which they believe, is reasonably foreseeable to
have a danger to their safety or the safety of another person; and
(vi) not drive any vehicle which is unsafe or use any equipment which is in a failed
condition.
3.2 Vehicle Requirements
(a) Employers shall undertake a risk assessment to determine the correct type of vehicle
required. During the assessment the employer shall take into account:
(i) the payload and weight distribution of the vehicle for its intended use;
(ii) the ability to safely carry and store required equipment;
(iii) ease of access and egress from the vehicle preferably from the front passenger
side;
(iv) ability to maintain comfortable temperatures inside in extreme weather
conditions;
(v) conspicuity markings and visibility of the vehicle including the ability to fit
warning lights and light bars;
(vi) the fitment of seatbelts and where necessary child restraints or other
equipment (for example Isofix fittings); and
(vii) fitment of ancillary equipment such as winches or tow hooks.
(b) Employers shall develop, implement and maintain a documented process for daily
inspections of vehicles for roadworthiness. Checks shall include the functioning of all
safety equipment such as light bars as well as equipment required to perform the
tasks, such as traffic cones. Records of daily inspection shall be kept for a minimum
period of 6 months.
(c) Employers shall ensure that defective vehicles are not used until repaired.
(d) Employers shall ensure that vehicles and associated equipment (such as winches,
towing equipment etc.) are maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and frequencies. Records of this maintenance shall be kept.

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(e) Road recovery vehicles shall be fitted with a minimum of two high level amber warning
lights which shall be capable of operating independently from the vehicles normal
lighting system. Lighting beacons shall be capable of providing a rotating beam of light
visible through 360 degrees. The positioning of these lights shall be such that they
are not capable of being obscured by other equipment carried or used on the vehicle.
(f) Work vehicles shall be of a conspicuous base colour; that contrasts with the yellow of
workers reflective clothing. Whilst the pattern and type of vehicle markings will vary
depending on the type of vehicle and the nature of works to be carried out, any
retroreflective materials fitted to improve the conspicuity of the vehicle shall be micro
prismatic Class RA2 retroreflective material, as defined in EN 12899-1 or to the
minimum standard ASTM D4956-01 Type IV. The general principle shall be that
retroreflective vehicle markings shall show yellow to the side and red to the rear of
the vehicle.
(g) The minimum level of markings for a vehicle that will stop on the carriageway shall be
a full width roof mounted warning beacon or lighting bar visible from all around the
vehicle, rear retroreflective markings and a side retroreflective marking strip running
the full length of the vehicle.
(h) Rear retroreflective markings shall consist of either red retroreflective material
covering the whole rear of the vehicle as far as is reasonably practicable or a series of
chevron markings comprising red retroreflective tape of minimum width 75mm spaced
50mm apart with the apex of each chevron marking pointing upwards. When applied
to a vehicle of base colour yellow, there is no requirement to fill the spaces between
the chevron markings. For vehicles of other colours, the space shall be filled with
yellow fluorescent non-retroreflective tape. This tape shall be replaced when faded to
maintain the required conspicuity.
(i) Retroreflective markings on the sides of small vehicles (<3.5t) shall consist of a
minimum of a single unbroken yellow retroreflective stripe of minimum width 50mm
applied, so far as is practicable, along the entire length of the vehicle. For larger
vehicles, the principles of outline markings as detailed in UN ECE104 should be applied
to the sides.
(j) All markings and lights shall be kept clean at all times and must be replaced when their
conspicuity is reduced or faded.
(k) The safe working load (SWL) or Working Load Limit (WLL), as applicable shall be clearly
displayed in a prominent position on any lifting equipment.

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3.3 Communication
(a) Employers shall provide and maintain suitable communication equipment that enables
them to communicate from the road vehicle and from the roadside.
(b) Employees shall be trained in the use of the equipment and the correct
communications protocols for:
(i) emergency communication;
(ii) protocols for when communications systems are defective or not working; and
(iii) correct language and communication terms to be used.
(c) Employers must not require, cause or permit the use of a handheld mobile phone whilst
driving.
3.4 Dynamic Risk Assessment
(a) Dynamic risk assessment can be defined as “The continuous assessment of risk in a
rapidly changing operational environment in order to implement the control measures
necessary to ensure an acceptable level of risk”.
(b) Employers shall ensure that employees are trained in the process for undertaking
dynamic risk assessment.
(c) When undertaking the dynamic risk assessment, the assessor must take into account:
(i) risks to the employee themselves;
(ii) risks to members of the public, other road users and in particular people of
determination;
(iii) the road layout, road profile (plane, uphill or downhill or winding), road speed
and traffic density, lighting etc.;
(iv) the prevailing weather conditions; and
(v) the approach to the work areas and the best position to park.
(d) The dynamic risk assessment process must identify conditions of high risk where
further communication, advice or authorization is required.

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3.5 Responsibilities towards the Public (including People of Determination)
(a) The employer is responsible to ensure that the safety of the public, customers and
others (including People of Determination) is a priority when attending at the
roadside.
(b) The employer’s personnel shall, following the dynamic risk assessment, advise the
customer of the safest place to stand to await recovery or repairs. As a normal process
the customer shall be advised to:
(i) exit the vehicle from the safer side (the side opposite to the live carriageway);
(ii) not stand between the broken down vehicle and the live carriageway, or the live
carriageway and any barrier (the sandwich position); and
(iii) to stand on the verge behind any protective barrier.
(c) Where due to circumstances it is safer for the person(s) to remain in the vehicle, they
must be advised to wear a seatbelt.
(d) Additional risks exist for People of Determination, for example the deaf being unable
to hear vehicles or challenges with communication. These risks should be addressed
within the dynamic risk assessment and the entity operative shall determine the
safest control.
3.6 Working on or at the roadside (Vehicle Incidents)
(a) Employees shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
Standard operating Procedures (SoP) developed by the employer.
(b) On arrival at the location the employees shall correctly position their vehicle. The
vehicle shall be positioned in the most appropriate “Fend” position (see appendix 1).
(c) Recovery vehicles must not be parked in the Live running lane of a Major Highway
unless under the specific direction of Abu Dhabi Police.
(d) Operatives shall, where possible exit their vehicle from the safe side (the side
opposite the live carriageway).
(e) Where possible the operatives must walk with vision maintained to oncoming traffic.
(f) Where due to circumstances of the incident it is not possible to park in the “Fend”
position and the response vehicle is required to be parked in front of the casualty
vehicle, the use of traffic warning devices such as lights, cones and signs must be
implemented.
(g) Determine the need through the risk assessment process for coning of the worksite
to create a safe zone.

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3.7 Working on or at the roadside (Other Incidents)
(a) Employees shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
Standard Operational Procedures (SoP) developed by the Entity.
(b) On arrival at the location, the employees shall correctly position their vehicle. The area
of the road (one or more lanes) with traffic obstructions such as fallen tree, signboard,
and debris shall be isolated and live traffic diverted away from it.
(c) Recovery vehicles (e.g. lifting vehicles) on the site must be parked under the specific
direction of Abu Dhabi Police.
3.8 Incident Site Information
(a) The results and outputs from the dynamic risk assessments shall be recorded.
Employers shall ensure that these records shall be reviewed and included in the
update of general risk assessments and associated documents, for example safe
working procedures, vehicle specifications, training etc.
3.9 Personal Protective Equipment
(a) All staff must wear hi-visibility reflective clothing when undertaking roadside
activities, including when undertaking training activities.
(b) All reflective clothing shall be maintained in a clean and reflective condition and
washed according to the manufacturer’s instruction.
(c) Any damaged PPE shall be replaced without delay; and any employee shall not be
permitted to undertake duties with damaged PPE.
(d) All PPE must be suitable for the workplace, taking into account temperature and
weather conditions.
(e) Hi Visibility clothing shall as a minimum comply with the requirements of ISO EN
20471 Class 3 or equivalent.
3.10 Lone Worker(s) and Remote Location Worker(s):
(a) Employers with lone worker(s) and/or remote location worker(s) shall provide, or
ensure provision of training and such first-aid equipment, as is appropriate and
sufficient in the circumstances to enable the employee(s) to render first-aid to
himself/herself/themselves while at work. Employees shall also have appropriate
means of communication and contact information for local emergency services.

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4. References
•
Abu Dhabi Safety and Traffic Solutions Committee – Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Work zone Traffic Management Manual
•
British Standards Institute – PAS 43:2015
•
Survive – Best Practice Guidelines V3.15
•
BS7901:2002 – Specification for Recovery Vehicles
•
HSE UK – Health & Safety in Motor Vehicle Repair and Associated
Industries
•
Traffic Safety Measures & Signs for Roadworks “Chapter 8 “part 2.

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5. Document Amendment Record
Version Revision Date Description of Amendment
Page/s Affected
4.0
15 th July 2024
System acronym updated from OSHAD-SF
to ADOSH-SF to accurately reflect
document title
Throughout
Change from OSHAD to ADPHC
Change of Logo
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements.

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Appendix 1: Fend Positions
Step 1
Park the attending vehicle at least 50 meters behind the casualty vehicle
Step 2
Park so that the vehicle is parked in the most appropriate fend position for the location
circumstances, so that the lights and rear reflective areas of the recovery vehicle are facing
the approaching traffic.
Step 3
Position the vehicle so that the offside of the recovery vehicle is closer to the flow of traffic
than the offside of the casualty vehicle. This increases the safety margin space when working
on the offside of the casualty vehicle
Step 4
Determine the need for coning of the site to establish the safety zone.

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Fend Positions:
1. Fend “Off” Position:
Advantages + –
• Vehicle fills the lane and provides a line of defence to the broken down vehicle;
• Provides a forewarning that the vehicle is stationary;
• Visually the vehicle gets larger as approaching vehicles draw nearer;
• When parked on a hard shoulder the vehicle appears as though it could be
emerging into traffic from the hard shoulder and is more likely to make
approaching traffic take greater care;
• Provides the occupants with a better view of the approaching traffic when
exiting the vehicle;
• Provides a better view of traffic over the vehicles bonnet and enables the
concerned to be more aware of approaching danger.
Disadvantages –
• Rear lights and markers are not so prominent
• When parked on the hard shoulder it may encourage other vehicles to slow or
change lanes having assumed that the vehicle is emerging from the hard
shoulder;
• Driver is exposed to direct impact should there be a collision;
• When on a hard shoulder any collision may force the vehicle into the live lanes
of traffic.

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2. Fend “In” Position:
Advantages + –
• Vehicle fills the lane and provides a line of defence to the broken down vehicle;
• Provides a forewarning that the vehicle is stationary;
• Provides the occupants with a better view of the approaching traffic when
exiting the vehicle;
• When the vehicle is parked on the hard shoulder, if struck it will minimise the
likelihood of the vehicle being pushed into the live carriageway.
Disadvantages –
• Rear lights and markers are not so prominent
• Visually the vehicle gets smaller when vehicles approach;
• When parked on the hard shoulder near to a barrier or wall, if the vehicle is hit it
may collide with the barrier and then travel down the hard shoulder alongside
the vehicle barrier.

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3. Fend “Inline” Position:
Advantages + –
• Vehicle markings are more visible;
• Driver of the vehicle is not exposed to direct impact when exiting the vehicle.
Disadvantages –
• May appear to approaching vehicles that the vehicle is moving;
• Does not fill the lane, therefore only offers limited line of defence;
• If the vehicle is hit it will travel forward and breach the safety zone.