ADOSH-SF Code of Practice CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations

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Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 30.0 – Lone Working and/or in Remote
Locations
Version 4.1
February 2026

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
Page 2 of 14
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Training and Competency ........................................................................................................................... 4
3. Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Planning and Assessment.................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Assessing the Risk................................................................................................................................ 6
3.4 Lone Working Procedures ................................................................................................................ 10
4. References ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
5. Document Amendment Record ............................................................................................................... 12

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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1. Introduction
(a) This Code of Practice (CoP) applies to all employers within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
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) Lone working is defined as those who work by themselves without close supervision
or direct supervision. There are many situations where people can find themselves
“working alone”, some examples are set out below:
(i) People in fixed establishments where:
1. only one person works on the premises, e.g. in small workshops, petrol
stations, kiosks, shops and also home employees;
2. people work separately from others, e.g. in factories, warehouses, some
research and training establishments and leisure centres; and
3. people work outside normal hours, e.g. cleaners, security, special
production, maintenance or repair staff etc.
(ii) Mobile employees working away from their fixed base:
1. on construction, plant installation, maintenance and cleaning work,
electrical repairs, lift repairs, painting and decorating, vehicle recovery etc;
and
2. agricultural employees; service employees, e.g. postal/Courier staff, home
help/domestic staff, pest control employees, drivers, engineers, architects,
estate agents, sales representatives and similar professionals visiting
domestic and commercial premises.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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2. Training and Competency
(a) Employers shall ensure that OSH training complies with the requirements of:
(i)
ADOSH-SF – Element 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency;
(ii)
ADOSH-SF – Mechanism 7.0 – Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner and
Service Provider Registration.
(b) Employers shall ensure that specific training is provided in relation to the tasks being
undertaken.
(c) Training shall encompass any hazards that are identified due to lone working.
(d) Training shall be conducted in a language appropriate for the workforce.
(e) Training shall include a test of competency and employees shall demonstrate an
understanding of the training delivered. Employees unable to demonstrate a sound
understanding of the training provided shall not be permitted to undertake the
relevant tasks until appropriate retraining has been undertaken.
(f) Training shall be refreshed at appropriate intervals.
(g) Employers shall maintain a record of the required training that contains the
following:
(i) Employee name and ID Number;
(ii) Emirates ID number;
(iii) Identification of training received;
(iv) date(s) of training; and
(v) person providing the training.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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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 all persons who are at an increased risk due to working
alone are identified and appropriate control measures are implemented to reduce the
risk.
(c) Employers shall provide appropriate welfare facilities, in compliance with the
requirements of, but not limited to:
(i)
MOHRE Administrative Decision No. (19) OF 2023 Relating to Occupational
Safety and Health & Labour Accommodations;
(ii)
ADOSH-SF– CoP 4.0 – First Aid and Medical Emergency Treatment;
(iii)
ADOSH-SF – Element 6 – Emergency Management;
(iv)
ADOSH-SF – CoP 8.0 – General Workplace Amenities; and
(v)
ADOSH-SF – CoP 11.0 – Safety in the Heat.
(d) Employers shall ensure that such persons are fully aware and compliant with any
specific legislation that applies to lone working, examples could include occupational
diving or certain chemical works.
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 follow all the rules and regulation set by the employer with regards
to lone working.
(c) Employees shall immediately report any hazard or information that may affect,
adversely or otherwise, the works being undertaken.
3.2 Planning and Assessment
(a) Employers shall evaluate each site or operation to determine if hazards are present
and the workplace shall be assessed using risk management practices as required by
ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk Management.
(b) Where lone working has been identified, the employer shall ensure, as part of their
risk management program, a full risk assessment is undertaken. The risk assessment
shall be developed in line with the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk
Management.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(c) Employers shall ensure the following:
(i) an assessment of the various risks is undertaken and systems of work are
established which are safe to all parties involved or affected including the public;
(ii) that effective procedures and control measures are in place, which are
implemented in order to manage activities safely and without risk to health;
(iii) that for the Building and Construction Sector the management of working alone
and/or in remote locations requirements are included in the Pre-Tender Safety and
Health Plan in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 53.0 – OSH Management During
Construction Work; and
(iv) that associated safe systems of work, and site rules are included in the Safety and
Health Construction Management Plan (OSH-CMP) in the case of the Building and
Construction Sector in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 53.0 – OSH Management
During Construction Work.
3.3 Assessing the Risk
(a) Lone employees shall not be at more risk than other employees. This may require extra
risk control measures. Precautions shall take account of normal work and foreseeable
emergencies, e.g. fire, equipment failure, illness and incidents. Employers shall identify
situations where people work alone and consider the issues below.
3.3.1 Length of Time the Person will be Working Alone
(a) What is a reasonable length of time for the person to be alone?
(b) Is it reasonable for the person to be alone at all?
(c) How long will the person be alone to finish the job?
(d) Is it legal for the person to be alone while doing certain activities? (For example:
working alone in a confined space or during lock-out / tag-out operations).
(e) What time of the day will the person be alone?
3.3.2 Remoteness and Isolation
(a) When employees are working in remote locations, the employer shall consider
whether:
(i) the emergency services can approach close enough (if necessary);
(ii) there is a clear understanding about how long the work should take;
(iii) there is appropriate access to first aid, or provision for mobile employees to carry
a first aid kit; and
(iv) transport arrangements to and from the workplace are appropriate.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.3.3 Location of the Work
(a) Is the work in a remote or isolated location? (Remember that a remote location does
not have to be far away. Storage rooms that are rarely used can be considered remote
or isolated).
(b) Is transportation necessary to get there? What kind of transportation is needed?
(c) Is the vehicle equipped with emergency supplies such as food and drinking water, as
well as a first aid kit?
(d) Will the person need to carry some or all of the emergency supplies with them when
they leave the vehicle?
(e) Does the person need training to be able to use the first aid equipment?
(f) What are the consequences if the vehicle breaks down?
(g) Will the person have to leave the vehicle for long periods of time?
3.3.4 Condition of the Workplace
(a) Employers shall ensure a safe means of entry and exit to the workplace.
(b) Employer shall ensure that there is appropriate workplace amenities (e.g. lighting,
drinking water, food storage, preparation and eating facilities, washing facilities), in
compliance with the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 8.0 – General Workplace
Amenities and ADOSH-SF – CoP 19.0 – Occupational Food Handling and Food
Preparation Areas.
3.3.5 Communication
(a) Employers shall consider whether communication is appropriate, and in particular:
(i) has the lone employee been equipped with a system for maintaining contact, such
as two-way means of communication or a personal alarm?
(ii) is there a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system available, and will it be
monitored?
(iii) what forms of communication are available?
(iv) is it necessary to "see" the person, or is voice communication appropriate?
(v) will emergency communication systems work appropriately in all situations?
(vi) if the communication systems are located in a vehicle, are alternative
arrangements required to cover the person when they are away from the vehicle?

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.3.6 Personal Assault
(a) Employees who are thought to be carrying cash, or who can be seen in possession of
valuables, such as laptop computers, pharmaceuticals, hand tools, mobile phones, etc.
may be at risk from robbery or attack.
(b) Persons with criminal intent may also pose a risk if they find out an employee's
address.
3.3.7 Emergency Procedures
(a) In case of emergency, consideration shall be given to:
(i) whether appropriate preparation has been made to cope with the emergency, e.g.
fire, illness or incident, and appropriate procedures have been established?;
(ii) what provisions are in place to make the workplace secure if it must be left
unattended. Solitary employees shall be capable of responding correctly to
emergency situations; and
(iii) emergency procedures and control measures are in compliance with the
requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 6 – Emergency Management.
3.3.8 Supervision
(a) Although solitary employees cannot be subject to constant supervision, it is still the
employer’s duty to provide appropriate control of the work. Supervision complements
information, instruction and training and helps to ensure that employees understand
the risks associated with their work and that the necessary safety precautions are
carried out. It can also provide guidance in situations of uncertainty.
(b) The extent of supervision required depends on the risks involved and the proficiency
and experience of the employee to identify and handle safety issues.
(c) Employees new to the job, undergoing training, doing a job which presents special
risks, or dealing with new situations may need to be accompanied at first.
(d) The extent of supervision required is a management decision. It shall not be left to
individuals to decide whether they require assistance. Safety supervision can
generally be carried out when visits are made to check the progress and quality of the
work and may take the form of periodic site visits coupled with discussions in which
safety issues are assessed.
(e) Therefore, given the relative lack of supervision, extra care shall be taken to ensure
that the lone employee is competent to both carry out the task and to deal with
foreseeable problems.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.3.9 Medical Fitness
(a) Issues that shall be discussed in relation to medical fitness include:
(i) do the circumstances of working alone place additional requirements on employees
in terms of their physical or mental stamina?
(ii) is there a medical condition that makes them inappropriate for working alone?
(iii) would a pre-employment questionnaire or medical examination be helpful under
the circumstances?
3.3.10 Tools and Equipment
(a) Where machinery or power tools are being used, consideration of the electrical safety,
guarding and fire precautions required are paramount. In compliance with the
requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 15.0 – Electrical Safety, CoP 35.0 – Portable Power
Tools and CoP 36.0 – Plant and Equipment.
(b) The use of flammable, explosive or toxic chemicals shall be fully assessed, in
compliance with the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 1.0 – Hazardous Materials.,
noting that the presence of automatic fire protection (flood) systems e.g. carbon
dioxide gas may pose special risks.
(c) Access equipment that is appropriate for handling by one person alone may be
required, and all lifting operations shall be performed in an appropriate and safe
manner. Consideration shall be given to supplying appropriate personal protective
equipment, bearing in mind the limited possibilities for supervision.
3.3.11 Type or Nature of Work
(a) Is there appropriate personal protective equipment available? Is it in good working
order?
(b) What machinery, tools or equipment will be used?
(c) Is there a high-risk activity involved?
(i) at heights;
(ii) confined spaces (such as tanks, grain bins or elevators, culverts, etc.);
(iii) with electricity;
(iv) with hazardous substances or materials;
(v) with hazardous equipment such as chainsaws;
(vi) with materials at great pressure; and/or
(vii) with the public, where there is a potential for violence.
(d) Is fatigue reasonably foreseeable to be a factor?
(e) Are there extremes of temperature?
(f) Is there risk of an animal attack, insect bite (poisonous, or allergic reaction), etc.?

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(g) If the person is working inside a locked building, how will emergency services be able
to get in? (e.g. a night cleaner in a secure office building)
(h) Does the work involve working with money or other valuables?
(i) Does the work involve seizing property or goods (such as repossession, recovering
stolen property, etc)?
3.3.12 Personal Alarm Systems
(a) There are a number of portable alarm systems available, of varying degrees of
sophistication. Some can be bought off the shelf, while others can be made up to a
company's own specification. There are also alarm systems that are set up to monitor
remote plant and equipment. These systems shall be able to detect failure or
malfunction that may put a lone employee at risk, and are often integrated with a
complete security package including CCTV, fire detection etc.
(b) The system most appropriate shall depend on the circumstances it is to be used for,
but there is one common basic feature to all systems. It shall ensure that vulnerable
individuals can raise an instant alarm, or be located precisely, so that immediate
assistance can be sent.
3.4 Lone Working Procedures
(a) Where lone working and / or working in remote locations has been identified, the
employer shall develop a procedure that incorporates the specific instructions
employees are to undertake in the event of working alone. The employer may
incorporate these instructions into a general procedure that is task specific.
(b) Where persons will be working alone and/or in remote locations, the employer shall
prepare a procedure for the employee to check in on a regular basis. The check in
procedure shall include the following items:
(i) a daily work plan so it is known where the lone employee will be and when;
(ii) Identify one main person to be the contact at the office, plus a backup;
(iii) define under what circumstances the lone employee will check in and how often;
(iv) stick to the visual check or call-in schedule. You may wish to have a written log
of contact;
(v) have the contact person call or visit the lone employee periodically to make sure
he or she is okay;
(vi) pick out a code word to be used to identify or confirm that help is needed;
(vii) develop an emergency action plan to be followed if the lone employee does not
check-in when they are supposed to; and
(viii) each procedure shall be individual to each employee who will be lone working
and shall be updated on a regular basis.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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4. References
•
INDG73 – Working Alone in Safety (rev1) – HSE Books ISBN 9780717663712

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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5. Document Amendment Record
Version Revision Date Description of Amendment
Page/s Affected
4.0
15th 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.
Title of Mechanism 7.0 updated to ADOSH-
SF – Mechanism 7– Occupational Safety
and Health Practitioner and Service
Provider Registration
OSHAD-SF - Mechanism 8.0 - OSH
Practitioner Registration deleted
4.1
16th February
2026
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements
Throughout

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 30.0 - Lone Working and/or in Remote Locations
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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