CoP 31.0 - Working On, Over or Adjacent to Water

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Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 31.0 - Working On, Over or Adjacent to Water
Version 4.1
February 2026

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 31.0 - Working On, Over or Adjacent to Water
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
Page 2 of 18
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Training and Competency .............................................................................................................. 4
3. Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ....................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Planning and Assessment........................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Personal Protective Equipment .............................................................................................. 7
3.4 Health and Hygiene ................................................................................................................. 8
3.5 Barriers .................................................................................................................................... 8
3.6 Signage .................................................................................................................................... 8
3.7 Lighting .................................................................................................................................... 8
3.8 Plant and Equipment............................................................................................................... 8
3.9 Water Current and Environment ............................................................................................ 9
3.10 Platforms, Gangways .............................................................................................................. 9
3.11 Ladders .................................................................................................................................. 10
3.12 Safety Nets and Safety Harnesses......................................................................................... 10
3.13 Site Housekeeping................................................................................................................. 10
3.14 Weather Conditions .............................................................................................................. 10
3.15 First Aid ................................................................................................................................. 11
3.16 Rescue ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.17 Buoyancy Aids ....................................................................................................................... 11
3.18 Means of Access: Water Transport ....................................................................................... 12
3.19 Lifebuoys and Rescue Lines................................................................................................... 12
3.20 Grab Lines/Throw Lines ........................................................................................................ 13
3.21 Rescue Requirements ........................................................................................................... 13
4. References .................................................................................................................................... 15
5. Document Amendment Record ................................................................................................... 16

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 31.0 - Working On, Over or Adjacent to Water
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 Abu Dhabi Public Health
Centre (ADPHC) and Sector Regulatory Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
(b) This CoP establishes the requirements and standards so that the risks associated with
working on, over or adjacent to water are assessed, that control measures are
implemented in accordance with the hierarchy of controls and that control measures
are taken to prevent injury, illness and disease to persons who might be exposed to
risks arising from those activities.
(c) Principal Contractor when used in this CoP refers to the main contractor overseeing
and responsible for activities undertaken on the site within the Building and
Construction Sector. Refer to
ADOSH-SF – CoP 53.0 – OSH Management During
Construction Work.
(d) Working on, over or adjacent to water involves several hazards in addition to those
related to working at heights. These include, but are not limited to:
(i) slipping, tripping or falling into the water and drowning;
(ii) being swept away by fast moving water causing injury or drowning;
(iii) being struck by water traffic; and
(iv) falling into the water with electrical equipment and suffering electric shock.

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CoP 31.0 - Working On, Over or Adjacent to Water
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 provide a training program appropriate to ensure that all persons
involved in working on, over or adjacent to water acquire the understanding,
knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of all duties.
(c) Training is to be provided to exposed employees prior to assignment to jobs and shall
include, at a minimum, the following:
(i) types of protection equipment to be used at the site including:
1. buoyancy aids; and
2. either a fall restraint or fall arrest system;
(ii) fall hazards associated with the work to be completed;
(iii) procedures for removal of fall protection devices from service for repair or
replacement;
(iv) fall protection equipment identification methods;
(v) equipment maintenance and inspection requirements;
(vi) equipment donning and doffing procedures, and opportunity for each employee
to use the equipment in a field exercise; and
(vii) equipment strengths and weight limitations.
(d) Employers shall ensure a competent first aider, trained in Cardiac Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) and familiar with both rescue and treatment of drowning, is
always readily available on all contracts involving working on, over or adjacent to
water, as per the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 4.0 – First Aid and Medical
Emergency Treatment.
(e) Employers shall ensure:
(i) all employees are to be trained in raising alarms, and shall regularly practice
rescue drills;
(ii) each person is trained in what to do in the event of an emergency; and
(iii) each person is trained in the rescue procedure.
(f) Employers shall ensure persons providing water safety for working over water are to
hold a current first aid certificate.
(g) Refresher training shall be conducted when the employer has reason to believe that
any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the
understanding and skill required by this CoP. The training content shall be identical to
initial training. Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not limited
to, the following conditions:

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 31.0 - Working On, Over or Adjacent to Water
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(i) whenever (and prior to) a change in job assignment is made;
(ii) when there is a change in the type of equipment used; or
(iii) when a known hazard is added to the work environment.
(h) The employer shall conduct additional retraining whenever a periodic inspection
reveals, or there is reason to believe, that there are deviations from implemented
procedures.
(i) Employers shall maintain a record of the required training that contains the following:
(i) name and ID number;
(ii) Emirates ID number of the employee;
(iii) subject(s) of training;
(iv) dates(s) of training;
(v) if applicable, organization providing training; and
(vi) person(s) providing the training.

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Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3. Requirements
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities
3.1.1 Employer
(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 performing a risk assessment in accordance with
ADOSH-SF –
Element 2 – Risk Management to determine the risks associated with working on, over
or adjacent to water. Employers shall implement control measures and safe work
practices to reduce employee’s exposures to task(s) that could cause an injury.
(c) Employers shall undertake their specific roles and responsibilities in accordance with
the following:
(i) all work on, over or adjacent to water is appropriately planned, organized and
appropriately supervised;
(ii) the risks from falling into the water and drowning are appropriately managed;
(iii) appropriate control measures are in place to rescue anyone who falls into the
water;
(iv) all emergency and rescue equipment is appropriately inspected;
(v) those involved in working on, over or adjacent to water are trained and
competent;
(vi) all staff required to fulfill water safety operations are competent in the required
skills and hold the necessary qualifications; and
(vii) all employees comply with the safety instructions for working on, over or
adjacent to water.
3.1.2 Employee
(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) adhere to information provided by the employer regarding equipment use;
(ii) observe safe work practices and operating procedures prescribed by the
employer;
(iii) use appropriate PPE, equipment or safety device provided for work by the
employer in accordance with any training or instruction received;
(iv) ensure supervisor and other employees are aware of their location and work
area;
(v) have knowledge of emergency response procedures and how to raise an
alarm; and

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Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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(vi) report any activity or defect which they believe is reasonably foreseeable to
endanger their safety or another person.
3.2 Planning and Assessment
(a) Employers shall ensure the following:
(i) that effective procedures and control measures are in place, which are
implemented in order to manage activities safely and without risk to health;
(ii) that for the Building and Construction Sector the management of working on,
over or adjacent to water 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
(iii) 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.
(b) When planning work on, over or adjacent to water, employers shall consider if there
are specific water related risks such as:
(i) people falling from structures or scaffolds into water;
(ii) inappropriate lighting and poor visibility;
(iii) electrical equipment coming into contact with water;
(iv) difficulty in conducting rescues;
(v) water current and environment; and
(vi) people unable to swim.
3.3 Personal Protective Equipment
(a) Employers shall ensure they follow the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 2.0 – Personal
Protective Equipment.
(b) Employers shall ensure:
(i) all employees wear an appropriately fitting Type I or Type II rated Personal
Flotation Device (PFD) buoyancy aid if there is a risk of drowning;
(ii) all employees wear slip resistant footwear;
(iii) appropriate fall protection control measures are implemented; and
(iv) employees check their personal protective equipment is in working order before,
during and after use.

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Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.4 Health and Hygiene
(a) When performing work in the summer or high temperature environments, employers
shall ensure they follow the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 11.0 – Safety in the Heat.
(b) When performing work in a remote area, or an area where toilet facilities are not
available or within walking distance, employers shall ensure they follow the
requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 8.0 – General Workplace Amenities.
3.5 Barriers
(a) Employers shall ensure a fence or barrier is provided where there is a risk of people
falling into water and could include:
(i) temporary walkways and handrails, walkways, stairways and ladders; and
(ii) scaffolding ‘A Frame’ barriers or tube and fitting guardrails.
3.6 Signage
(a) Employers shall display warning signs/notices to advise site personnel of the hazards
present, as per the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 17.0 – Safety Signage and Signals.
3.7 Lighting
(a) Employers shall ensure that:
(i) lighting is provided for the duration of work as required to ensure that work can
be carried out safely;
(ii) lighting is provided for night work near water, especially in shafts, dark corners
and stairways;
(iii) an even spread of light to avoid deceptive shadows and glare;
(iv) the area floodlit shall always include the immediate water surface;
(v) that spotlights on swivels are fixed at strategic points to assist in locating a
person in the water; and
(vi) navigation lights are used if they are needed on working places afloat or sited
close to the shore.
3.8 Plant and Equipment
(a) Employers shall ensure:
(i) the use of electrical equipment is to be strictly controlled;
(ii) that electrical leads are not long enough to touch the water;
(iii) electrical equipment is to be connected to lines to prevent them from dropping into
the water; and
(iv) Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are to be used with 30mA protection in the case of
portable electrical tools.
Note: Refer to
ADOSH-SF – CoP 35.0 – Plant and Equipment.

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CoP 31.0 - Working On, Over or Adjacent to Water
Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.9 Water Current and Environment
(a) Employers shall assess the area for thick vegetation or wide mud flats that could
impede rescue efforts.
(b) After assessing the width, depth and speed of any water current, provide an
appropriate water rescue capability as outlined in the table 1 below.
Lifebuoys Power Boats and Communication Systems
If a worksite is
close enough to
water for a
thrown lifebuoy
to reach a person
in the water,
provide a
lifebuoy with
rope at the
worksite.
If a worksite is too far from water for a thrown lifebuoy to
reach a person in the water:
• provide a readily accessible power boat always maintained
with a full tank of fuel. Additionally, the boat shall be
capable of being rowed and equipped with oars in the
event of engine failure. The boat is to be of an appropriate
size and provided with appropriate life jackets;
• provide a boat operator who remains in the vicinity of the
boat at all times. The boat operator is to carry a
communication device that allows employees on the
bridge or land to contact the boat operator;
• either locate communication systems not more than 400m
apart on the bridge/land or ensure a person on the
bridge/land carries a communication device;
• test the communications systems at the start of every
shift and again when work resumes after a break; and
• where the distance from land exceeds 400m, or work is
carried out at more than one location on a bridge, a power
boat and a boat operator is to be provided on both banks.
Table 1: Rescue Capacity
3.10 Platforms, Gangways
(a) Employers shall ensure:
(i) platforms and gangways are a minimum of 4 boards wide (800mm) complete
with guard rails and toe boards at all edges from which a person might fall into
the water;
(ii) secure barriers or fences are provided;
(iii) warning notices are erected at all edges and boundaries near water and set so
that they are easily seen by employees approaching the danger point;
(iv) where platforms or gangways are erected above tidal water, decking boards are
secured so that they cannot become dislodged by rising water or high winds;
(v) the provision of additional handholds as a precaution in the event of high winds;
and
(vi) barges, pontoons etc. used as working platforms, are appropriately constructed
and appropriately stable to avoid persons falling with their movement.
Note: Refer to
ADOSH-SF – CoP 23.0 – Working at Heights.

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Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.11 Ladders
(a) Employers shall ensure that:
(i) work with ladders is in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 37.0 – Ladders;
(ii) ladders are sound and of appropriate length and strength;
(iii) ladders are securely lashed to prevent slipping; and
(iv) where ladders are permanently fitted to plant over water, they shall be fitted
with safety hoops.
3.12 Safety Nets and Safety Harnesses
(a) Employers shall ensure that:
(i) safety nets shall be appropriately secured and slung appropriately far above
high-water level for anyone caught in them to remain clear and to ensure access
of rescue craft;
(ii) manufacturers shall be consulted on what type of net best suits the kind of work
to be carried out and the prevailing conditions; and
(iii) safety harnesses shall be used as a last resort where physical collective
protective control measures and prevention of falls cannot be achieved.
Note: Refer to
ADOSH-SF – CoP 23.0 – Working at Heights.
3.13 Site Housekeeping
(a) Employers shall ensure:
(i) tools, ropes and other materials not in use shall be stored away and all rubbish
cleared up promptly;
(ii) materials awaiting use shall be stacked compactly and, particularly on pontoons,
not piled more than two pallets high;
(iii) slippery surfaces shall be treated immediately, as they are extremely dangerous;
(iv) oily or greasy surfaces shall be gritted or treated with industrial salt or sand (or
other type of appropriate absorbent material);
(v) drip trays shall be sand filled and set beneath all machinery to prevent the
development of oily, slippery surfaces and, especially on pontoons, to minimize
fire hazards; and
(vi) all spillages shall be cleaned up as soon as practicable, spill kits shall be available
onsite and include booms that can be deployed on water.
Note: Refer to
ADOSH-SF – CoP 8.0 – General Workplace Amenities.
3.14 Weather Conditions
(a) Employers shall obtain and communicate the local weather conditions at the beginning
of each day’s work or shift. Hot weather, rain, rising winds, fog, sea mist, are all
potential dangers.

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(b) Employers shall monitor the weather conditions for deterioration during the work
activity and suspend work when there is a risk of weather conditions that may affect
work being carried out safely.
3.15 First Aid
(a) Employers shall ensure a competent first aider, trained in Cardiac Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) and familiar with both rescue and treatment of drowning, is
always readily available on all contracts involving working adjacent on, over or
adjacent to water, as per the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 4.0 – First Aid and
Medical Emergency Treatment.
(b) The ideal person to be trained to this standard would be the person in charge of the
rescue boat.
3.16 Rescue
(a) Employers shall consider the following main points when rescuing a person from
drowning:
(i) choose the safest way to rescue the injured or retrieve the victim. For conscious
and responding people, if reasonably practicable, stay on land and reach with a
hand or stick, or throw a rope or float;
(ii) when bringing the casualty out of the water, carry them with their head lower
than their chest, to minimize the dangers of inhaling vomiting;
(iii) treat for drowning and the possible effects of cold; and
(iv) ensure employees receive appropriate medical treatment (e.g., physical
examination by a doctor), even if they seem to have recovered well.
Note:
Refer to ADOSH-SF – Element 6 – Emergency Management.
3.17 Buoyancy Aids
(a) Employers shall ensure an appropriately fitting Type I or Type II rated PFD shall be
worn as standard practice.
(b) Employers shall ensure the buoyancy aids are appropriate for the work and the
hazards, conform to comparable international rating standards, and in addition shall:
(i) provide appropriate freedom of movement for persons required to wear and
work in them;
(ii) have appropriate buoyancy to bring persons to the surface and keep them
afloat, face up;
(iii) be easily secured to the body;
(iv) be readily visible;
(v) be capable of withstanding hard treatment;
(vi) require minimum maintenance (inflatable types need frequent checking);
(vii) not be prone to snagging under water; and
(viii) have clip-on, self-igniting lights.

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Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.18 Means of Access: Water Transport
(a) Where working places are situated on water, and access is only reasonably practicable
by passenger carrying boats, these crafts are subject to the Abu Dhabi marine
transport and coast guard regulations main requirements of passenger carrying craft
which include:
(i) prior to use, they shall be registered with the authorities in charge;
(ii) their registration shall be renewed annually; and
(iii) they are only allowed to operate within a stipulated number of passengers
according to size.
(b) Watercraft shall be provided with the appropriate life - saving and firefighting
appliances as specified by Coast Guard and other relevant regulatory departments.
These may include the following:
(i) Type I or Type II approved life jackets;
(ii) lifebuoy(s) with buoyant heavy line attached;
(iii) VHF radio if craft longer than 10.7m;
(iv) distress flares;
(v) first aid box; and
(vi) dry powder or foam type extinguisher(s).
3.19 Lifebuoys and Rescue Lines
(a) Employers shall ensure:
(i) lifebuoys which are normally 765mm outside diameter shall be fitted with a
30m buoyant lifeline, knotted at every 3 meters to assist handhold;
(ii) lifelines shall be long enough to allow for all states of the tide, the height of
working place above water, or for the person being carried downstream by a
current;
(iii) lifebuoys may be constructed of either cork with canvas covering, or of
polyurethane foam with a rigid PVC cover;
(iv) if night work is carried out, approved self-ignition type lights shall be used;
and
(v) daily checks to be made to ensure that lifebuoys and rescue lines are in their
appropriate place and in serviceable condition.

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Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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3.20 Grab Lines/Throw Lines
(a) Employers shall ensure grab lines/throw lines:
(i) are attached to the working place, or at other places downstream to give the
person something to grab in an emergency;
(ii) shall be long enough to allow for the normal rise and fall in tide; and
(iii) shall be of the buoyant type with a marker float at the free end.
(b) In their usage:
(i) trailing ends of lines are to be avoided so that there is no risk of boats being
fouled; and
(ii) daily checks are to be made to ensure that they are still in position and that their
condition is sound.
3.21 Rescue Requirements
(a) Employers shall ensure:
(i) all employees are trained in raising alarms, and regularly practice rescue drills;
(ii) all boat and watercraft operators are appropriately licensed;
(iii) if a boat or lifebuoy is used when a person falls into the water, all work is to stop
until the boat or lifebuoy has been reset and is ready for next use; and
(iv) persons providing water safety for working over water are to hold a current first
aid certificate.
3.21.1 Rescue Boat
(a) Employers shall ensure:
(i) boats are appropriately licensed in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and are maintained
to manufacturer’s requirements;
(ii) boats are operated by competent employees with the appropriate license in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi;
(iii) boats are inspected by a competent person prior to use to ensure they are in
appropriate operating condition and so not have any water leaks, fuel leaks,
structural damage or other conditions that could make the boat unsafe to use;
(iv) where conditions merit, inflatable craft are recommended since they provide a
better chance of getting a person aboard without injury;
(v) for work in tidal or fast flowing water, a power-driven craft equipped with a fixed
self-starting device on the motor is essential;
(vi) engines of powered craft, when not patrolling, shall be tested periodically to
ensure full operation;
(vii) rescue boats shall carry three oars or paddles to cater for losing one overboard;
(viii) rowlocks shall be removable and on retaining lines so that they can hang
from the side without being lost;

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(ix) rescue boats shall be fitted with grab lines and carry at least one Type I, Type II
or Type IV rated PFD (portable PFD) that is designated for use to assist in a
rescue;
(x) effective two-way communication between boat and shore is always available;
(xi) where night work is to take place, a powerful spotlight shall be fitted;
(xii) whilst work is in progress rescue boats shall be manned continuously and on
patrol by experienced boatmen trained in first aid, resuscitation and emergency
procedures;
(xiii) there shall be a minimum of two persons on a boat so that one is free to attend
to the person in the water;
(xiv) for large rescue boats, they shall be provided with an over side boarding ladder
or equivalent means to help rescue any unconscious person from the water; and
(xv) appropriate first aid equipment on board.
3.21.2 Rescue Procedure
(a) Employers shall ensure that:
(i) the number of persons at work is periodically checked to ensure that no one is
missing;
(ii) operatives work in pairs so that there is always one to raise the alarm;
(iii) each person is trained in what to do in the event of an emergency;
(iv) the rescue procedure consists of:
1. a set routine for raising the alarm;
2. a set drill to provide rescue facilities; and
3. a set routine for getting persons to hospital whether for check-up or for
treatment as the result of an injury.
3.21.3 Inspection
(a) Employers shall ensure that workings over water protection systems are ready and
able to perform their required tasks. An inspection and maintenance procedure for this
shall be implemented and maintained including the following, as a minimum:
(i) equipment manufacturer’s instructions shall be incorporated into the inspection
and preventive maintenance procedures; and
(ii) all working over water protection equipment shall be inspected prior to each use,
and a documented inspection conducted at intervals not to exceed 6 months, or
in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

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Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026
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4. References
•
State of California, Department of Boating and Waterways, “Safe Boating
Hints on Personal Flotation Devices.”
•
Transport Safety Victoria (Australia), Marine Safety, “Personal Flotation
Device Buyers Guide.”

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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

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