CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection

Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection
Version 4.1
February 2026

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 2 of 16
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.................................................................................................................. 6
3.3 General Hazards and Limitations .................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Cranes/Material Handling and Slinging ......................................................................................... 9
3.5 Material Storage .................................................................................................................................. 10
3.6 Stacking .................................................................................................................................................. 10
3.7 Stability of Structures ....................................................................................................................... 11
3.8 Access and Working Places ............................................................................................................. 12
3.9 Inspection and Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 13
4. Document Amendment Record ............................................................................................................... 14

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 3 of 16
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
steel erection are assessed, that control measures are implemented in accordance
with the hierarchy of controls and that control measures are implemented to prevent
injury, illness and disease to persons who might be exposed to risks arising from those
activities.
(c) ‘Steel Erection’ is a general term referring to work tasks associated with the erection
and dismantling of a structural steel frame or structure which may include hoisting,
connecting, welding, bolting, and rigging structural steel, steel joists and metal
buildings; installing metal deck, siding systems, miscellaneous metals, ornamental iron
and similar materials; and moving from point-to-point to perform these activities.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 4 of 16
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) In accordance with
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-Regulation
Section 3.2.5 employers shall ensure employees required to implement the
requirements of this CoP are trained in the steel erection and understand the risks
associated with using the relevant plant and the control measures put in place by the
employer.
(c) Employers shall ensure all employees involved in the steel erection of the structures
are trained to recognise and respond to hazards associated with this type of work.
(d) Training shall be tailored to the specific requirements of the jobsite and include any
unique issues or requirements.
(e) Employers shall ensure an overall training programme is planned for both riggers and
supervisors, and shall include, but not limited to the following:
(i) all aspects of rigging and erection methods, multi-lifting procedures, lifting
equipment, use of tools and plant, erection of scaffolds and staging’s, together
with safe working practices, fall prevention, guardrail systems and statutory
obligations.
(ii) induction training for supervisory staff, riggers and erectors prior to
commencement of the work.
(iii) project planning for structures.
(iv) establishment and running of the site organization.
(v) procedures for dealing with emergencies and incidents; and
(vi) explanation of the company safety policy, procedures and site rules, the location
of emergency telephones, first aid and medical services, and the use of
protective clothing and equipment.
(f) Employers shall maintain a record of the required training that contains the following
information:
(i) name and ID number.
(ii) Emirates ID number.
(iii) subject(s) of training.
(iv) date(s) of training; and
(v) person(s) providing the training.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 5 of 16
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 undertake their specific roles and responsibilities in accordance with
the following:
(i) all steel erection work is appropriately planned, organized and supervised;
(ii) those involved in steel erection are trained and competent;
(iii) the place where steel erection work is carried out is safe;
(iv) steel erection equipment shall be appropriately inspected;
(v) inform the Principal Contractor and any other relevant parties of the selected
method for steel erection and the equipment to be used;
(vi) obtain all necessary work permits and authorizations and provide all necessary
notifications concerning the work;
(vii) nominate a person to implement the operations and to supervise the work at all
times. This person shall be competent in the type of steel erection needed for
the particular project and experienced in the implementation of safe work
procedures;
(viii) erect all appropriate fencing and overhead protection barriers for the protection
of the public and employees at the workplace; and
(ix) arrange for the recycling of building waste wherever reasonably practicable and
the disposal of all other refuse and debris.
3.1.2 Principal Contractors
(a) In the case of the Building and Construction Sector, Principal Contractors shall
undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the general requirements
of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 53.0 – OSH Management during Construction Work.
(b) Principal Contractors shall undertake their specific roles and responsibilities in
accordance with the following:
(i) ensure the employer has all available descriptions of the site, including design
drawings, site surveys, plans of services and information on the nature and
location of hazardous materials, the nature of building materials and the building
or structure’s relationship to surrounding properties;
(ii) provide coordination for all other entities on the project who may be affected
by the work being carried out by the steel erection entity;
(iii) all relevant authorities and utility service providers are notified and all
necessary approvals are obtained before work commences;

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 6 of 16
(iv) notify the owners of adjoining properties of the proposed work especially where
the use of cranes or out-of-hours working is undertaken; and
(v) the location of all utility services is known.
3.1.3 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 undertake their specific roles and responsibilities in accordance with
the following:
(i) following information provided by the employer regarding steel erection.
(ii) observing steel erection safe work practices and operating procedures
prescribed by the employer, including the observation of warning signs; and
(iii) use PPE in accordance with the employer’s instructions when undertaking steel
erection.
3.2 Planning and Assessment
3.2.1 Assessment
(a) 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 appropriate control measures are implemented in order to manage activities
safely and without risk to health;
(iii) this assessment shall consider the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 23.0 –
Working at Height;
(iv) that for the Building and Construction Sector the management of steel erection
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
(v) 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) Employers shall ensure prior to the construction of any steel erection that a risk
assessment is conducted to ensure control measures are identified to prevent or
minimise exposure to health and safety risks. Refer to
ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk
Management.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 7 of 16
3.2.2 Design and Planning
(a) Employers shall ensure the planning for steel erection is commenced at the initial
design stage with designers taking into account the need for and the practicality of,
safe methods of working during erection in accordance with the general requirements
of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 20.0 – Safety In Design (Construction) and
ADOSH-SF – CoP 23.0 –
Working at Heights.
(b) Employers shall consider the following during each design stage:
(i) stability at all stages of erection of the assembled structure, individually
assembled portions and single components;
(ii) the effect of the erection sequence on stability and where this is critical, the
sequence shall be stipulated;
(iii) realistic assessment of loadings at all stages of construction;
(iv) provision of safe access and working places;
(v) ease of connecting components including the provision of landing cleats, which
allow a beam to be safely located whilst suspended from a crane and remove
the need to align it manually by using an appropriate tool (e.g. podger);
(vi) safe handling, lifting, storing, stacking and transportation of components,
depending on their size, shape and/or weight;
(vii) for sub-assemblies, it is critical that overall weight and lifting points are
identified on drawings; and
(viii) designers and planners shall also consider demolition and disassembly
requirements.
(c) Design specifications shall incorporate particular requirements and essential
information for the scheme to be erected safely as planned.
3.2.3 Documented Safe Systems of Work
(a) In accordance with
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.5 employers shall ensure documented safe systems of work
are developed and implemented and include:
(i) a detailed erection scheme;
(ii) phasing of the work, particularly with that of other affected contractors;
(iii) special requirements relating to the safe erection of the structure shall be
highlighted at the pre-contract stage;
(iv) special site conditions such as close proximity of other buildings or access
restrictions;
(v) ground conditions particularly with regards to conditions that may need to be
considered when positioning a crane;
(vi) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected by considering standards and
requirements that apply to construction generally, and to steel erection in
accordance with
ADOSH-SF– CoP 2.0 – Personal Protective Equipment;

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 8 of 16
(vii) ensure that prior to the erection of structures, all underground services in the
area are located and rendered safe; and
(viii) cranes and lifting gear shall be selected and used in accordance with the
requirements of
ADOSH-SF– CoP 34.0 – Safe Use of Lifting Equipment and Lifting
Accessories.
(d) Documented safe systems of work shall:
(i) be distributed to all those concerned with the supervision of the steel erection;
(ii) be communicated in a comprehensible manner to all employees involved in steel
erection;
(iii) ensure steel erection is monitored to ensure that the planned sequence of
operations is not deviated from in any way; and
(iv) be reviewed and updated as necessary so that it remains current.
3.3 General Hazards and Limitations
3.3.1 General Hazards
(a) Employers shall ensure control measures are developed and implemented for the
following general hazards and limitations which may be found on sites where steel
erection works are to be undertaken:
(i) overhead electric power lines in the area where steel erection planned;
(ii) buried services, including underground electric cables, gas or other pipelines;
(iii) restricted access to, and on, the site due to road alignment which may limit the
size and weight of structural members and plant, including cranes;
(iv) restricted space for erection, manoeuvring, storage and, if required, for on-site
pre-assembly or fabrication, and low ground bearing capacity;
(v) proximity and condition of other buildings or roads, which may affect the
planned method of erection and craneage;
(vi) proximity of the general public to the site;
(vii) activities of other contractors;
(viii) entry of non-erection personnel; and
(ix) toxic gases, chemicals, fluids or dust emitting from processes on or near the site.
3.3.2 Ground Conditions
(a) Employers shall ensure the following with regards to ground conditions:
(i) the provision of hard standing ground, appropriate for mobile access equipment
and cranes prior to the commencement of erection; and
(ii) good vehicular access to the hard standing to be provided and vehicle turning
circles shall also be taken into account.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 9 of 16
3.3.3 Preparation and Bases
(a) Employers shall ensure the following with regards to preparation and bases:
(i) a sound foundation is provided for each steel column which shall be capable of
accepting both a vertical load and also the additional horizontal thrust which is
developed as soon as temporary props have been removed;
(ii) the area around where the steel erection is to take place shall be clear of all
materials and levelled as far as reasonably practicable;
(iii) steel components are placed as close as reasonably practicable to the work area
without interfering with access or the work sequence; and
(iv) employees involved shall be briefed on the steel erection sequence, in particular
understanding where temporary supports will be required to ensure stability of
the structure during erection.
3.4 Cranes/Material Handling and Slinging
3.4.1 Cranes
(a) In accordance with the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 34.0 – Safe Use of Lifting
Equipment and Lifting Accessories employers shall also co-ordinate the use of cranes
which include:
(i) ensuring the appropriate number and type of cranes;
(ii) confirming that the designated siting positions for cranes can be achieved, with
appropriate hard standings provided;
(iii) checking for the presence of hazards or development which may have altered
the site since the original plans were made;
(iv) that all fabricated units shall have a distinctive mark identical to the erection
drawings, in order to ensure that structures are correctly assembled;
(v) appointing a competent person to supervise the complete lifting operation,
particularly when tandem lifts are used; and
(vi) appropriate ladders shall be available to ensure safe access on and off vehicles
for persons unloading materials.
3.4.2 Lifting Steel Members
(a) Employers shall ensure the following with regards to lifting steel members:
(i) planned routes for pre-planned lifts;
(ii) procedures implemented for multiple lifts;
(iii) when lifting steel members, they shall be slung by the use of flat slings in a
conventional manner as detailed in a specifically prepared lifting plan;
(iv) every lift shall be under the supervision of a trained and certified
signaller/slinger;
(v) prior to lifting each steel member into position. the load shall be raised slightly
off the ground and checked for balance and stability;

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 10 of 16
(vi) structural steel members shall not be released from lifting equipment until they
have been secured and braced in accordance with the designers specification;
(vii) exclusion areas are to be established to prevent unauthorized access to the
working area and to prevent working under loads; and
(viii) lifting accessories shall be inspected for signs of damage or wear by the
signaller/slinger at the start of each shift. Damaged or worn lifting accessories
shall immediately be removed from service.
3.5 Material Storage
(a) Employers shall ensure areas are allocated for stacking and storing components which
shall be clearly marked on site plans. These areas shall be:
(i) clear of obstructions, as level as reasonably practicable, and of appropriate size;
(ii) on ground which is capable of withstanding loads imposed by the stored
materials and plant used in the area and investigation shall include a check for
the presence of underground services in order to prevent damage from imposed
loads;
(iii) sited away from hazards such as overhead power lines;
(iv) arranged so that clear access and lines of sight are provided and maintained
between stacks of components;
(v) provided with artificial lighting and weather protection, where appropriate, to
aid handling; and
(vi) if on site manufacture, fabrication, modification or repair work is to be
undertaken, additional areas may be needed with facilities similar to those of
storage areas.
3.6 Stacking
(a) Employers shall ensure the following with regards to stacking or de-stacking
components:
(i) materials shall be stacked so as to ensure there is little risk of collapse or sliding;
(ii) timbers, battens and wedges shall be provided for resting material stacks on and
preventing uncontrolled material movements;
(iii) safe access for slinging purposes shall be provided;
(iv) employees shall be briefed on the safe system of work when moving materials
from storage areas;
(v) particular care shall be taken when breaking steel banding used to secure
materials on pallets;
(vi) appropriate space shall be provided around material stacks to allow for the safe
movement of employees involved with moving materials;
(vii) steel members shall be placed on wooden blocks to ensure safe slinging; and
(viii) materials on pallets shall be stacked no more than 3 pallets high or as per the
supplier’s recommendations.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 11 of 16
3.7 Stability of Structures
(a) Employers shall ensure the requirements for stability at all stages of steel erection
are clearly understood by all persons dealing with the steel erection work.
(b) Employers shall ensure additional control measures are implemented to verify stability
in the following circumstances:
(i) temporary cessation of work;
(ii) when fastenings may be incomplete in case of lining up and adjustment of level,
high wind or when high winds are expected;
(iii) when the stage of completion of permanent work on which the stability depends
is inappropriate, or when the permanent work has not developed appropriate
strength;
(iv) when the structure or parts of it may be subject to construction loads due to
impact, stacking of parts, and lifting or freeing of components which may have
become inadvertently wedged in position;
(v) temporary supports shall be:
1. of appropriate design and construction as identified on drawings or in the
method statement;
2. left in place until the structural steel is fixed in place in accordance with the
designers specification. The minimum number of bolts for columns and
other structural members shall be determined by the designer; and
3. used in the way intended. Improvised supports must not be employed.
(vi) anchor points:
1. must be able to resist any force reasonably foreseeable to be imposed upon
them;
2. anchor points or bolts that are damaged during the fixing operation shall
not be used. Anchor points and bolts shall not be repaired;
3. movement of an anchor shall be reported immediately and prompt remedial
action taken;
4. steel cables for anchorage purposes shall not enter the ground unless
appropriately protected;
5. fastening of guy lines to anchorages in the ground shall be carried out using
chains or steel bars; and
6. screw type anchors shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 12 of 16
(vii) connecting beams and columns:
1. where structural steel beams and columns are joined or connected this
shall be in accordance with the designer’s specification; and
2. where column or beam splices are used all bolts must be fitted and
tightened to the designers recommended torque before the joint can be
relied upon structurally.
3.8 Access and Working Places
3.8.1 Temporary Access
(a) Employers shall consider various means of temporary access that may be used in the
erection of structures, and employers shall consider the type of equipment to be used
in the preparation of the documented safe systems of work, in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 23.0 – Working at Height. These may include:
(i) platforms or staging’s may be used as working platforms, but they require a firm
base and shall always be securely fixed;
(ii) under no circumstances shall ‘beam walking’ as a means of access be allowed;
(iii) ladders used to access heights or column shall be footed or fixed securely in
accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 37.0 – Ladders;
(iv) consideration shall be given on larger steel frame erection projects to the
provision of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs); and
(v) where it is not reasonably practicable to use MEWPs, or other equipment
specifically designed for lifting persons, then man-riding skips or cradles
suspended from cranes may be used.
3.8.2 Metal Decking
(a) Employers shall ensure that metal decking is progressed in accordance with working
at height requirements as set out in
ADOSH-SF – CoP 23.0 – Working at Height and
take all reasonably practicable control measures to ensure employees are protected
from the hazard of falling.
(b) Employers shall ensure that before metal decking is used as a working platform or
before working at height control measures are removed it must be secured in
accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
3.8.3 Scaffolds
(a) Employers shall ensure scaffolding is erected in accordance with
ADOSH-SF – CoP 26.0
– Scaffolding which may include:
(i) towers - used for making low level connections;
(ii) independent scaffolds - for the construction of ladder access towers to provide
roof access; or
(iii) purpose-built platforms - these are appropriately designed and fabricated
platforms which are used where a large number of similar connections require
fixing. They can be fixed to components and can be removed for re-use at the
next location.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 13 of 16
3.8.4 Permanent Access
(a) Employers shall ensure the following with regards to permanent access:
(i) all permanent walkways, ladders and steps shall be erected as early as
reasonably practicable to enable the structure itself to be used for access;
(ii) edge protection shall be appropriate and temporary guardrails shall be fitted if
the permanent rails are not available; and
(iii) once an access route has been established, gratings and boards shall be
removed only under a permit-to-work system.
3.9 Inspection and Maintenance
(a) Employers shall ensure appropriate control measures are implemented for the
inspection and maintenance of a steel erected structure to ensure it remains in a safe
condition.
(b) Employers shall ensure after erection and prior to handover, the steel erection to be
inspected by a competent person to ensure that the structure has been erected in
compliance with the design drawings. If design drawings have been prepared by an
engineer, the engineer shall provide the certification.
(c) Employers shall ensure copies of the certification are kept on site.
(d) Employers shall ensure that as a minimum, the inspections shall make sure:
(i) the structure / supporting structure is appropriate;
(ii) working platforms are secured and protected;
(iii) access and egress is appropriate; and
(iv) the structure will enable the work to be performed appropriately and safely.
(e) Employers shall determine the frequency of inspections which may vary depending on
weather and site conditions, the type and size of the structure and the risks
associated with collapse.
(f) Employers shall ensure inspection records are kept on site and include the location,
comments, date and time of inspections, relevant design or specification references
and the details of the person who conducted the inspection.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 14 of 16
4. 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 41.0 - Steel Erection - Version 4.1 – 16th February 2026 Page 15 of 16