Working on scaffolding is a dangerous activity. This reality drives regulatory authorities worldwide to issue detailed codes of practice and guidelines governing scaffolding work. In the UAE, where the construction industry has experienced significant growth, authorities have established specific scaffolding safety requirements that contractors must follow to protect workers and avoid regulatory penalties.
The challenge for contractors entering or operating in the UAE construction market is that scaffolding safety requirements vary across different emirates, free zones, and regulatory authorities. Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi’s OSHAD, Trakhees, DMCC, and other authorities each maintain their own regulations. Understanding these overlapping requirements is essential for compliance.
This guide examines seven scaffolding safety requirements that contractors frequently overlook. These requirements appear consistently across UAE regulatory frameworks, and missing them leads to work stoppages, fines, and potential harm to workers.
Understanding the UAE Scaffolding Regulatory Framework
Before examining specific requirements, contractors need to understand which authorities regulate scaffolding at their project location. Different regulations apply in different areas, and contractors must identify and comply with all applicable requirements.
Primary Regulatory Bodies
Dubai Municipality has issued the Code of Construction Safety Practice to control safety for all construction activities in the Emirate of Dubai. Chapter 8 of this code covers scaffolding safety, including scaffold foundation, working loads, scaffold working platforms, installation, materials, types of scaffolding, prevention and control, and emergency procedures. Dubai Municipality is the regulatory body responsible for issuing building permits and ensuring construction activities adhere to safety regulations.
The Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework has issued Code of Practice 26 specifically for scaffolding. This COP applies to planning, assessment, and control measures for scaffolding erection, use, maintenance, alterations, dismantling, and inspection within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The code of practice incorporates requirements set by OSHAD and sector regulators in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is applicable to all employers within the emirate.
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) sets federal standards for working conditions and safety measures aimed at protecting construction workers throughout the UAE. MOHRE regularly conducts inspections of construction sites to verify compliance and takes action against companies that fail to meet requirements.
Trakhees, the Department of Planning and Development under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), is the authority responsible for licensing and regulating businesses in special development zones and areas. Trakhees has issued Construction Safety Regulations with Section 9 specifically addressing scaffolding requirements including scaffold design, types, installation, and inspection.
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) has issued Health, Safety and Environment guidelines with Section 9.10.3 covering scaffold and work platforms, including requirements for erection, modification, dismantling, inspection, and tagging.
Sharjah Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSHJ) provides guidelines for scaffolding erection, inspection, and dismantling within the Emirate of Sharjah.
International Standards Referenced
UAE scaffolding regulations reference international standards including British Standards BS 1139 and BS EN 12810/12811, European Norm EN 12810 and EN 12811 series, and OSHA guidelines. All scaffolding must comply with these recognized international specifications as referenced in local regulations. Contractors must meet both technical standards and the specific procedural requirements of the relevant authority.
Requirement 1: Third-Party Inspection and Certification
The most frequently missed scaffold compliance requirements involve third-party inspection. Many contractors assume internal inspection satisfies regulatory requirements.
What Dubai Municipality Requires
According to the Dubai Municipality Code of Construction Safety Practice, all supported and suspended scaffolds must be inspected by a third party approved by Dubai Municipality. This third-party inspector must issue a certificate confirming the scaffold meets safety standards.
This requirement applies to all scaffolding, not just complex or high-rise structures. Internal inspections by contractor personnel do not satisfy this requirement regardless of their qualifications. The inspecting company must be specifically approved by Dubai Municipality to perform scaffolding inspections.
Trakhees also requires compliance certificates for projects within its specific development zones. Scaffolding inspection services must stay current with these evolving regulations and ensure all scaffolding structures adhere to the latest safety standards.
Why Contractors Miss This
Contractors often confuse third-party inspection with competent person inspection. These are separate requirements. You need both a competent person overseeing erection and a third-party inspector certifying the completed structure.
Some contractors also assume the requirement only applies to complex scaffolding. In practice, all scaffolding systems require this certification regardless of height or complexity.
Compliance Approach
| Authority | Requirement | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Municipality | Third party approved by DM | Certificate required |
| OSHAD Abu Dhabi | Per COP 26 requirements | Competent person certification |
| Trakhees | Section 9 compliance | Compliance certificate |
| DMCC | Per HSE guidelines 9.10.3 | Documented inspection |
| Sharjah OSHJ | Per OSHJ guidelines | Inspection documentation |
Requirement 2: Competent Person Supervision
UAE scaffold regulations mandate that a competent person supervise all scaffolding erection, alteration, and dismantling.
Regulatory Requirements
According to the Dubai Municipality Code of Construction Safety Practice, a competent supervisor must approve and oversee the erection, alteration, and dismantling of scaffold to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Before installation, stakeholders must have an approved scaffold design.
Trakhees Construction Safety Regulations require the main contractor to appoint a suitably experienced Scaffolding Supervisor who must be certified by a training organization approved by EHS. Under Trakhees regulations, the main contractor can erect scaffolding of total height not exceeding 10 meters without additional specialist involvement. Scaffolding exceeding this height requires specialist scaffolding contractors.
Workers involved in the erection, use, and dismantling of scaffolding must receive training and be certified in accordance with UAE safety regulations. This training ensures individuals are versed in safety protocols, installation techniques, and proper use of safety equipment.
Documentation Requirements
Contractors must maintain documentation of competent person qualifications, records showing competent person presence during erection and dismantling, and sign-off by competent person on scaffold completion. All scaffolding must be erected and dismantled by trained and competent personnel following a well-defined plan.
Common Compliance Failures
Contractors frequently fail this requirement by assuming any experienced scaffolder qualifies as a competent person without formal certification, not maintaining documentation of supervision, using credentials that have expired, or not having the competent person physically present during critical phases of erection and dismantling.
For scaffolding compliance support on your UAE projects, AAA Safe Dubai provides consultation for contractors across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Requirement 3: Scaffold Tagging System
The tagging system communicates inspection status to all workers who might use the scaffolding structure.
Purpose and Implementation
DMCC HSE guidelines specifically address scaffolding inspection and tagging requirements. A proper tagging system prevents workers from using scaffolding that has not been inspected, has failed inspection, or is still under construction.
Tag Categories
- Green Tag (Safe to Use): Indicates the scaffold has been inspected, meets requirements, and is safe for worker use. The tag should show inspection date, inspector name, load capacity, and next inspection due date.
- Yellow Tag (Caution/Restricted Use): Indicates the scaffold has limitations. The tag should clearly state what restrictions apply.
- Red Tag (Do Not Use): Indicates the scaffold is not safe for use. This applies to scaffolds under construction, awaiting inspection, failed inspection, or being dismantled.
Implementation Failures
| Tag Color | Status | Required Information |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Safe for use | Inspection date, inspector, load limit, next inspection |
| Yellow | Restricted use | Specific restrictions, authorized activities |
| Red | Do not use | Reason for restriction, responsible person |
Requirement 4: Foundation and Base Requirements
Scaffold foundations are where structural failures begin. UAE regulations require adequate foundations capable of supporting scaffold loads without settlement or failure.
Ground Condition Assessment
Before erecting any scaffold, a competent person must assess ground conditions. This assessment should consider soil bearing capacity, presence of underground utilities, drainage patterns, potential for ground movement, and effects of weather on soil conditions.
The assessment must verify that foundations can support the scaffold and its intended loads throughout the project duration. Ground conditions can change over time due to weather, adjacent construction activities, or other factors.
Base Plate and Sole Board Requirements
All scaffold standards (vertical tubes) must rest on base plates that distribute load across the foundation surface. Base plates should not rest directly on soil unless the soil has been assessed as adequate for anticipated loads.
Sole boards are required when ground conditions cannot reliably support point loads from base plates alone. Sole boards should be of adequate size and thickness to distribute loads without deformation, in sound condition without cracks or damage, placed level on prepared ground, and secured to prevent displacement during use.
Maximum Height and Anchoring Requirements
UAE regulations stipulate maximum permitted heights and requirements for safe anchoring. All freestanding scaffolds must be safely braced and anchored to avoid tipping in wind conditions. Failure to properly anchor scaffolding may result in legal sanctions or revocation of worksite permits.
Commonly Missed Requirements
Contractors frequently fail foundation requirements by erecting scaffolding on unprepared ground without proper assessment, using base plates without sole boards on soft or unstable ground, placing scaffolds on surfaces that may shift such as loose gravel or sand, failing to reassess foundations after rain or ground disturbance, and not accounting for changing ground conditions over extended project durations.
Requirement 5: Load Capacity Documentation and Signage
Every scaffold has load limits that must not be exceeded. Overloading is one of the primary causes of scaffold collapse. Scaffolding must be designed and constructed to withstand the maximum intended load, including the weight of workers, materials, and equipment.
Load-Bearing Capacity Requirements
According to UAE regulations, scaffolding must be designed and constructed to withstand the maximum intended load. Structural integrity must be verified through regular inspections and testing. Operating beyond the recommended weight can be a legal and safety offense.
Load classifications typically include light duty for inspection and light work, medium duty for general construction, heavy duty for masonry and heavy material storage, and special duty designed for specific heavy loads.
Material Quality Requirements
Local scaffold regulations emphasize using high-quality, durable materials. Scaffolding components such as frames, planks, and connectors must meet specific strength and load-bearing requirements to ensure stability and safety.
All scaffolding must be fit for purpose. Materials must comply with specifications that meet international or UAE standards including BS EN 12810 and related standards.
Documentation and Signage Requirements
Load capacity must be determined during scaffold design, verified during erection, documented on scaffold tags and signage, and communicated to all workers. The scaffold should have a clear load capacity documented and displayed.
Load limit signs must be posted at scaffold access points stating maximum load, maximum number of workers permitted, and any specific restrictions.
Common Failures
Load-related violations include no documentation of design load calculations, missing or illegible load capacity signs, workers exceeding posted limits, material storage exceeding platform capacity, and failure to recalculate loads when configuration changes.
Requirement 6: Fall Protection Systems
UAE scaffold regulations mandate specific fall protection measures on all scaffold platforms. Adequate fall protection systems must be installed to prevent workers from falling.
Guardrail Requirements
According to UAE regulations aligned with international standards, scaffolding must be equipped with sturdy guard rails, typically made of metal, to prevent workers from falling off the structure. Guard rails must be installed on all open sides and ends of scaffold platforms.
Scaffolding inspection services place strong emphasis on evaluating the effectiveness of fall protection measures including guardrails, toe boards, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. Inspectors verify that these safeguards are properly installed, maintained, and used according to manufacturer instructions and regulatory standards.
Toe Board Requirements
Toe boards with a minimum height of 150mm must be installed along the edges of scaffolding platforms to prevent tools or materials from falling onto workers below. This requirement appears consistently across Dubai Municipality, OSHAD, and other regulatory frameworks.
Toe boards must be installed on all open sides and ends of platforms. The gap between toe board and platform surface should be minimal to prevent objects from sliding underneath.
Access Requirements
Proper access ladders or stairways must be provided to ensure safe entry and exit from the scaffolding. Access must be unobstructed and appropriately positioned. Safe and unobstructed access to and from the scaffolding must be provided with appropriate ladders, stairs, or ramps.
Bracing and Anchoring
Scaffolding must be adequately braced and anchored to the building or structure to maintain stability and prevent collapse. All freestanding scaffolds must be safely braced and anchored to avoid tipping in wind conditions. Failure to properly brace and anchor scaffolding may result in legal sanctions or revocation of worksite permits.
For high-rise buildings, scaffolding must be designed by a qualified engineer, have a safety net, and be inspected more frequently than standard scaffolding installations.
Fall Protection Component Requirements
| Component | Requirement | Common Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Guard rails | Required on all open sides | Missing or inadequate |
| Toe boards | Minimum 150mm height | Missing or too short |
| Access | Proper ladders/stairs | Inadequate or blocked |
| Bracing | Adequate anchoring | Insufficient ties |
| Safety nets | Required for high-rise | Not installed |
Requirement 7: Inspection Frequency and Documentation
Regular inspections are mandatory under UAE scaffold regulations, with specific guidelines for frequency and scope. Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person before each use, and any necessary maintenance or repairs must be carried out promptly.
Required Inspection Frequency
Scaffolding must be inspected before initial use, at least once a week during use, and after any event that could affect structural integrity such as storms or significant load changes.
OSHAD COP 26 specifies that inspection requirements apply throughout the scaffold’s use. Scaffolding inspections follow a scheduled regimen including initial inspections before the structure is put into use, weekly inspections during use, and post-dismantling inspections. The frequency and scope of these inspections are determined based on project-specific factors and regulatory requirements.
UAE regulations also require inspection after any significant event such as a storm or earthquake to assess scaffold safety before workers resume use.
Inspection Scope
Each inspection should verify foundation stability, vertical plumb and horizontal level, all connections secure, platform condition, guardrails and toe boards in place, bracing and ties adequate, access secure, and load limit signs accurate.
Inspectors conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with scaffolding operations. They evaluate site conditions, environmental factors, equipment stability, and worker behavior to develop appropriate control measures.
Scaffolding inspection services provide documentation and reporting of findings including detailed inspection reports, deficiency logs, corrective action recommendations, and certifications of compliance. These records ensure regulatory adherence, maintain accountability, and serve as historical references for future projects.
Documentation Requirements
Every inspection must be documented with date, inspector name, items inspected, findings, corrective actions, and confirmation of safety status.
In the UAE, authorities can conduct surprise inspections, and lack of proper documentation can stop construction work. Inspection reports, training records, and certifications must be maintained on site and available for regulatory review at any time.
For ongoing scaffold compliance support, AAA Safe Dubai partners with contractors throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
UAE scaffolding safety requirements include third-party inspection and certification from approved inspectors, competent person supervision during erection and dismantling, proper tagging systems indicating scaffold status, adequate foundations with base plates and sole boards, load capacity documentation and signage, fall protection including guardrails and toe boards at least 150mm high, and regular inspection with proper documentation. Requirements vary by emirate and authority.
In Dubai, scaffolding must be erected by trained scaffolders under supervision of a competent person. Under Trakhees regulations, the main contractor must appoint a Scaffolding Supervisor certified by an EHS-approved training organization. The main contractor can erect scaffolding up to 10 meters total height. All scaffolding requires third-party inspection and certification from a Dubai Municipality approved inspector before use.
Scaffolding must be inspected before initial use, at least once a week during use, and after any event that could affect structural integrity such as storms, impacts, or significant load changes. These inspection requirements are specified in Dubai Municipality Code of Construction Safety Practice, OSHAD COP 26, and other UAE regulatory frameworks.
Required documentation includes scaffold design documentation, third-party inspection certificate from approved inspector, competent person qualifications and certifications, records of supervision during erection and dismantling, inspection reports from all required inspections, and scaffold tags at access points. Documentation must be maintained on site and available for regulatory inspection.
UAE regulations require guard rails on all open sides and ends of scaffold platforms. Toe boards with minimum 150mm height must be installed to prevent tools and materials from falling. Proper access ladders or stairways must be provided. Scaffolding must be adequately braced and anchored to maintain stability.
The tagging system uses colored tags at scaffold access points to indicate inspection status. Green tags indicate safe for use with inspection date, inspector, and load limits noted. Yellow tags indicate restricted use with limitations specified. Red tags indicate not safe for use, applying to scaffolds under construction, failed inspection, or being dismantled.
Yes. Free zones including Trakhees, DMCC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and others have their own scaffolding safety regulations. Trakhees has Construction Safety Regulations with Section 9 covering scaffolding. DMCC has HSE guidelines Section 9.10.3 covering scaffold and work platforms. Contractors must verify specific requirements with the relevant free zone authority.
Scaffolding requires adequate foundations capable of supporting loads without settlement or failure. Ground conditions must be assessed before erection. All vertical standards must rest on base plates. Sole boards are required when ground cannot support point loads from base plates alone. Foundations must be reassessed after events affecting ground stability.
Non-compliance with scaffolding safety requirements can result in work stoppages during regulatory inspections, fines from relevant authorities, requirement to dismantle and re-erect scaffolding correctly, and potential criminal liability if workers are injured. UAE authorities conduct inspections and take action against companies that fail to meet requirements.
Identify which authority has jurisdiction over your project location. For Dubai mainland projects, consult Dubai Municipality Code of Construction Safety Practice Chapter 8. For Abu Dhabi, consult OSHAD COP 26. For free zones, consult the specific free zone authority such as Trakhees or DMCC. Requirements may overlap, and contractors must satisfy all applicable regulations.
Important Notice
This guide provides general information about scaffolding safety requirements for educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional safety consultation, engineering advice, or official regulatory guidance.
Scaffolding requirements vary based on project location, scaffold type, and intended use. Different emirates, free zones, and authorities have specific requirements. Always verify current requirements with the relevant authority for your project.
Consult Dubai Municipality, OSHAD, MOHRE, or your local regulatory authority for current requirements.
Building Compliant Scaffolding Programs
The seven scaffolding safety requirements outlined here represent areas where contractors frequently face compliance issues. Meeting these requirements protects workers, avoids project delays, and demonstrates commitment to safety standards.
Document your scaffolding procedures in writing. Train personnel on requirements and their responsibilities. Build inspection and certification timelines into project schedules. Conduct internal audits before regulatory inspections.
For ongoing support meeting scaffolding safety requirements across your UAE construction projects, AAA Safe Dubai provides compliance consultation, training, and safety program development for contractors throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider UAE region.
