United Arab Emirates
EHS REQUIREMENTS FOR LABOUR CAMP FACILITIES

1. EHS Submission Requirements (3 Sets):

a. Detailed Project Description (including number of residents)

b. NOC Letter stating allocation of Plot/area for Labour Camp from Client/Developer

c. Setting out Plan

d. Architectural Drawings/Details & Finishing Details of all Structures

e. Drainage Layouts (Floor-wise and Setting Out)

f. Colour Coded Layout of Potable Water

g. Fire Detection and Fire Protection Layout

Site – General Requirements

The company should be licensed for operating such facilities, should post sign boards on sites with the

following information:

1. Company Name

2. Camp Owner

3. Address

4. Telephone Number

5. License Number and Site Number

All sites used for camps must be adequately drained. They must not be subject to periodic flooding,

nor located within 200 feet of swamps, pools, sink holes or other surface collections of water unless

such quiescent water surfaces can be subjected to mosquito control measures. The camp must be

located so the drainage from and through the camp will not endanger any domestic or public water

supply.

All sites must be graded, ditched and rendered free from depressions in which water may become a

nuisance.

All sites must be adequate in size to prevent overcrowding of necessary structures.

The grounds and open areas surrounding the shelters must be maintained in a clean and sanitary

condition free from rubbish, debris, waste paper, garbage, or other refuse.

EHS – REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY LABOUR CAMP FACILITIES

1. The new accommodation/portacabins/temporary offices provided in the area of Temporary labour

camp shall have adequate welfare & sanitary facilities such as toilets, bathrooms, ablution blocks etc

and suitable and sufficient cool drinking water facilities. Minimum requirements of sanitary facilities

shall include: -

a) 1 WC for Every 10 persons or 1 WC, 1 urinal & 1 WB for every 25 persons.

b) Adequate water coolers shall be provided with maximum travel distance of 30 meter

interval & placed on concrete floor where spill collection provisions provided.

c) Adequate canteen facilities shall be provided to all workers depending upon the number of

workers housed within the camp and hygiene standards shall be maintained at all times.

d) Floors & Walls of Mess hall should be of easily washable type.

e) Floors of kitchen should be made of impervious, water resistant, non-skid & easily

washable type.

f) Schedule of finishes for toilet shall meet EHS requirements.

g) Water storage tank capacity should be large enough to hold “48 hrs reserve supply”

h) Minimum floor space in eating area shall not be less than 13SQFT per person.

i) No soakaway is permitted in the camp area. The employer shall provide suitable &

adequate size of waste water holding tank for collection of domestic liquid waste. Design of

such tank shall be based on the anticipated total occupant load with calculation of 280

liters/person/day & shall hold minimum seven days holding capacity.

j) Waste water holding tank shall have provisions of early warning system with level indicator

and breaching pipe. Access area to such holding tank should be hard paved from the entry

point of the labor camp.

2. Space requirement for every person living in dwelling unit shall not be less than 40SQFT.

3. Adequate illumination level should be provided & maintained in the entire area of labour camp to

avoid glare, irregularity & invisibility.

4. Installation of LPG portable cylinders or bulk storage tank for cooking activity in the separate kitchen

area shall require to obtain necessary approval from EHS:PCFC. No cooking is permitted within the

rooms.

5. Diesel Generator installation with Diesel oil storage tank shall follow the requirements of EHS:PCFC.

No such unit shall be allowed to install without prior approval from EHS:PCFC.

Generators shall be placed with a minimum clearance of 1.2 mts. all around and fixed on

stable ground ensuring the same does not move /tilt during the operation.

Ensure that the area is accessed only by authorized personnel and place relevant safety signs.

Do not attempt to install/repair the generator without the services of a qualified engineer.

Proper vents should be provided to prevent accumulation of gases/CO at ground levels. Noise

levels and personal protection shall be in compliance with Health & Safety Rules & Regulations.

Fuel drums (if any) and diesel tank shall be placed in a secured/impervious area at a minimum

distance of 1.2 mts. from the generators.

Prior to generator operations, check all safety/manufacturer precautions and for spills

on/around the generator which could lead to ignition. Before refueling the generators, turn it off

and let it cool down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Do not store the generators/fuel tanks/drums near any fuel-burning appliance or carry out any

hot-work in the immediate surroundings.

Be sure that the total electric load on your generator won't exceed the manufacturer's rating.

Keep cords out of the way so they don't present a tripping/safety hazard. Provide necessary

warning signs.

The Diesel Tank should be suitably bunded/ protected in case of spills, to avoid spills during

storage/filling operations.

On completion of safe installation and prior to full operations, invite EHS for inspection of the

same and suitable operational recommendations.

6. Access to and egress from the camp shall conform to EHS standards.

7. The camp shall be fenced and a set back area of 5.5 mtrs shall be maintained from the periphery of

the fence.

8. The entire camp area shall be hard paved and road based and the roads within camp shall be

minimum 4 mtrs wide and shall be kept unobstructed at all times.

9. No cooking shall be allowed in the accommodation areas. Heating Coils, Electric & gas stove should

not be used.

10. Garbage skips facility shall be provided in a designated area with adequate hard surface access for

clearance of garbage by designated and proper house keeping shall be maintained in all areas of the

camp at all times.

11. A medical facility shall be provided at the camp with a trained nurse to take-care of sick personnel and

records shall be maintained.

12. A camp boss shall be appointed to monitor all activities within the camp and maintain the hygiene,

safety and fire safety standards.

13. The camp shall have adequate fire protection facilities such as fire extinguishers, fire ring main with

hydrants, hose reels, fire pumps & dedicated fire water tanks of adequate capacity. Personnel shall

be trained in the use of the first aid fire fighting appliances. An adequate fire prevention plan shall be

in place with the emergency numbers displayed conspicuously at strategic locations on the camp site.

14. Portacabins shall be made of fire resistant material (metal or fire retardant treated wood form).

15. Refer to Annex – ‘B’ for other fire safety requirements including safety distances.

16. There shall be an emergency evacuation plan in place and all workers residing within the camp shall

be made aware of the same.

17. Any change/modification, addition of new facility/building/portacabins, if the camp management

intend to carryout within the Approved temporary camp facility, shall necessitate prior approval from

relevant authority of PCFC & EHS.

EHS - FIRE & RESCUE REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY LABOUR CAMP FACILITIES

1.General Requirement:

a) The site must be organized/ prepared for the easy access of Emergency Vehicle.

b) The recommended site set up must be submitted to the Fire Dept. for approval.

c) Telephone line for emergency use must be provided.

d) Any building /structure shall not exceed 200 sq. m.

e) If the building/ structure exceeding 200 sq. m in size it must be separated into 200 sq. m blocks from

each other by 6 m.

f) These type of buildings / structures shall not be used for storage / warehousing.

2. Protection from external Fire Spreading:

a) To prevent the external spread of fire between the buildings/ structures. The buildings/ structures may be

separated from each other or by providing fire resistant material (metal or fire retardant treated wood forms)

as below:

Distance between buildings / Structures Rating in hours

0 – 1.5 m 2 hours

1.5 – 3 m 1 hour

03 – and above

b) The buildings/ structures must be 6 m away separated from kitchens, workshops & stores.

c) Combustible materials & vegetation must be removed 3 m away from any building/ structure.

d) Kitchens must be away from any building/ structure by 6m and protected internally by fire resistant

material & LPG cylinder must be stored outside.

e) Electrical equipment and installation must be fixed as per the requirement of Electrical Dept.

3. Means of Escape:

Travel distance should not exceed 15 m one direction & 30 m two-direction from any point to the main

road of the site.

4. Fire Alarm & Fire Fighting:

a) Fire point(s ) for Fire Extinguishers (DCP) and manual call points must be provided at location where it

can be reached within 30 m of travel.

b) Hose Reel system/network must be provided according to the Fire Dept. requirement.

c) Fire alarm bell to be provided inside each room.

5. Fire Training:

All staff must be trained in the use of fire fighting equipment provided.

2.Fire Notices/ Instructions:

Fire sign must be provided at each fire point and written in Arabic, English & the languages that can be

read & understood by the employees / occupants/users.

1. No Cooking

2. No Smoking

3. Fire / Emergency Actions i.e.

(i) Raise the alarm.

(ii) Call Fire Brigade 997, Ambulance 998 / 999 & Police 999

(iii) Attack the fire if possible using fire extinguishers/ appliances provided.

EHS - FOOD CONTROL SECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY LABOUR CAMP FACILITIES

Shelter

Every shelter in the camp must be constructed in a manner which will provide protection to its tenants from

the elements of nature. The floors of each shelter must be constructed of wood, asphalt, or concrete. All

wooden floors must be of smooth and tight construction. The floors must be kept in good repair. All wooden

floors must be elevated not less than one foot above the ground level at all points to prevent dampness and

to permit free circulation of air beneath.

All living quarters must be provided with windows the total of which must be not less than one-tenth of the

floor area. At least one-half of each window must be so constructed that it can be opened for purposes of

ventilation. All exterior openings must be effectively screened with 16-mesh material. All screen doors must be

equipped with self-closing devices.

Each room used for sleeping purposes must contain at least 40 square feet of floor space for each occupant.

At least a 7-foot ceiling must be provided. Beds, cots or bunks, and suitable storage facilities such as wall

lockers for clothing and personal articles must be provided in every room used for sleeping purposes. Such

beds or similar facilities must be spaced not closer than 36 inches both laterally and end to end, and must be

elevated at least 12 inches from the floor. If double-deck bunks are used, they must be spaced not less than

48 inches both laterally and end to end. The minimum clear space between the lower and upper bunk must be

not less than 27 inches. Triple-deck bunks are prohibited.

Sanitary facilities must be provided for storing and preparing food. In camps where cooking facilities are used,

the same may only be carried out in approved kitchens. Sanitary facilities must be provided for storing and

preparing food.

All heating, cooking and water heating equipment must be installed in accordance to local regulations

governing such installations.

Water Supply

An adequate and convenient water supply, approved by the authority, must be provided in each camp for

drinking, cooking, bathing and laundry purposes.

A water supply may be deemed adequate if it is capable of delivering on an average, 100 gallons per person

per day to the campsite at a peak rate of 2 1/2 times the average hourly demand. The distribution lines must

be capable of supplying water at normal operating pressures to all fixtures for simultaneous operation.

Where water under pressure is available, one or more drinking fountains must be provided for each 100

occupants or fraction thereof. The construction, installation and maintenance of drinking fountains must

comply with local requirements. Common drinking cups are prohibited.

Toilet Facilities

Toilet facilities adequate for the capacity of the camp must be provided. Each toilet room must be located so

as to be accessible without any individual passing through any sleeping room. Toilet rooms must have a

window not less than 6 square feet in area opening directly to the outside area or otherwise be satisfactorily

ventilated. All outside openings must be screened with 16-mesh material. No fixture, water closet, chemical

toilet, or urinal may be located in a room used for other than toilet purposes.

A toilet room must be located within 200 feet of the door of each sleeping room. No privy may be closer than

100 feet to any sleeping room, dining room, lunch area or kitchen.

The floor from the wall and for a distance not less than 15 inches measured from the outward edge of the

urinals must be constructed of materials impervious to moisture. Where water under pressure is available,

urinals must be provided with an adequate water flush. Urinal troughs in privies must drain freely into the pit

or vault, and the construction of this drain must be such as to exclude flies and rodents from the pit.

Every water closet must be located in a toilet room. Each toilet room must be lighted naturally or artificially by

a safe type of lighting at all hours of the day and night.

An adequate supply of toilet paper and foot operated garbage bin must be provided in each privy, water closet

or chemical toilet compartment. Privies and toilet rooms must be kept in a sanitary condition. They must be

cleaned at least daily.

Sewage Disposal Facilities

In camps where public sewers are available, all sewer lines and floor drains from buildings must be connected

to them, with prior approval from EHS.

Laundry, Handwashing and Bathing Facilities

Laundry, handwashing and bathing facilities must be provided in the following ratio:

handwash basin per 10 persons,

shower head for every 10 persons,

laundry tray or tub for every 30 persons,

slop sink in each building used for laundry, hand washing and bathing.

Floors must be of smooth finish but not slippery materials; they must be impervious to moisture. Floor drains

must be provided in all shower baths, shower rooms or laundry rooms to remove waste water and facilitate

cleaning. All junctions of the curbing and the floor must be coved. The walls and partitions of shower rooms

must be smooth and impervious to the height of splash.

An adequate supply of hot and cold running water must be provided for bathing and laundry purposes.

Facilities for heating water must be provided. Every service building must be provided with equipment capable

of maintaining a temperature of at least 70 degrees F during cold weather.

Facilities for drying clothes must be provided. All service buildings must be kept clean.

Lighting

Where electric service is available, each habitable room in a camp must be provided with at least one ceilingtype

light fixture and at least one separate floor- or wall-type convenience outlet. Laundry and toilet rooms

and rooms where people congregate must contain at least one ceiling- or wall-type fixture. Please refer EHS

Rules/Food Establishment Guidelines.

Refuse Disposal

Fly-tight, rodent-tight, impervious, cleanable or single service containers, approved by the appropriate

authority must be provided for the storage of garbage. At least one such container must be provided for each

shelter and must be located within 100 feet of each shelter on a wooden, metal or concrete stand. Garbage

containers must be kept clean.

Garbage containers must be emptied when full but not less than twice a week.

Construction and Operation of Kitchens, Dining Halls Facilities

In all camps where central dining operations are permitted or provided, the food handling facilities must

comply with the requirements of EHS and DM Food Hygiene Regulations.

A properly constructed kitchen and dining hall adequate in size, separate from the sleeping quarters of any of

the workers, must be provided in connection with all food handling facilities. There must be no direct opening

from living or sleeping quarters into a kitchen or dining hall.

Handwashing facilities equipped with detergent, hand driers/disposable towels and foot operated garbage bins

should be available in the food preparation area.

Provide equipments for adequate rapid cooling, including ice baths and refrigeration, and hot-holding

potentially hazardous foods, when required.

No person with any communicable disease may be employed or permitted to work in the preparation, cooking,

serving or other handling of food, foodstuffs or materials used in any kitchen or dining room operated in

connection with a camp or regularly used by persons living in a camp. Food handlers should have occupational

health cards and should be trained on Basic Food Hygiene.

Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinders when used should be kept outside the cooking area in a covered, well

ventilated and locked area.

Provide a mop sink or curbed cleaning facility with facilities for hanging wet mops if applicable, garbage can

washing area/facility and cabinets or room for storing toxic chemicals.

Insect and Rodent Control

Effective measures must be taken to prevent infestation by and harborage of animal or insect vectors or pests.

The management should have contract with a Pest Control company to carry out pest control program for the

facility.

First Aid

Adequate first aid facilities approved by the authority must be maintained and made available in every labor

camp for the emergency treatment of injured persons. Such facilities must be in the charge of a person

trained to administer first aid and must be readily accessible for use at all times.

Reporting Communicable Disease

It is the duty of the camp superintendent to report immediately to EHS, Food and Hygiene Department the

name and address of any individual in the camp known to have or suspected of having a communicable

disease.

Whenever there occurs in any camp a case of suspected food poisoning or an unusual prevalence of any

illness in which fever, diarrhea, sore throat, vomiting or jaundice is a prominent symptom, it will be the duty

of the camp manager to report immediately the existence of the outbreak to the health authority by telephone

or fax.

(Source : Ist. Edition, 2006, Published by
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH & SAFETY - Ports Customs & FreeZone Corp
P.O. Box 17000, Jebel Ali, Dubai,)