A standard for noise measurement that takes into consideration the human ear's sensitivity to certain frequencies. This is expressed as part of noise specifications and can be denoted by adding the letter 'A' to the spec - e.g., 15dB(A).

The competent authority for Occupational Safety and Health and the OSHAD-SF in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is referred to for short using the acronym OSHAD.

Air in which there are no contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined by cognizant authorities and where the substantial majority (80% or more) of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction.

Level of exposure to a harmful substance or another hazard (present in a work place or situation) at which an employer must take the required precautions to protect the workers. The action level equals one-half of the permissible exposure limit.

A sound signal is transmitted without a human or artificial voice (e.g., a fire alarm).

An adverse effect on any living organism results in severe symptoms that develop rapidly; symptoms often subside after the exposure stops.

A single exposure to a toxic substance may result in severe biological harm or death. Acute exposures are usually characterized as lasting no longer than a day compared to longer, continuing exposure over a while.

The ability of a substance to cause severe biological harm or death soon after a single exposure or dose. Also, any poisonous effect resulting from

a single short-term exposure to a toxic substance.

Causing harm. An abnormal, undesirable, or harmful change.

A device to remove contaminants from the air, e.g., filter, cyclone, sock, wet scrubber, electrostatic precipitator (EP). This filter cleans the extracted air. Not all systems need air cleaning.

The rate at which inside air is replaced by outside air. The rate may be expressed as the number of changes of mood per unit of time (e.g., Air Changes per Hour - ACH) or the volume of air exchanged per unit of time (e.g., Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM).

This means monitoring for any fibers of asbestos small enough to be made airborne.

A scientific process to assess whether an area is safe to occupy is utilizing air sampling equipment and laboratory analysis.

Devices that move air- Fan, Turbo exhauster. The ‘engine’ that powers the extraction system is usually a fan.

Any substance in the air that could harm humans or material in high enough concentration. Pollutants may include almost any natural or artificial composition of matter capable of being airborne. They may be in the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, gases, or in combination thereof.

The presence of contaminants or pollutant substances in the air that interfere with human health or welfare.

Mechanism or equipment that cleans emissions generated by a source (e.g., an incinerator, industrial smokestack, or an automobile exhaust system) by removing pollutants that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

The level of pollutants prescribed by regulations is not to be exceeded during a given time in a defined area.

Air contaminants are particles, gases, or vapors and combinations of these. ‘Particles’ include dust, fumes, mists, and fibers.

This means airborne asbestos fiber sampling to assess the exposure and the effectiveness of control measures. Airborne monitoring includes exposure monitoring, control monitoring, and clearance monitoring. Air contaminants are particles, gases, or vapors and combinations of these. ‘Particles’ have dust, fumes, mists, and fibers.

Total suspended particulate matter is found in the atmosphere as solid particles or liquid droplets. The chemical composition of particulates varies widely, depending on location and time of year.

OSH Electronic Application maintained by OSHAD for reporting and database management functionalities

required by OSHAD for monitoring the implementation of OSHAD-SF.

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The American professional organization

recommends Occupational Exposure Limits for a wide range of agents. It also provides recommended good

practices in occupational and environmental hygiene.

“Anchorage” means a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices. It shall be independent of - in that it shall not be part of, directly connected to, or have any structural integrity with – the means of supporting or suspending the employee or the structure upon which the employee is directly engaged.

This means the fibrous form of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and amphibole groups of rock-forming minerals, including actinolite, amosite (brown asbestos), anthophyllite, chrysotile (white asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), tremolite, or any mixture this containing one this or more of the

mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and amphibole groups.

This means products consisting of sand aggregate and cement reinforced with asbestos fibers (e.g., asbestos cement pipes and flat or corrugated cement sheets).

This means a licensed (in Abu Dhabi) competent company that performs asbestos removal and disposal work.

A competent person registered under Qudorat who manages the process of identification, management, and removal of Asbestos Containing Materials.

Plan specific to a building which identifies location, type, condition, maintenance requirements and future action regarding Asbestos Containing Materials

A survey to identify if Asbestos is present.

This means a licensed (in Abu Dhabi), competent entity that performs asbestos transportation activities.

This means a vacuum cleaner that is fitted with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter. A household vacuum cleaner is not suitable for removing asbestos.

This means all removed ACM and disposable items used during the asbestos work, such as plastic sheeting used to cover surfaces in the asbestos work area, disposable coveralls, disposable respirators, and rags used for cleaning.

This means the immediate area in which work on ACM is taking place. A risk assessment must determine the boundaries of the asbestos work area.

It means to reduce risk to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable and involves balancing reduction in danger against the time, trouble, difficulty, and cost of achieving it. This level represents the point objectively assessed, at which the time, trouble, problem, and cost of further reduction measures become unreasonably disproportionate to the additional risk reduction obtained.

A systematic, independent, and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit criteria are fulfilled.

A set of policies, procedures, or requirements (used as a reference).

A person certified to an international standard and registered in Qudorat to conduct third-party OSHMS audits per OSHAD SF requirements.

A person who is qualified to an international standard and has demonstrable auditing experience in conducting OSH audits.

An auditor with qualifications, competence, and accreditation to lead an audit team that includes at least one other auditor.

The minimum temperature required to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion in any substance without a spark or flame.