Competent Person

Employers must designate a competent person at each worksite. A competent person is someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate these conditions. This person also has the responsibility to conduct frequent and regular worksite inspections. In addition, a competent person will also perform regular and on-going safety training.

Similar to a competent person, a qualified person is someone who has a recognized degree, certificate, or professional experience, and can successfully demonstrate his or her ability to solve work-related problems.

Both competent persons and qualified persons are called out in OSHA regulations related to health hazards. For example:

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 for lead compliance requires worksite inspections by a competent person.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.55 for gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists requires that any equipment or technical measures used to control a hazard must be approved by a qualified person.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.103 states that a respiratory protection program must be administered by a competent person.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 states that all asbestos work is supervised by a competent person.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1127 states that a competent person must determine whether work could expose employees to cadmium.

To learn more about Construction Chemical Hazards visit our Construction Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.