We get a lot of calls, even from outreach trainers, wanting to know what it takes to become a Designated, Authorized, Competent or Qualified Person from an OSHA perspective.
“Designated” and “Authorized” essentially mean the same thing. From the Construction Standard, “‘Designated person’ means ‘authorized person’ as defined in paragraph (d) of this section” (1926.32(i)). Paragraph (d) reads, “‘Authorized person’ means a person approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific type of duty or duties or to be at a specific location or locations at the jobsite” (1926.32(d)).
That’s pretty straightforward. It is up to the employer to determine who is Authorized (or Designated) to perform specific tasks or be in specific areas. The onus is on the employer to ensure those employees have the knowledge, skills, PPE, etc. to perform work in that area safely.
The term “Competent” takes on a little higher authority. OSHA uses the term “Competent Person” in many of the 29 CFR standards and other documents. It is generally defined as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them” (1926.32(f)). It is specifically defined in selected standards as well by referencing the competence involved. Here is an example: “‘Competent person’ means a person who is capable of identifying hazardous or dangerous conditions in the personal fall arrest system or any component thereof, as well as in their application and use with related equipment” (1910.66 Appendix C).
So, if we examine this definition, a Competent Person must be able to meet two criteria:
1. Be capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees specific to the equipment in use.
2. Have authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Meeting the first part of the definition has a lot to do with the complexity of the job task involved, the jobsite itself and the equipment in use. This is met with a combination of appropriate training and experience in performing the task(s) using the tools and equipment involved in the conditions of the jobsite. Only the employer can judge whether the employee has met the training and experience requirements as well as has the capability to identify existing and predictable hazards. Second, the employer is the only one who provides “authority” to an employee.
So, how does one become a competent person? The designation comes from the employer. The employer must weigh an employee’s training, experience and capability and provide the required authority before an employee is considered “Competent” from an OSHA perspective.
What about a “Qualified Person”? OSHA is stricter when it comes to “Qualified.” A typical definition is “one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work or the project” (1926.32(m)).
Again, OSHA may be more specific in a specific standard; for example, in Subpart S — Electrical, “Qualified Person” is defined as “one who has received training in and has demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of electric equipment and installations and the hazards involved.”
So, it appears to become “Qualified” you must have:
1. Received training specific to the equipment involved (e.g., engineers, electricians).
2. Demonstrated skills and knowledge to solve or resolve problems specific to the
subject or work.
This is the highest hurdle anyone must leap when working on a jobsite, and it is generally reserved for those positions that have the highest potential for injury or death to the worker, other workers or the general public if things aren’t done exactly right.
For more information, visit www.teex.org/itsi, email TEEXoutreach@teex.tamu.edu or call (800) 723-3811.