Glossary
Competent Person
A person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures.
OSHA defines a competent person in 29 CFR 1926.32 as one 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 the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
For asbestos work under 1926.1101, the competent person must be specifically trained on asbestos (40-hour worker training plus additional supervisor training where required, with annual refresher) and is responsible for setting up, supervising, and inspecting the work practices.
For demolition under 1926 Subpart T, the competent person conducts the engineering survey required before demolition begins and is responsible for ongoing hazard recognition during the work.
A competent person designation is not transferable: the person designated is named, and is the person responsible. A general statement that “a competent person will be on site” without identifying who that person is doesn’t satisfy the requirement.