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Five Misconceptions About the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Regulation Myth 1:  HAZWOPER training is only required for workers handling hazardous materials. While it is true that HAZWOPER training is often required for workers handling hazardous materials, it is also required for workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances or environments as a result of their work. This includes emergency responders, environmental cleanup workers, and workers at hazardous waste sites. Myth 2: HAZWOPER training is only needed for certain industries. HAZWOPER training is not limited to any specific industry. It is relevant for any worker who may be exposed to hazardous substances or environments as a result of their work. This includes workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and oil and gas, as well as emergency responders and government employees. Myth 3: HAZWOPER training is a one-time requirement. HAZWOPER training is not a one-time requirement. It is important for workers to refresh their knowledge and skills on a regular basis, as the hazardous substances and environments they may encounter can change over time. Myth 4: HAZWOPER training is only required for workers in the United States. HAZWOPER training is not limited to the United States. Many countries have their own regulations and guidelines for the handling and disposal of hazardous materials, and workers in these countries may be required to complete similar training. Myth 5: HAZWOPER training is only for workers who directly handle hazardous materials. While it is important for workers who directly handle hazardous materials to have proper training, HAZWOPER training is also relevant for workers who may be indirectly exposed to hazardous substances or environments. This includes workers who may be involved in emergency response or cleanup efforts, or who may be required to work in areas where hazardous materials are present. Register today to stay current on your HAZWOPER, OSHA, or RCRA/DOT training.

What is Classified as a Hazardous Chemical and for which Chemicals do we Need Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?A hazardous chemical is defined as any chemical that is classified as hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The HCS requires that employers provide information to workers about the hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to in the workplace through the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and other forms of communication.Hazardous chemicals are classified based on the physical and health hazards they present. Physical hazards include chemicals that are explosive, flammable, oxidizing, etc. Health hazards include chemicals that are toxic, corrosive, sensitizing, carcinogenic, etc.All chemicals that are classified as hazardous under the HCS must have an SDS. The SDS is a document that provides information about the chemical's properties, hazards, and precautions that should be taken when handling and using the chemical. It also provides information about the chemical's first aid measures, firefighting measures, and spill response procedures.The HCS requires that employers provide SDSs for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace and that they are easily accessible to workers. Workers have the right to request and review SDSs for the hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to in the workplace.

Responsibilities of a Competent Person in Scaffolding and Confined Space OperationsIn the world of safety and health, a “competent person” is designated to ensure the well-being of employees and workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) defines a competent person 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 the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them” (29 CFR 1926.450).The regulatory standards created across industries by OSHA often refer to “the duties of a competent person” and assign them specific responsibilities. While these responsibilities may differ, the underlying role of a competent person is to protect the health and safety of employees at a worksite by developing and implementing appropriate safety and health processes and plans as and when required. Our previous article dealt with the responsibilities of a competent person as specified in OSHA’s Excavations and Fall Protection Standards. This article will review and summarize the responsibilities of a competent person as applicable in OSHA’s Scaffolds and Confined Spaces Standards.The Role of the Competent Person for Scaffolding OperationsOSHA has specified responsibilities for a competent person in its 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L – Scaffolds Standard. According to this Standard, a competent person is responsible for:Selecting and directing employees who erect, dismantle, move, alter, and inspect scaffolds.Training employees working on scaffolding to recognize hazards associated with tasks such as erecting, dismantling, moving, adjusting, and inspecting scaffolds.Determining the safety of employees working on scaffolds during unfavorable weather conditions such as strong winds, storms, or heavy snowfall.Ensuring employees working on scaffolding have access to a personal fall arrest system or wind screens during bad weather.Making sure the scaffolds’ structural integrity is maintained when components from different manufacturers are used together.Determining whether galvanic action has affected the capacity of scaffolds when components made from different metals are used together.Additionally, a competent person is responsible for inspecting scaffolds and scaffold components for visible defects at various times. Such inspections must be mainly conducted:Before every work shift, and After any incident that could impact the reliability or structural integrity of the scaffold. In case of scaffolds are damaged or any scaffold breakdown occurs, a competent person must be given the authority to promptly take any and all necessary corrective actions.Worker Training When Working in and around ScaffoldsTo obtain more details about OSHA’s Scaffolding Standards and be prepared to safely work on scaffolding, enroll employees in our OSHA Scaffolding Safety Training today! We offer corporate rates and group discounts. Our training can be taken online at any time, or we can arrange to conduct onsite or virtual training with an experienced instructor at a location of your choice. Contact us for more details. The Role of the Competent Person When Work is Done in Confined SpacesBefore we explore the role of a competent person in a confined space. Let us understand what a confined space means. What is a Confined Space? According to OSHA’s Confined Spaces Standard, a confined space is defined as a space thatIs large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter it,Has limited or restricted means for entry and exit, andIs not designed for continuous employee occupancy.Considering that employees working in confined spaces are exposed to various hazards, OSHA’s Confined Spaces Standard for the Construction Industry specifies various requirements that fall under the purview of the person designated as a competent person. Accordingly, a competent person must:Identify all confined spaces in which one or more employees may be assigned work before work begins at a worksite.Determine which of these confined spaces should be designed as a permit-required confined space through evaluation and testing to determine the specific safety and health hazards.Also decide which of the confined spaces workers may enter to perform work activities. Our article titled ‘Confined Space Protective Measures’ will explain the permit-required confined space in more detail. Training for Working in Confined SpacesWorkers who work in confined spaces require adequate and appropriate training to meet OSHA safety requirements. Our OSHA Confined Space Awareness Training course is designed for employees who work in and around confined spaces. Such workers may include authorized entrants, safety attendants, entry supervisors, and emergency response personnel. Our confined space awareness safety training course complies with the training requirements as specified in OSHA’s Confined Spaces Standard for the Construction Industry, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA.ReferencesOSHA. (n.d.). Confined Spaces in Construction Standard - 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA. 1926.1202 - Definitions. Website. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1202OSHA. (n.d.). Scaffolding Standard for the Construction Industry - 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L. 1926.450 - Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart. Website. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.450

Are Recyclers Required to have HAZWOPER Training?HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training is a type of training and certification program for workers who handle hazardous materials or work in hazardous environments. Whether recyclers are required to have HAZWOPER training depends on the specific hazards they may be exposed to on the job and the regulations that apply to their workplace.In general, recyclers who handle hazardous waste or materials that are classified as hazardous under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) may be required to have HAZWOPER training. This includes recyclers who work with hazardous chemicals, batteries, electronics, or other materials that may pose a risk to the health and safety of workers or the environment.The specific HAZWOPER training requirements for recyclers can vary depending on the specific hazards they may be exposed to on the job and the level of certification they are seeking. There are several different levels of HAZWOPER certification, including: HAZWOPER 8-Hour: This is a basic level of training that is required for all workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances or waste. HAZWOPER 24-Hour: This level of training is required for workers who are responsible for responding to hazardous material spills or other emergencies. HAZWOPER 40-Hour: This level of training is required for workers who will be performing hazardous waste operations on a regular basis. It is important to note that HAZWOPER training is a requirement for certain types of work and is not a voluntary or optional program. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers have the appropriate level of HAZWOPER certification for the tasks they will be performing. Recyclers should check with their employer or the relevant regulatory agency to determine if HAZWOPER training is required for their job.

What are the Types of Chemicals?There are many different types of chemicals that are used in a variety of industries and applications. Chemicals can be classified based on their properties, uses, and other characteristics. Some common categories of chemicals include: Acids: Chemicals that release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Acids have a sour taste and can be corrosive to certain materials. Bases: Chemicals that release hydroxide ions when dissolved in water. Bases have a bitter taste and can be corrosive to certain materials. Gases: Chemicals that are in a gaseous state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Gases can be compressed or liquified for storage or transportation. Liquids: Chemicals that are in a liquid state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Liquids can be poured and take the shape of their container. Solids: Chemicals that are in a solid state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Solids have a fixed shape and volume. Oxidizers: Chemicals that can cause or promote the oxidation of other materials. Oxidizers can be unstable and can ignite easily. Flammable liquids: Chemicals that are easily ignited and can burn rapidly. Flammable liquids have a flash point of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Toxic chemicals: Chemicals that are poisonous or harmful to humans or other living organisms. Toxic chemicals can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Hazardous chemicals: Chemicals that pose a risk to the health and safety of workers or the environment. Hazardous chemicals may be flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Click here to learn more. It is important to handle and store chemicals safely and to follow all relevant safety guidelines and regulations when working with these materials.The Hazard Communication Standard with GHS Training course will assist employees to identify the different chemical hazards and support the increase of workplace safety and health. This course is designed to educate workers who use hazardous chemicals in their workplaces, and those who are engaged in the manufacture, storage, import, and transportation of hazardous chemicals.

Is There an Expiration Leeway for HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher Annual Training?The HAZWOPER certification is valid for up to 12 months, after which refresher training is required to maintain the certification.The specific expiration leeway for HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training can vary depending on the regulations or guidelines that apply to a particular workplace or industry.In general, HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training is required to be completed on an annual basis for workers who handle hazardous substances or waste, or who work in hazardous environments. The purpose of this training is to ensure that workers remain current on the latest safety guidelines and procedures related to their work.However, in some cases, it may be possible for workers to have a brief extension on their training if they are unable to complete it within the specified time frame. For example, if a worker is unable to attend a scheduled training session due to illness or a family emergency, their employer may allow them to complete the training at a later date.It is important to note that any extension of the expiration date for HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training should be granted on a case-by-case basis, and workers should not assume that they will automatically be granted an extension. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers complete the required training in a timely manner, and it is the worker's responsibility to ensure that they complete the training as required.Renew your HAZWOPER training today by clicking here.

Do Warehouse Workers Require Lithium Training? Lithium is a chemical element that is used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including batteries, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals. It is important for warehouse workers who handle lithium or lithium-containing products to be trained on how to safely handle and store these materials. Here are some general guidelines for training warehouse workers on the safe handling and storage of lithium: Provide information about the properties and potential hazards of lithium, including its flammability, reactivity with water, and potential for producing toxic fumes. Train workers on the proper handling and storage of lithium products, including the use of personal protective equipment and the proper storage of lithium batteries. Discuss emergency procedures in the event of a lithium-related incident, including how to handle a fire, leak, or spill. Make sure workers are aware of any relevant regulations and guidelines related to the handling and storage of lithium products. Regularly review and update training materials and procedures to ensure that workers have the most current and accurate information on lithium safety. It is important to note that these are general guidelines and specific training requirements may vary depending on the specific type and quantity of lithium products being handled and the specific workplace setting. Click here to learn more about our available Lithium batteries online training courses.

What is the Difference Between RCRA and OSHA? OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) are both U.S. federal agencies that regulate different aspects of environmental and workplace safety. OSHA is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for setting and enforcing standards for occupational safety and health in the workplace. OSHA's goal is to protect workers from hazards that can cause injury or illness. It does this by setting standards for things like personal protective equipment, hazardous materials handling, and machine guarding, and by conducting inspections of workplaces to ensure that these standards are being followed. RCRA, on the other hand, is a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is responsible for regulating the management of hazardous waste. RCRA sets standards for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, with the goal of protecting human health and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of these materials. In summary, OSHA regulates occupational safety and health in the workplace, while RCRA regulates the management of hazardous waste. Click here for OSHA and RCRA training.

Which HAZWOPER Training Best Suits You? The HAZWOPER Standard - Introduction The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), sets guidelines for workers involved in the management and emergency response regarding hazardous waste. The standard further emphasizes appropriate HAZWOPER training of workers in order to minimize health and safety risks that could occur at the workplace, thereby ensuring the safety and good health of workers.  Before engaging in hazardous waste operations and training workers, including employees, supervisors, and site managers, we need to answer the question – What is appropriate HAZWOPER training? This article provides a detailed answer to not only this question but endeavors to describe various types of HAZWOPER training required by diverse worker occupations.  The HAZWOPER standard provides guidelines for workers involved in the clean-up of hazardous waste or the transfer, storage, and disposal operations of hazardous waste, and the emergency response procedures to be followed in case of hazardous waste and hazardous materials incidents.  What Are Hazardous Substances and Emergency Response Requirements Under OSHA?  Various hazardous substances can cause different emergencies such as fires, explosions, air pollution, poisonous gas releases, etc. As such, responding to emergencies at hazardous waste sites and when working with hazardous materials or toxic chemicals often go hand in hand.  Let’s understand the definition of hazardous substances and emergency situations as defined by OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard before moving on with this article.  What are Hazardous Substances?  Substances that have adverse effects on health, or substances, when released into the environment, that could cause disease if ingested or inhaled by any person. A hazardous substance can not only cause severe diseases, behavioral abnormalities, and physiological malfunctions but can also be fatal.  Let’s Define an Emergency Situation Any situation that is injurious to health or deadly and requires an emergency response. Such situations include the following: Release of toxic substances into the environment. A situation causing oxygen deficiency in the environment. A risk of ignition or explosion.  A life-threatening situation such as electrocution requiring instant attention to rescue employees. Keeping in mind the perils of hazardous wastes and emergency situations, regulatory bodies necessitate employers to train employees to protect worker health and ensure their safety at the workplace. How Does HAZWOPER Training Benefit Employers and Employees?  The main benefits of HAZWOPER training are listed below. As training is mandated by OSHA, the employer will be meeting the relevant regulatory requirements. The employer will reduce the risk of fines and other penalties that may arise due to non-compliance with OSHA regulatory standards. Offering HAZWOPER training to employees will reflect positively on employer responsibility and ensure the organization’s brand as a caring employer is maintained. As hazardous substances can be life-threatening, proper training helps reduce workplace mishaps and accidents while making it easier for employees to handle emergencies and unexpected releases of hazardous substances. HAZWOPER training provides employees with an opportunity to better understand their jobs, widen their knowledge base, and identify probable hazards and how to reduce or prevent them.To learn about HAZWOPER training and its benefits in detail, read our article “What is HAZWOPER Training and Who Needs It?” Which Jobs Require HAZWOPER Training?   People directly or indirectly exposed to hazardous waste or hazardous substances must comply with OSHA’s training requirements. There are different types of HAZAWOPER training for different exposure levels and jobs. Occupations requiring HAZWOPER training are listed below. To know more about the levels of HAZWOPER training, you can read our article “HAZWOPER Training Levels - Know the Basics.” Equipment operators, general laborers, supervisors, and on-site managers of hazardous waste sites; General site workers and specialists at treatment/storage/disposal (TSD) facilities; Workers employed by environmental services companies; Specialists and technicians working on hazardous waste sites or with hazardous substances; Emergency responders; Geophysical surveyors; Supervisors and managers of emergency situations; Medical personnel exposed to various diseases and contaminants; Non-medical personnel working in hospitals and exposed to hazmat; On-site workers exposed to at or above Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) levels developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Work tasks with exposure to chemicals with a risk of explosion or fire; Work tasks with exposure to poisonous substances; Work tasks with exposure to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere i.e., air containing less than 19.5% oxygen; People working in confined spaces – such as manholes, pipelines, vaults, underground storage, etc.;  Working at underground sites with the possibility of hazardous gas exposure or low oxygen levels; Work tasks carried out at sites exposed to contaminated soil or groundwater; Subsurface investigators; Workers exposed to hazardous materials or hazardous waste at construction sites; and Work carried out at a site listed as hazardous by an official government agency. What are the different HAZWOPER Training Levels  HAZWOPER training is structured into five distinct levels, each tailored to the specific responsibilities and exposure risks of workers handling hazardous substances: Awareness LevelThis is the most basic level of training. It is designed for individuals who may witness or discover a hazardous substance release but are not expected to respond actively. Their primary role is to recognize the hazard and notify appropriate authorities. Operations LevelIntended for workers who respond defensively to hazardous substance incidents. These individuals help contain the release from a safe distance to protect people, property, and the environment, without trying to stop the source of the release directly.Technician LevelThis level is for personnel who respond offensively to hazardous situations. Technicians are trained to approach the point of release and take direct action to stop it using specialized tools, equipment, and protective gear.Specialist LevelSpecialists receive advanced training focused on particular hazardous substances. They often support technicians with detailed chemical knowledge and may coordinate with federal, state, or local agencies during complex incidents. Incident Commander The highest level of training is for individuals responsible for managing emergency response operations. Incident Commanders oversee all aspects of the response, including personnel, strategies, and communication with external authorities.  Why Do You Need HAZWOPER Training?  HAZWOPER (e) series and (p) series training is required as per a worker’s job specification and the extent of worker exposure to hazardous substances. Let’s further analyze which job roles required which HAZWOPER training. HAZWOPER (e) Series Training Required Job Roles/Occupations Requiring HAZWOPER Training OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training Underground tank cleaners Contaminated soil removers or handlers Groundwater handlers Subsurface investigators Workers exposed to HazMat at construction sites Workers of TSD (treatment, storage, and disposal) facilities of hazardous waste or hazardous substances Hazardous waste site clean-up crews Lab technicians Specialists working in proximity to hazardous waste or hazmat OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training Groundwater monitors Land surveyors Geophysical surveyors Equipment operators HazMat delivery drivers Project managers exposed to hazardous waste or hazardous substances Environmentalists HazMat technicians and specialists occasionally at hazardous waste sites Workers such as electricians, plumbers, laborers, painters, maintenance personnel, etc., who visit hazardous waste sites for short-term work OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training Workers initially certified with OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training and need to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA annual training requirement Workers initially certified with OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training and need to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA annual training requirement OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training Managers and supervisors of workers who are directly or indirectly exposed to hazardous wastes and other hazardous substances. This training is obtained in addition to OSHA 40-Hour or OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training (whichever is applicable to the managers and supervisor in accordance with the workers they are responsible for). OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Refresher Training Managers and supervisors initially certified with OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training HAZWOPER (p) Series Training Required Job Roles/Occupations Requiring HAZWOPER Training OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training Workers exposed to RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) in generally any industry Workers exposed to RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) in the construction industry Workers of TSD (treatment, storage, and disposal) facilities of RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher – RCRA TSD Operations Training Workers initially certified with OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training and required to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA’s annual training requirements. How Can You Get HAZWOPER Training with Electronic Certification and Wallet ID at Your Own Pace? In addition to our online training, we also offer SCORM-compliant courses for LMS integration, onsite training for organizations needing in-person sessions, and virtual instructor-led training for teams who prefer real-time interaction with certified professionals.You can now easily identify the HAZWOPER training you require according to the job you do. Are you looking for an OSHA-compliant HAZWOPER training provider? Register now for our HAZWOPER (e) series and HAZWOPER (p) series, the e-learning courses which will help you to learn at your own pace from home, work, or wherever you want. All you need is internet access on a PC, laptop, or mobile device of your choice. Once you complete the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion and will also receive a Walled ID once you upload a passport-size photograph on our system. We also offer group discounts for large organizations. Dial 866.429.6742 to speak to our customer services personnel or feel free to write to info@HAZWOPER-OSHA.com for more details. References: NIOSH. (n.d.). Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Values. Website. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/default.html#:~:text=The%20Immediately%20dangerous%20to%20life,first%20developed%20in%20the%20mid%2D OSHA. (n.d.). Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). Website. https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/hazardous-waste-operations/standards

Who is a Competent Person and their Role in Excavation Safety and Fall ProtectionWe often hear the term “competent person” about safety protocols. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration particularly allocates responsibility to workers in the capacity of competent persons for certain work operations and for examining and confirming safety protocols. Hence, many OSHA safety standards and other regulatory documents refer to the term “competent person”, requiring a need for employers and employees to understand the term to allocate responsibility to comply with OSHA standards and regulations.Who is a Competent Person?According to OSHA, a “competent person is 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 the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them" [29 CFR 1926.32(f)].”OSHA goes on to explain that a competent person gains knowledge through appropriate education and training, and field experience. Thus, a competent person would be knowledgeable about the applicable safety standards for specific types of works (for example, excavation operations, erection of scaffolding, safe work practices to ensure fall protection, work operations using hazardous or toxic substances like asbestos, etc.). A competent person would also have the capability to identify workplace hazards relating to specific operations and the authority to correct them.Several OSHA standards specify added requirements to be fulfilled by a competent person. Refer to this link for the complete list of OSHA Standards that specify the requirements that a competent person must fulfill.The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent Person in Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring OperationsOSHA’s Excavation Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P specifies organizations involved in excavation and trenching operations appoint an employee as a “competent person” only if they:Have training in soil analysis,Are knowledgeable about protective systems and OSHA excavation requirements,Are able to identify hazards in excavation work, andHave the authority to take prompt action to remove or minimize hazards identified at excavation and/or trenching worksites.At excavation sites, a competent person is required on-site whenever workers are entering excavations.  A competent person’s responsibilities at excavation sites include:Classifying soilDesigning structural ramps for heavy equipmentInspecting worksites daily, as often as neededExamining equipment and materials to make sure they are in good working orderMonitoring water removal operationsMaintaining the authority to take prompt, corrective action to eliminate existing and predictable hazards, and stopping work when required.In instances where there is a need for OSHA to conduct worksite inspections, much time is spent verifying if the competent person on-site understands OSHA’s excavation standards and can identify and eliminate hazards that might harm workers.To better understand the compliance requirements of OSHA’s Excavations Standards, enroll employees in our OSHA Competent Person for Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training course without delay. Remember!A “competent person” must not only know the relevant worksite hazards and be given proper training on OSHA Standards but also have adequate authority to take action to stop work in case of any unforeseen circumstances or hazards.The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent Person in Fall ProtectionWhen workers work at heights, OSHA specifies the need for fall protection as regulated by OSHA’s Fall Protections Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. To adhere to the compliance requirements of these OSHA Standards, employers must appoint a competent person to understand the prevailing hazards and ensure the application of relevant safe work processes to minimize or eliminate fall hazards. Accordingly, an employer must appoint a competent person who is responsible for:The identification and evaluation of fall hazards and warning other workers about these conditions.Determining whether the safety nets meet the provisions of the Fall Protections Standards according to Subpart M.The inspection of the personal fall arrest system (PFAS) after a fall.Evaluating any alterations in a personal fall arrest system and its safety.Training employees to recognize fall hazards and follow safe work practices. For comprehensive training on OSHA Fall Protection Standards, enroll in our OSHA Competent Person for Fall Protection Training course today!ConclusionA competent person has an important role to play in the safety and health of employees who work in excavation and trenches and those who undertake work at heights. As such, employers must ensure that personnel designated as competent persons have adequate experience and knowledge and receive regular training to ensure their knowledge remains current and in compliance with any changes in OSHA safety standards.ReferenceOSHA. (n.d.). Competent Person. Website. https://www.osha.gov/competent-person