What is a Competent person:

Means 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.

Guidelines for Competent Person

Competent Person will conduct:

1. Daily inspections before work begins and as needed throughout the work shifts when conditions change.

2. Daily inspections of protective systems, unsanitary conditions, and testing for hazardous atmospheres or conditions when there is reasonable cause to believe they exist.

Competent Person will:

1. Determine the degree to which actual slopes are reduced due to surcharge loading, operating equipment or traffic.

2. Monitor the equipment and operations of water removal.

3. Design structural ramps used by employees only. Structural ramps used by equipment will be designed by a registered professional engineer. Design must follow certain guidelines.

Competent Person should be furnished with a full and complete copy of 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA Subpart P. appendix A to F "Excavations and Trenches", for full information.