SPRING THAW
2009
MSHA/OSHA
COMPETENT PERSON
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
DEFINITION

COMPETENT:
having suitable or sufficient skill,
knowledge, experience, etc., for
some purpose; properly qualified.
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
DEFINITION

MSHA (30 CFR 46.2)
Means a person designated by the
production-operator or independent
contractor who has the ability,
training, knowledge, or experience to
provide training to miners in his or
her area of expertise.
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
DEFINITION

OSHA (29 CFR, 1926.32(f))
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.
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
ROLE OF THE COMPETENT
PERSON

MSHA
The competent person must be able
both to effectively communicate the
training subject to miners and to
evaluate whether the training given
to miners is effective.
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
ROLE OF THE COMPETENT
PERSON

OSHA
By way of training and/or experience, a
competent person is knowledgeable of
applicable standards, is capable of
identifying workplace hazards relating to
the specific operation, and has the
authority to correct them. Some standards
add additional specific requirements which
must be met by the competent person.
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE
COMPETENT PERSON

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


KNOWLEDGE
SKILL
ABILITY
TRAINING
EXPERIENCE
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
SELECTION OF A COMPETENT
PERSON




Education
Experience on the job
Time on the job
Training
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
PREPARING THE COMPETENT
PERSON




Training Programs
Exposure to Daily Activities
Mentor Program
Train the Trainer
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
SIMILARITIES




QUALIFICATIONS
SKILL LEVEL
EXPERIENCE
AUTHORITY
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
DIFFERENCES

MSHA: the Competent Person works primarily in the
training area.

OSHA: the Competent Person is assigned to a particular
work area based on training and experience.
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
COMPETENT PERSON
DESIGNATION

MSHA: the Competent Person is
chosen and designated by the Mine
Operator or Independent Contractor
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
COMPETENT PERSON
DESIGNATION

OSHA: the Competent Person is
appointed by Company Management.
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
COMPETENT PERSON
DESIGNATION
Does the Competent Person have to be
“APPROVED” by MSHA or OSHA?
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
SUPPORT FOR THE
COMPETENT PERSON
How can you provide support for your
Competent Person?





Ongoing Training
Updates to Regulations
Equipment Changes
Informed on Procedural Changes
Technology Upgrades
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
ARE YOUR COMPETENT
PERSONS “EMPOWERED”?
Do your Competent Persons have the
authority to make decisions concerning:




Unsafe situations?
Unhealthy conditions?
Potential hazards?
Environmental issues?
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
SUMMARY

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



What is a Competent Person?
Qualifications
Expectations
Ongoing Training
Responsibilities
Authority
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000
SPRING THAW
2009
“SAFETY THROUGH EDUCATION”
International Training Consultants
972-248-6000