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714 Fall Protection Program
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Trainer Criteria

It's important that the trainer knows the hazards at the work site, knows how to eliminate or control the hazards, and knows how to teach workers to protect themselves. That's why the trainer must be a competent person.

construction workers being trained
Employees must be trained before they begin tasks that could expose them to fall hazards. The trainer must be a competent person.

An OSHA "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 authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them" [29 CFR 1926.32(f)].

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. The trainer must know and be able to explain the following:

  • the nature of fall hazards at the work site
  • procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling fall protection systems
  • how to use and operate fall-protection systems
  • role of each employee who may be affected by a safety-monitoring system
  • restrictions that apply to mechanical equipment used during roofing work
  • procedures for handling and storing materials and for erecting protection from falling objects
  • requirements detailed in OSHA standards
  • company policies and procedures

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

7-3. The fall protection trainer should meet the qualifications defined by OSHA as a _____.