Competent person - a definition

The term - 'Competent Person'

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 7 (MHSWR) requires every employer to appoint one or more competent persons to assist with putting measures in place to ensure legal compliance. The Competent Person can be either an individual or a company providing these services. The person is regarded as competent if they have 'sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to properly assist the employer to meet his safety obligations.'

Zurich Engineering as a 'Competent Person/Body'

In order to comply with the approved codes of practice for the regulations under which plant and equipment is subject to periodic in-service thorough examination, a Competent Person is likely to be a corporate body rather than an individual because of the necessary requirement to have access to a wide variety of technical expertise and specialist services such as non-destructive testing (NDT). One indication of competence is accreditation and certification. For inspection bodies, there are a number of indicators of competence:

• UKAS accreditation - ISO17020 Type A inspection body.
• Notified Body under various relevant supply directives such as the Pressure Equipment Regulations and the Supply of machinery (safety) Regulations. ISO17025 Mechanical Laboratory.
• Quality Management System Certification - BS EN ISO 9001.
• Trade Association (SAFed) membership
• Compliance to SAFed Standard SS01 (assessed as part of Inspection Body accreditation).