HSW safety share: Training - Are you qualified?
Many injuries happen because individuals performing a task make errors that proper training would have prevented.
The term “qualified person” is often misused within a safety context. The phrase applies to specific tasks.
You may be a qualified person if:
- You have up-to-date formal training in the hazards and precautions involved in a specific type of task and in the equipment used to complete it.
- You understand the hazards and precautions involved in a specific type of task or operation and in the equipment used to complete it.
- You have up-to-date formal training in the emergency procedures specific to the job at hand and to the equipment used to complete it.
- You understand the emergency procedures specific to the job at hand and to the equipment used to complete it.
- You know the decision-making process for determining the extent of potential hazards and you can do the planning necessary to do the job safely.
Points to remember:
- Qualification in one skill area doesn’t confer qualification in another.
- Your having a certificate doesn’t necessarily mean you are qualified. If you don’t understand the task and its requirements completely, you are not qualified to perform it. Ask for help.
- If your supervisor determines you are not a qualified person, you are not a qualified person. However, it is possible for your supervisor to mistakenly determine you are a qualified person. I
If you don’t feel you are a qualified, don’t do the work until you can correct the deficiencies.
For further advice speak to your Supervisor or any member of the HSW Support Team.