Under 1926.800, which of the following is a responsibility of a competent person?

Under 1926.800, which of the following is a responsibility of a competent person?

• A. Air monitoring
• B. Scheduling lunch breaks
• C. Filing annual budget reports
• D. Reporting to site supervisor on construction progress

Answer: (A)

A competent person is charged with identifying hazards on the job site and taking corrective actions to keep workers safe. Air monitoring directly fits that role because it involves checking the atmosphere for hazards such as reduced oxygen, flammable gases, or toxic contaminants, and then deciding whether work can proceed, needs ventilation, or requires protective equipment. This is a protective action taken to ensure safe conditions, which is exactly what a competent person is empowered to do under 1926.800. The other tasks are administrative or supervisory duties and do not involve identifying or controlling hazardous conditions.

A competent person is charged with identifying hazards on the job site and taking corrective actions to keep workers safe. Air monitoring directly fits that role because it involves checking the atmosphere for hazards such as reduced oxygen, flammable gases, or toxic contaminants, and then deciding whether work can proceed, needs ventilation, or requires protective equipment. This is a protective action taken to ensure safe conditions, which is exactly what a competent person is empowered to do under 1926.800. The other tasks are administrative or supervisory duties and do not involve identifying or controlling hazardous conditions.