STEEL ERECTOR "QUALIFIED PERSON"
CERTIFICATION
Under OSHA’s new Subpart R, the Steel Erection
Standard, "qualified persons" are responsible for a variety of duties, including
the administering of training, the developing of site-specific erection plans, the
inspection of rigging equipment and approving alternate means of erection. Under the new
Subpart R, the definition of a "qualified person" is one who, by possession of a
recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge,
training and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to resolve problems
relating to work activities.
Typically, there is no such person as a "qualified person"
on behalf of steel erectors at construction sites. The employer simply designates the
foreman as the "qualified person", even though that person may not fall within
the definition or be certified.
In response to the failure of the steel erection industry to
designate truly certified and competent persons as "qualified persons" at the
construction site, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has challenged OSHA to
require that "qualified person" certification will only be given if a person has
received certification from a nationally recognized professional safety organization.
According to ASSE, workers with training certificates should not be
automatically considered as "qualified persons" since there is a significant
difference between earning an accredited certification and being awarded a certificate for
completing a simple training program. Indeed, a one or two-hour training program could
entitle someone to obtain a certificate of training but it does not mean that that person
would necessarily have the ability to administer on-site training or develop site-specific
erection plans or to inspect rigging or approve alternative means of steel erection.
ASSE recommends that steel erection "qualified persons"
obtain certification from an accredit organization such as the National Commission on
Certifying Agencies or the Counsel of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards. If
"qualified persons" are not certified, the standards of the profession may be
lowered and the potential for injuries and fatalities increase. Furthermore, ASSE believes
that once workers are certified, they should be required to take continuing education
courses to insure ongoing competence for safety professionals performing steel erection
safety functions.
Reference Source: 28 BNA OSHA Reporter, No. 26, December 2, 1998
