Competent people are _______________________

• A. People designated to administer 29 CFR 1910 and 1915 when work takes place regularly in confined spaces
• B. Trained welders
• C. Line supervisors with no safety training
• D. General laborers working without supervision

Answer: (A)

Competent people are defined as those designated by the employer who are capable of identifying hazards and taking corrective actions, with the authority to enforce safety measures. In confined-space work, this means someone specifically designated to administer the applicable OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910 and 1915), oversee entry requirements, monitor conditions, and ensure rescue readiness. This designation ensures there is a responsible individual who can stop work, authorize entry, and implement controls when hazards are found.

This capacity isn’t inherent in being a skilled welder, a supervisor without safety training, or a general laborer without supervision. Those roles may involve expertise or oversight, but they don’t automatically carry the authority and responsibility to identify hazards and enforce the required safety program for confined-space work.