Glossary · Safe work, maintenance and competence
Qualified person
In occupational safety, a qualified person is a person with demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the task, the equipment and its hazards. The qualification is shown, for example, through a recognized degree, certificate, training or experience.
- Machine safety
- Human factors
- USA
In one sentence
A qualified person has shown the skills and knowledge for a specific task and its hazards. The qualification is task-specific, not general.
Example
Only a qualified person trained on the specific drive system may troubleshoot the energized control cabinet of a press, while operators may only reset the machine.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- USA: OSHA uses “qualified person” in several standards, with definitions that differ between them, for example for electrical work. Check the definition in the rule that applies.
- Machine safety: Instructions for use often reserve tasks for qualified personnel, such as electrical work or safety parameterization. State which qualification is meant, not just “qualified staff”.
- Technical documentation: Define target groups and their required qualifications once, and refer to them in each task. That makes the instructions testable against real roles.
- Evidence: Competency assessment records support each designation.
Qualified person vs. competent person
A qualified person has demonstrated task-specific skills and knowledge. A competent person can identify hazards and has authority to correct them. For work on live parts, electrical hazards typically require a qualified person.