If you’re working with any personal fall arrest system (PFAS), you don’t want just anyone making that call.
You need someone who has advanced knowledge of those known systems, which would be a Qualified Person (QP).
OSHA came up a little short with its definition of what constitutes a QP; you don’t necessarily have to be an engineer. But, you have to be able to show a “demonstrated ability to solve or resolve problems”.
If you can prove your ability through past work and through certification testing that meets 1910.27, you will be considered capable to perform the required functions.
Recent updates have required that qualified persons be responsible for several things regarding fall protection.
A Qualified Person is now responsible for training workers, rather than a competent person.
They are also responsible for correcting or repairing areas of walking-working surfaces that involve structural integrity.
Other tasks which must be performed by a Qualified Person:
Inspect knots in a lanyard or vertical lifeline
Annual inspection of rope descent anchorages
Anchorage certification
