Who or what is a ‘competent person’?
The use of the term ‘competent person’ will have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. The basic definition is a person who has sufficient knowledge and experience to make recommendations or decisions that will ensure the equipment or process is operated and used safely.
It is essential that any individual or organisation acting as a competent person should have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge as well as experience of the actual systems involved. They should also be able to access any required specialist services, expertise and effective support, either from within their own organisation or through arrangements with external bodies.
The role of the competent person includes:
advising the owner/user on the content of the written scheme of examination; ■■
compiling the written scheme of examination or certifying an already compiled ■■scheme;
modifying the scheme where necessary;■■
helping the owner/user to establish the safe operating limit of a pressure system;■■
determining the frequency of examination and stating the examination ■■requirements;
undertaking the periodic examinations as identified by the written scheme ■■of examination. For a steam boiler this should include an out-of-service examination (cold, off-line, open for inspection) followed by an in-service examination at normal operating pressure to check that all protective and control devices are working properly;
issuing notifications of imminent danger; and■■
issuing a report of examination and notifications of dangerous defects.