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646 Heat Injury and Illness Prevention: Supervisor Skip to main content

Supervisor and Competent Person Training

Competent Person Training

Before serving as the on-site competent person, trainees must demonstrate knowledge and skills in all of the following areas:

Texas UPS Driver Passes Out, Crashes in Extreme Heat
  • Role & Authority: Understand your responsibilities, decision-making authority, and when to involve the qualified person.
  • Heat-Stress Fundamentals:
    • Causes of heat stress (metabolic, personal risk factors, environment) and the hierarchy of controls.
    • Acclimatization principles and work-rest scheduling.
  • Standards & Program:
    • Key requirements of ANSI A10.50 and applicable OSHA regulations.
    • The site-specific heat-stress management program.
  • Monitoring & Analysis:
    • How to access and interpret weather data or WBGT readings.
    • Conduct job/task hazard analyses for heat exposure.
    • Track changing conditions and check control effectiveness.
  • Hydration & Rest: Ensuring adequate fluids, shade, and rest breaks are provided and enforced.
  • PPE & Clothing: Recognize when clothing or PPE impedes sweat evaporation and adjust accordingly.
  • Worker Observation: Spot early signs and symptoms of heat illness; intervene with breaks, cooling, or fluid intake.
  • Emergency Response: Perform first aid for heat illness and execute the site’s emergency action plan.
  • Communication & Coordination: Lead toolbox talks, work with other employers on multi-employer sites, and guide workers on safe practices.
  • Documentation & Proof of Competency:
    • Retain records of training completion, hazard analyses, and monitoring logs.
    • Complete practical exercises or case studies to verify on-the-job competence.

By ensuring supervisors and competent persons are well-trained in these policies and procedures, employers can create a safer work environment and effectively minimize the risks associated with heat stress.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

7-3. What topic must a competent person receive training in?