Frequently Asked Questions
Does OSHA require supervisors to have 10-hour training ?
OSHA requires you have a competent person implementing your safety program. A
competent person must have knowledge and authority. One way to document
the knowledge requirement is to provide OSHA 10-hour training to your supervisors. So,
no you are not REQUIRED to do 10-hour training, but it is an effective way to
meet the knowledge requirement. In addition, many general contractors
now require all of their subcontractors to have someone 10-hour trained.
When does an OSHA 10 hour card expire?
There is no expiration on a 10-hour card. However, since the OSHA standards
change regularly, and because you tend to forget what you learned over time,
it is a good idea to re-train every two to three years.
How do you get authorized to teach 10-Hour courses?
To teach the OSHA 10-hour course you must complete an OSHA 500 instructor
course. There is no authorization requirement to teach excavation/scaffold/fall
competent person courses. You must however, be qualified through training/experience
and know the OSHA standards.
How do I get authorized to teach other competent person courses i.e. excavation, scaffolding, fall protection?
There is no specific authorized instructor course for these subjects. As
long as you are knowledgeable in the subject manner and convey the necessary
information, your course can satisfy the knowledge portion of the competent
person requirements.
An excavation competent person must have specific training in, and be knowledgeable
about:
- Soil typing & analysis
- The different kinds of protective systems & their proper use
- Hazard recognition (including hazardous atmospheres)
- When a registered P.E. is required
- Requirements of Subpart P
The OTI 3010, Excavation, Trenching, and Soil Mechanics course is a good class
to achieve the knowledge necessary to instruct others in excavation requirements.
The additional requirement for a competent person is that they must have
authority. This must be given and communicated to the attendees by their
employer.
Is a written safety program required?
OSHA requires you to have a safety program but currently does not require
it be written in construction. However, it is very difficult to prove
you have a program without documentation. Most insurance carriers do require
you to have one.
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