This section adds training requirements to 29 CFR 1910, subpart D, requiring training on fall and equipment hazards, as well as the requirement for retraining, if necessary.

1910.30(a)(2) The employer must ensure that each employee is trained by a qualified person, not a competent person, and not just be treated as a casual, “put this on and use it” command!.

A qualified person is defined by OSHA as one who, “by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated their ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”
According to 1910.140(d) – A competent person is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in any personal fall protection system or component, as well as in their application and uses with related equipment. They also have the authority to take prompt corrective actions to eliminate the identified hazards.

1910.30(a)(3) The subjects and topics to be covered prior to being exposed to a fall hazard, includes some of the following:

The nature of fall hazards, how to Identify and minimize these hazards.
Proper procedures for installing, inspecting, operating, maintaining, or disassembling personal fall protection systems.
How to maintain, inspect, and store equipment or systems used for fall protection.

1910.30(c) – employers are required to retrain their workers, if they have reason to believe the workers do not have the understanding and skill, that this section requires.

Situations requiring retraining can include:

Whenever workplace changes make prior training inadequate or obsolete.
If changes with fall protection systems or equipment, render prior training inadequate or obsolete.
It becomes apparent, through inadequacies of a worker’s knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment, that the worker does not have the required understanding or skill level necessary to perform the job safely. Or, they are observed performing the job or using the equipment in an unsafe manner.

1910.30(d) – Especially important, is the requirement that employers must provide information and training to each worker in a manner that they clearly understand. This could include bi-lingual training, and ensuring material is presented at a level all employees understand.