Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Research reports
With the implementation of the Control of Major Accident Hazard
Regulations 1999 (COMAH) , it is no longer acceptable to make
untested assumptions about staff competence. The health and Safety
Executive have developed safety report assessment guidance that
asks for a competence assurance system that includes the setting of
appropriate competence standards, assessment and reassessment of
competence, and that there be a specific link between identified
safety critical tasks and a targeted comprehensive management
system. This report provides a review of current practice, a view
of what comprises good practice in the field of competence
assessment in relation to major accident prevention, and a body of
advice , checklists and examples of assessment. It draws together
experience, standards and lessons learnt from a number of hazardous
industries, particularly chemicals, offshore, nuclear and aviation.
Due regard has also been given to the guidance on competence
assessment laid out by personnel specialists, national
certification bodies and institutes.
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