Glossary · Safe work, maintenance and competence
Competency assessment
Also known as: competence assessment
In occupational safety, a competency assessment is the evaluation of whether a person can apply the required knowledge and skills under relevant conditions. It checks performance, not only attendance at training.
- Machine safety
- Human factors
In one sentence
A competency assessment checks whether a person can actually perform a safety-relevant task, rather than only confirming attendance at training.
Example
Before a technician is authorized for lockout on a press line, a supervisor observes her performing the procedure on the real machine and checks her explanation of the stored energy sources.
How it applies
- Human factors: Knowing a procedure and being able to perform it under time pressure, noise or poor access are different things. Assess under realistic conditions.
- Machine safety: Assessment results decide who may perform which tasks, for example lockout, setup in special modes or safety-critical maintenance. The criteria come from the training needs analysis.
- Technical documentation: Instructions state the competence they assume. The assessment should test against the same instructions the person will use.
- Evidence: Records name the task, the criteria, the assessor and the result. Gaps lead to refresher training and reassessment.
Competency assessment vs. training record
A training record shows that someone attended. A competency assessment shows that they can do the task, which is what a competent person or a qualified person designation should rest on.