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© Copyright 2012, Alcor Inc.
Produced in collaboration with Technical Training & Compliance
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply to the present manual:
Fall Arrest System: An assembly of components that, when properly assembled and used together and
when connected to a suitable anchorage, will arrest a workers fall
Note:
a system designed solely for travel restraint or work positioning typically will not meet the
requirements for fall arrest (Definition as per CSA)
Travel restraint: An assembly of components that, when properly assembled and used together and when
connected to a suitable anchorage, prevents a worker from reaching an unprotected edge or opening where a
fall could occur
(Definition as per CSA)
Worker; for the purpose of this manual is any person that is protected by falling by using either a work
positioning system, travel restraint, fall restricting or who may fall while using a fall arrest system.
(Definition
as per CSA Z259.11-05)
For the purpose of this manual a competent worker is considered:
“competent worker”, in relation to specific work, means a worker who,
is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to perform the work,
is familiar with Applicable
Health and Safety Legislation
and with the provisions of the regulations that
apply to the work, and
has knowledge of all potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work;
User: Person that has received the necessary training to be authorized to use the equipment involved in the
training.
The definition of a competent person and/or a qualified person can change between Provinces and Countries
some examples are below:
Ontario
“competent person” means a person who,
(a) is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance,
(b) is familiar with this Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and
(c) has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace; (“competent
person”)
Some OSHA (USA) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) documents define a competent
person as follows
Competent Person: One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the
surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and
who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Generally a Competent person is someone with experience and knowledge enough to understand all the hazards
that may be involved with the work and how to effectively control them. They should also have a good working
knowledge of the particular laws pertaining to the work as well as the regulations and the CSA, ANSI or other
recognised standards that pertain to the work and equipment.
