Person qualified to carry out inspections (befähigte Person)
Also: befähigte Person, zur Prüfung befähigte Person, competent person, Sachkundiger
Definition
A person qualified to carry out inspections has the specialist knowledge required to inspect a particular item of work equipment through vocational training, professional experience and recent professional activity (Section 2 (6) of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, TRBS 1203). The term replaced the former “Sachkundiger” (competent person).
The qualification required depends on the work equipment: a short training course is enough for the visual inspection of ladders, relevant training and experience are needed for cranes, pressure vessels or PPE against falls from height, and a qualified electrician for electrical equipment. The employer selects the qualified person and must be able to assess their suitability.
Qualified persons are not bound by instructions when carrying out inspections and must not be disadvantaged. For installations subject to monitoring, approved inspection bodies (ZÜS) take their place in some cases.
Legal basis
- Section 2 (6) of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health
- TRBS 1203
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
