Competency Assessment and Assurance Checklist for Safety-Critical Tasks

This checklist provides a framework for assessing and assuring competency in safety-critical tasks. It is designed to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices, ultimately aiming to reduce risks and enhance workplace safety. The checklist covers key areas such as task analysis, training, assessment methods, and documentation.

Task Analysis and Identification

Detailed task analysis is crucial for identifying the specific skills, knowledge, and abilities required for safe task performance. This involves breaking down complex jobs into smaller, manageable tasks and identifying potential hazards associated with each task.

1. Identify all safety-critical tasks within the organization.
2. Break down each task into sequential steps.
3. Identify potential hazards associated with each step. This can be achieved through observation, incident reports, and feedback from workers and supervisors.
4. Determine the skills, knowledge, and abilities (SKA) necessary to perform each task safely and effectively.
5. Document the task analysis findings, including task steps, hazards, and required SKAs.

Training Program Development

Effective training programs are essential for equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform safety-critical tasks. Training should be comprehensive, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the task.

1. Develop training modules that address the SKAs identified in the task analysis.
2. Incorporate hands-on training, simulations, and real-world scenarios to enhance learning. Hands-on-training where employees are able to use their senses beyond listening, will enhance learning. For example, operating personnel, who will work in a control room or at control panels, would benefit by being trained at a simulated control panel or panels. Upset conditions of various types could be displayed on the simulator, and then the employee could go through the proper operating procedures to bring the simulator panel back to the normal operating parameters.
3. Ensure training materials are technically accurate, understandable, and available in languages understood by all employees. If workers are not fluent in English then procedures and instructions need to be prepared in a second language understood by the workers.
4. Provide training on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety devices. Ensure the training includes when PPE is required, how to properly use it, and how to maintain it.
5. Establish minimum training levels defined for each response function.
6. Document all training activities, including dates, attendees, and content covered.

[8] [10] [2] Competency Assessment Methods

Competency assessment is the process of evaluating an individual's ability to perform a task to the required standard. A variety of assessment methods can be used, depending on the nature of the task and the skills being assessed.

1. Written tests to assess knowledge of procedures, regulations, and safety principles.
2. Practical demonstrations to evaluate the ability to perform tasks safely and effectively.
3. Observation of employees performing tasks in the workplace.
4. Oral interviews to assess understanding of safety concepts and procedures.
5. Review of work history and performance records.
6. Testing of knowledge and skills is conducted.

[2] Checklist for Competency Assurance

This checklist is designed to verify and document the competency of personnel performing safety-critical tasks. It ensures that all necessary steps have been taken to assess and assure competency.

Section 1: Task Identification

• Task Name:
• Task Description:
• Location:
• Equipment Used:
• Potential Hazards:

Section 2: Training and Qualification

• Has the employee completed the required training for this task?
• If yes, provide details of the training program, including dates and content.
• Has the employee demonstrated an understanding of the relevant safety procedures?
• Are training records adequately kept?
• Minimum training levels are defined.

[2] [2]

Section 3: Competency Assessment

• Has the employee passed a written test on the task?
• Has the employee successfully completed a practical demonstration of the task?
• Has the employee been observed performing the task safely in the workplace?
• Does the employee demonstrate the ability to identify and mitigate potential hazards?
• Is the employee medically fit to perform their duties?

Section 4: Documentation and Review

• Are all assessment results documented and readily available?
• Is there a system in place for periodic review of competency?
• Are refresher training sessions provided as needed?
• Has the plan been distributed to all that need to know?
• Plan provides for annual drills and exercises.

[3] [3]

Section 5: Emergency Response

• Is the employee aware of emergency procedures?
• Does the employee know the location of emergency equipment?
• Has the employee been trained in first aid?
• Evacuation procedures
• Shutdown procedures
• Employee roll call procedures
• Rescue and medical duties
• Reporting procedures

[1] [1] [1] [1] [1] Corrective Action and Continuous Improvement

The audit team, through this systematic analysis, should document areas which require corrective action as well as those areas where the process safety management system is effective and working in an effective manner. This provides a record of the audit procedures and findings, and serves as a baseline of operation data for future audits. It will assist future auditors in determining changes or trends from previous audits. [4] [5]

1. Establish a system for tracking and addressing deficiencies identified during competency assessments. To control the corrective action process, the employer should consider the use of a tracking system.
2. Implement corrective actions promptly and document all steps taken. Corrective action is one of the most important parts of the audit. It includes not only addressing the identified deficiencies, but also planning, follow-up, and documentation.
3. Conduct periodic reviews of the competency assessment program to identify areas for improvement. Employers need to periodically evaluate their training programs to see if the necessary skills, knowledge, and routines are being properly understood and implemented by their trained employees.
4. Ensure that the competency assessment program is aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

[4] [4] [7] [8] [9] Regular Risk Assessment

Regular risk assessment is essential to identify hazards. Assessments should be done by a competent person or team of individuals who have a good working knowledge of the situation being studied. [3] [6]

1. Assemble a risk assessment team.
2. Select the job or process to assess.
3. Break down the job or process into tasks.
4. Identify the hazards of each task.
5. Assess the risk of each hazard.
6. Control the risk of each hazard.
7. Evaluate the effectiveness of controls.
8. Communicate the results.

[6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6]

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