Posted By Alec Wood Competence is, if I remember correctly, defined as something similar to "Competence means possession of the ability to perform activities to a recognised standard on a regular basis." Competence can be considered to include a combination of practical and thinking skills, experience and knowledge, and may also include an attitudinal component (e.g. willingness to do work in a prescribed manner). The precise combination required depends on what needs to be done, in what circumstances, and how well. When judging if someone should be considered competent, it is tempting to concentrate on some kind of certification; this does your company few favours in the longer term, alienating experienced old-hands. Much better to have a guidance policy on assessing competence and review people on an individual basis than to write some kind of gold standard for any job function. Note from the MHSWR ACOP - "Competence does not need to depend on particular skills or qualifications". It is the overall skill, knowledge and attitude of the individual rather than the posession of an NVQ4 in blagging. Have a trawl round the HSE website and the ACOPs. Most of the ACOPs have a stab at defining it in one way or another.

Posted By Kelvin Hughes James. Competence in confined space work can be defined as follows; The person must be able to plan and prepare to enter the confined space. Operate safely in the confined space. Exit from the confined space in an emergency situation. Carry out operational checks on equipment. Equipment such as 4 gas analysers and breathing apparatus will require the person to need specific training in their use and maintenance. First aid, means of communication and additional equipment, such hoists, life-lines etc will also need to be taken into consideration as well as Risk Assessments and safe methods of work. Additional information can be found at http://www.water.org.uk/index.php?raw=275. and searching ‘for confined space’. Hope this is of use to you. Regards Kelvin