MSHA Competent Person Designation Training
Certification Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Competent Person in a
mining operation?
a) Supervising all employees directly
b) Conducting all maintenance work personally
c) Identifying and correcting hazards in the mine
d) Managing payroll and schedules
c) Identifying and correcting hazards in the mine
The Competent Person is responsible for recognizing hazardous
conditions and ensuring corrective actions are taken to maintain a
safe work environment, as defined by MSHA regulations.
2. According to MSHA, a Competent Person must have:
a) A degree in mining engineering only
b) Training and experience sufficient to identify hazards
c) Over 20 years of mining experience
d) Only knowledge of federal safety standards
, b) Training and experience sufficient to identify hazards
MSHA defines a Competent Person as someone with both the
training and practical experience necessary to recognize
hazardous conditions specific to the mine type.
3. Which of the following is considered a hazardous condition in a
mine?
a) Properly functioning ventilation
b) Loose roof or unsupported ground
c) Well-maintained electrical equipment
d) Clearly marked exits
b) Loose roof or unsupported ground
Loose or unstable ground poses a direct risk of injury or fatality
and must be addressed immediately by a Competent Person.
4. How often must a Competent Person inspect the working areas of
a mine?
a) Once a month
b) At least once per shift
c) Only when accidents occur
d) Once a year
b) At least once per shift
, MSHA requires regular inspections each shift to ensure hazards are
promptly identified and corrected.
5. When a hazard is identified, the Competent Person must:
a) Ignore it if minor
b) Document it but take no action
c) Take immediate corrective action or report it for correction
d) Wait for management approval before doing anything
c) Take immediate corrective action or report it for correction
The core duty of the Competent Person is to ensure hazards are
addressed immediately to prevent accidents.
6. What is the minimum qualification for someone to be recognized
as a Competent Person?
a) Completion of MSHA training courses only
b) Supervisory authority
c) Knowledge and experience sufficient to identify hazards
d) Certification in first aid
c) Knowledge and experience sufficient to identify hazards
While training courses are required, practical experience and
knowledge to identify hazards are critical elements of competency.
7. A “hazardous condition” can include:
a) Adequate lighting
, b) Water accumulation in working areas
c) Properly labeled chemicals
d) Proper roof support
b) Water accumulation in working areas
Water accumulation can create slip hazards, electrical hazards,
and instability, making it a significant concern for safety
inspections.
8. How should a Competent Person report hazards they cannot
correct themselves?
a) Verbally to coworkers only
b) In writing or verbally to management for immediate correction
c) By ignoring them until the next inspection
d) Through social media posts
b) In writing or verbally to management for immediate
correction
MSHA regulations require hazards beyond the Competent Person’s
control to be reported immediately so that corrective action is
taken.
9. Which of the following best describes the legal authority of a
Competent Person?
a) Authority to implement safety changes without delay
Certification Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Competent Person in a
mining operation?
a) Supervising all employees directly
b) Conducting all maintenance work personally
c) Identifying and correcting hazards in the mine
d) Managing payroll and schedules
c) Identifying and correcting hazards in the mine
The Competent Person is responsible for recognizing hazardous
conditions and ensuring corrective actions are taken to maintain a
safe work environment, as defined by MSHA regulations.
2. According to MSHA, a Competent Person must have:
a) A degree in mining engineering only
b) Training and experience sufficient to identify hazards
c) Over 20 years of mining experience
d) Only knowledge of federal safety standards
, b) Training and experience sufficient to identify hazards
MSHA defines a Competent Person as someone with both the
training and practical experience necessary to recognize
hazardous conditions specific to the mine type.
3. Which of the following is considered a hazardous condition in a
mine?
a) Properly functioning ventilation
b) Loose roof or unsupported ground
c) Well-maintained electrical equipment
d) Clearly marked exits
b) Loose roof or unsupported ground
Loose or unstable ground poses a direct risk of injury or fatality
and must be addressed immediately by a Competent Person.
4. How often must a Competent Person inspect the working areas of
a mine?
a) Once a month
b) At least once per shift
c) Only when accidents occur
d) Once a year
b) At least once per shift
, MSHA requires regular inspections each shift to ensure hazards are
promptly identified and corrected.
5. When a hazard is identified, the Competent Person must:
a) Ignore it if minor
b) Document it but take no action
c) Take immediate corrective action or report it for correction
d) Wait for management approval before doing anything
c) Take immediate corrective action or report it for correction
The core duty of the Competent Person is to ensure hazards are
addressed immediately to prevent accidents.
6. What is the minimum qualification for someone to be recognized
as a Competent Person?
a) Completion of MSHA training courses only
b) Supervisory authority
c) Knowledge and experience sufficient to identify hazards
d) Certification in first aid
c) Knowledge and experience sufficient to identify hazards
While training courses are required, practical experience and
knowledge to identify hazards are critical elements of competency.
7. A “hazardous condition” can include:
a) Adequate lighting
, b) Water accumulation in working areas
c) Properly labeled chemicals
d) Proper roof support
b) Water accumulation in working areas
Water accumulation can create slip hazards, electrical hazards,
and instability, making it a significant concern for safety
inspections.
8. How should a Competent Person report hazards they cannot
correct themselves?
a) Verbally to coworkers only
b) In writing or verbally to management for immediate correction
c) By ignoring them until the next inspection
d) Through social media posts
b) In writing or verbally to management for immediate
correction
MSHA regulations require hazards beyond the Competent Person’s
control to be reported immediately so that corrective action is
taken.
9. Which of the following best describes the legal authority of a
Competent Person?
a) Authority to implement safety changes without delay
