What type of persons should be responsible for maintenance and inspections?

The responsibility for maintenance and inspections should fall to competent persons because they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to identify potential hazards and ensure that equipment and practices comply with safety regulations. Competent persons are trained to understand the specific requirements related to maintenance, recognize when equipment is in need of repair or attention, and implement corrective actions effectively. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment, as they can ensure that inspections are thorough and that any necessary maintenance is conducted in accordance with industry standards.

While supervised trainees may assist in inspections and maintenance under guidance, they lack the requisite experience to independently make critical decisions regarding safety and compliance. Volunteers might contribute in non-critical roles but typically do not possess specialized training in maintenance tasks, making them unsuitable for responsibilities that require expertise. Finally, while certified workers have completed specific training, they might not necessarily have the level of competence required for thorough inspections and maintenance unless they are also recognized as competent persons in that particular area.