Whether giving or getting arc flash training, have you considered whether the trainer is “qualified,” “effective,” “proficient” or “competent” for the job?  Is the training content “adequate?”  How can we tell?  Does it matter?

Many OSHA standards require employee training, but are vague on trainer qualifications.  HazCom requires only “effective” training.  HAZWOPER specifies that trainers have “the training and/or academic credentials and instructional experience necessary to demonstrate competent instructional skills and a good command of the subject matter.”  The Bloodborne Pathogens standard requires only that the training record include “the names and qualifications of the persons conducting the training.”  No definition of credentials or “effective” training other than by performance failures, i.e., accidents.  “Competent” or “proficient” are often decided by incident investigations or lawsuits.  Remember, paperwork is the first place “they” look!