What Is Authorized Person
An authorized person is an individual who has received documented training and formal authorization to perform specific hazardous tasks, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, equipment maintenance, chemical handling, and confined space entry. Under OSHA regulations, this designation carries legal responsibility for both the worker and the employer.
OSHA Requirements and Legal Framework
OSHA defines authorized persons under 29 CFR 1910.147 (LOTO standard) and other equipment-specific rules. An authorized person must have documented training that covers the specific hazards, equipment, and procedures relevant to their role. This training must be repeated when equipment changes, procedures are updated, or the person hasn't performed the task for 12 months or longer.
The employer bears legal liability if an authorized person causes injury or death due to inadequate training or improper authorization. Documentation of training, authorization dates, and competency assessments protects both parties in an audit or incident investigation.
Key Responsibilities
- Equipment isolation: Authorized persons must identify and isolate all energy sources before maintenance, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, and chemical energy.
- Lock application and removal: Only an authorized person or the supervisor they designate can apply or remove locks under LOTO procedures.
- Chemical handling: In facilities using hazardous substances, authorized persons verify safety data sheets (SDS) compliance and proper storage before handling.
- Emergency procedures: Authorized persons must know evacuation routes, emergency shutdown procedures, and how to communicate hazards to affected persons in their area.
- Fire safety compliance: Authorized persons inspect fire suppression equipment, electrical panels, and chemical storage areas per facility protocol and local fire codes.
How Authorization Works
Authorization is not a single certificate. It requires a documented process: initial training covering the specific equipment and hazards, a practical competency assessment showing the person can perform the task safely, written authorization from management, and annual refresher training. Many facilities maintain a matrix listing each authorized person, the equipment they can service, expiration dates, and the trainer's name.
Homeowners performing maintenance on gas furnaces, propane tanks, or electrical systems should seek certified contractors rather than attempting LOTO-equivalent procedures themselves, as liability and safety codes typically require professional authorization.
Common Questions
- Can an authorized person work alone? OSHA permits solo LOTO work in specific circumstances if the hazard assessment allows it, but confined space entry and hot work always require a second trained person present.
- How long does authorization last? There is no federal expiration date, but annual refresher training is required. If equipment changes or 12 months pass without performing the task, retraining is mandatory before resuming work.
- What happens if an unauthorized person attempts a hazardous task? The employer faces citations (typically $10,000 to $15,000 per violation) and potential criminal charges if injury occurs. The worker may face termination.
Related Concepts
- LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) - The specific procedure authorized persons follow to isolate equipment energy
- Affected Person - Workers in the area who must be notified when an authorized person performs maintenance or isolation procedures