COSHH: The Competent person

Enquiries received by the Royal Society of Chemistry indicate there is a
need for a brief outline of what is meant by a "competent person" to
carry out assessments for the purposes of the Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health [COSHH] Regulations. This Note is designed to
answer this need. It does not pretend to be a full or definitive guide and
readers are urged to obtain more detailed guidance if this is required.
WHO IS A "COMPETENT PERSON" UNDER COSHH?

A competent person under COSHH is somebody with the skill,
knowledge, practical experience and training to enable him/her to
assess the risks arising from work activities involving substances
hazardous to health. A competent person is usually an employee
appointed from within an organisation and does not need to be an
expert. However, they should be aware of their own limitations and
should know when they need to call on specialist expert advice from
either inside or outside the organisation.