Which statement best describes a qualified person under NFPA 70E and what criteria establish qualification?

• A. A qualified person has the training, knowledge, and experience to identify hazards and apply protective measures; qualification is based on training, knowledge, and supervised work experience.
• B. A qualified person is any worker who has completed a safety briefing.
• C. A qualified person is determined solely by years of experience in any electrical field.
• D. A qualified person is a licensed electrician only.

Answer: (A)

Under NFPA 70E, a qualified person is someone who has the training, knowledge, and experience to identify electrical hazards and to implement the protective measures needed for safe work. Qualification comes from a combination of formal training, demonstrated knowledge, and supervised work experience that shows they can recognize hazards and apply the proper controls, such as selecting and using appropriate PPE, following established procedures, and carrying out de-energization and lockout/tagout when required. This means safety briefings or simply having many years in an electrical field aren’t enough by themselves, and licensure isn’t a prerequisite; qualification is about proven ability to identify hazards and apply safeguards.