CHST question for October 17, 2026
The CHST question of the day for Saturday, October 17, 2026, on competent, qualified and authorized persons. Pick an answer to see the explanation and its source.
CHST Domain 3: Safety Program Development, Implementation, and Sustainment
A crew used a full-body harness and lanyard on a roof job last month, and a supervisor judged them suitable for that work. This week the same crew will do a different task in a different setting, and the same rule requires "suitable" equipment. The supervisor says, "We already decided this gear is suitable, so we can skip any new check." What is the correct response?
Show answer and source
Answer: A. The supervisor is wrong because suitability is measured against the purpose and circumstances of the current task, so the gear must be checked against the new work.
OSHA's definition ties "suitable" to a given purpose, occasion, condition, function, or circumstance. Gear that fit last month's roof task must be re-checked for the new task. Approval does not carry over between jobs, and the same model does not guarantee a fit. The definition does not limit the decision to manufacturers.
On the job
An EHS manager at a bridge rehabilitation project learns that a lift platform was judged suitable for painting at deck level last month. This week the crew will use it to remove old bearings in a confined area. Because suitable is tied to a given purpose, function, or circumstance, the manager has the platform checked against the new task before work begins rather than relying on the earlier approval.
Answer A rests on
29 CFR 1926.32(s)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Suitable means that which fits, and has the qualities or qualifications to meet a given purpose, occasion, condition, function, or circumstance.”
Where it appears on the exam
CHST: CHST5 Domain 3, Safety Program Development, Implementation, and Sustainment
Related reference
Glossary: Competent person, Qualified person
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