Perf-Based Stds, Adult Corr. Inst. 5th ed March 2020

Appendix C: Definition of “Qualified Individual” for Safety and Sanitation Inspections

generated is referred to higher authorities within the department/agency independent of influence by the facility administrator or staff. This rule applies no matter who generates the report.

The definition also applies to the terms “independent, qualified source” and “independent, outside source.”

B. Inspections

Qualified individuals conducting the monthly and weekly inspections required in the standards may be institutional staff members.

The qualified individual responsible for conducting monthly inspections (for example, fire and safety officer, safety/sanitation specialist) may be an institutional staff member trained in the appli- cation of jurisdictional codes and regulations. Periodically and as needed, this individual receives assistance from the independent authority or central office specialist(s) on requirements and inspec- tions. This assistance may include participation in quarterly or biannual inspections. Training for the individual conducting the monthly inspections may be provided by the applicable agencies or through the agency’s central office specialist(s). The qualified departmental staff member who conducts weekly inspections of the facility may be an institutional staff member who has received training in and is familiar with the safety and sanitation requirements of the jurisdiction. At a minimum, on-the-job training from the facility’s safety/sani- tation specialist or the fire and safety officer regarding applicable regulations is expected, including use of checklists and methods of documentation. The periodic weekly and monthly inspections may be conducted by either a combination of qual- ified individuals or one specialist, as long as the schedules and minimum qualifications described above are met. Safety and sanitation inspections may be conducted by the same person, provided this individual is familiar with the regulations for both types of inspections. When safety and sani- tation requirements differ substantially, it may sometimes be necessary to call on several qualified individuals to conduct the inspections required by the standards. Using more than one person is strongly recommended.

III. COMPLIANCE AUDITS

In conducting standards compliance audits, Commission Visiting Committees will review doc- umentation submitted by the facilities to assist them in judging the qualifications of these indi- viduals. In making compliance decisions, the audit teams will look closely at the facility’s entire program—both practices and results—for ensuring safety and sanitation.

250 Adult Correctional Institutions, Fifth Edition