Who signs off on completion of abatement before re-occupancy?

• A. The building owner
• B. The competent person
• C. The safety officer
• D. The contractor

Answer: (B)

Signing off on completion of abatement before re-occupancy hinges on having a competent person- someone with the right training, knowledge, and authority to verify that the work is finished safely and all criteria for re-entry are met. This person reviews and, if needed, conducts final inspections and tests to confirm that containment has been removed properly, cleaning and decontamination meet the required standards, and any air monitoring or clearance results fall within allowed limits. They also ensure waste handling and disposal were done correctly and that the area is truly ready for occupants. Because of the need for specialized knowledge and the authority to certify safety, this final clearance is typically given by the competent person. The building owner may decide when to re-occupy, and the safety officer oversees safety during the process, but neither alone performs the formal clearance. The contractor performs the work but does not usually sign off on the area’s readiness for re-occupancy.