(1) Without prejudice to the generality of section 8, an employer shall, for the purpose of complying with the relevant statutory provisions, appoint one or more competent persons to perform such functions as are specified by the employer, relating to the protection from and the prevention of risks to safety, health and welfare at work.

(2) An employee appointed under subsection (1) as a competent person shall be allowed adequate time, with no loss of remuneration, to enable him or her to perform such functions as are specified by the employer.

(3) Every employer shall -

(a) ensure that -

(i) the number of persons appointed, and

(ii) the time available to them and the means at their disposal to perform their functions under this section,

are adequate having regard to the size of the place of work, the risks to which employees are exposed and the distribution of those risks in the place of work, and

(b) make arrangements for ensuring adequate co-operation between those persons and safety representatives (if any) appointed under section 25 whenever necessary.