Who is responsible for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or procedure?

• A. Operator
• B. Sponsor
• C. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• D. Discharge Site Manager

Answer: (C)

The Authority Having Jurisdiction is the official safety authority responsible for approving equipment, materials, installations, and procedures. This body—often the local fire marshal or building department—reviews what will be used or performed to ensure it meets fire codes and safety standards. They check listings, testing documents, installation plans, and standard operating procedures, and they grant approval or require changes before any use is allowed. The operator is the one who carries out the approved plan, but does not authorize it. The sponsor provides funding or contracts, not regulatory approval. The Discharge Site Manager oversees site operations, but the formal approvals come from the AHJ.