Understanding the Role & Responsibilities of a Responsible Licensed Individual (RLI)

Submitted by Dean Hunter, Chief Electrical Inspector, MN DLI

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry recently addressed the crucial role and responsibilities of the "responsible licensed individual" (RLI) for electrical contractors and employers. Let's delve into the importance of the RLI and their key responsibilities.

In accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 326B.31, subd. 28, the RLI is defined as a licensed Class A master electrician, Class B master electrician, master elevator constructor or power limited technician. This individual is designated in writing by the contractor in the license application or another acceptable manner, ensuring the contractor's compliance with Minn. Stat. 326B.31 to 326B.399, related rules and orders issued under Minn. Stat. 326B.082.

Employers with employees performing licensed electrical work must submit a certificate of RLI executed by a properly licensed employee. This certificate guarantees adherence to relevant state law and the Minnesota Electrical Act. In many cases, this role is fulfilled by a Class A master electrician who directly owns the electrical business and supervises employees. The electrical contractor business can be made up of any person, partnership, corporation or limited liability company with employees performing electrical work.

In some cases, the RLI could be a licensed Class A master or power limited technician employed by an electrical contractor or technology system contractor. Such an employee is considered a "managing employee." The managing employee must be actively engaged in electrical work and cannot be employed by any other contractor. The responsibilities of an RLI include:

• Designation as the responsible licensed individual for the contractor (Minn. Stat. § 326B.33, subd. 17).
• Planning, laying out, and supervising all electrical work (Minn. Stat. § 326B.33).
  Ensuring compliance with National Electrical Code Safety Standards (Minn. Stat. § 326B.35).
  Confirming that jobs are supervised by properly licensed employees (Minn. Stat. § 326B.33, subd. 12).
• Filing a request for electrical inspection at the start of all electrical installations needing inspection (Minn. Stat. § 326B.36).
• Signing all requests for electrical inspection (Minn. Stat. § 326B.33, subd. 17b, although electronic filing poses challenges, RLIs must be aware of permits and projects).
• Understanding that the department may revoke, suspend or refuse to renew any license if false statements are made in any license application or if the Minnesota Electrical Act or Minnesota Rules, chapter 3800, are violated (Minn. Stat. § 326B.082, subd. 12).

Additionally, if the designated RLI is terminated, retires or resigns, they must notify the department within 15 days prior to resigning or immediately upon termination. The department enforces strict compliance to prevent "ghost masters" or individuals misusing their licenses without being aware of the law. Electrical contractors are required to replace their RLI within 30 days of the departure or inability of their RLI to serve in this capacity.

In summary, many electrical contractors and registered employers successfully utilize managing employees who serve as RLIs. These businesses thrive by actively engaging these individuals in their daily operations by ensuring compliance with electrical laws and rules.

By understanding and fulfilling the duties of an RLI, electrical contractors and employers can maintain high standards of safety and professionalism in their work.