ENGINEERING GOVERNANCE ‘‘


We must also promote concise communication across the system, so that all involved have an understanding of who is responsible for which action, and escalation of any concerns found…


persons must demonstrate a sound trade background and specific skills in the specialist service they are working within. As Authorised Persons, can we be confident that this is the case every time a CP(D) undertakes work within our premises? The IHEEM AE(D) Registration Board


monitors all IHEEM-registered AE(D)s every three years, with a detailed review and CPD log assessment. Systems are in place to ensure that the standards and skill levels are supported to the requirements of the Engineering Council. In fact the Engineering Council now checks the CPD records of IHEEM members on an annual basis, and AEs are checked for levels of working along with all other members. A similar system should be considered for the AP(D) and CP(D) roles, although it is acknowledged that the practicalities would need thinking through. As Authorising Engineers, can we


improve the standards, check for evidence, improve monitoring, support the service, and subsequently reduce the risk to the patient? As AEs, we must ensure that we advise our clients correctly, promoting the highest of standards, and escalating any concerns to the executive boards of the organisations we represent. We must work with site/facility-based partners to ensure that systems are managed in accordance with best practice, healthcare guidance,


good manufacturing practices, health and safety, and the medical device regulatory framework. Each site/facility/manufacturing


premises should have Authorised Person services available. The AP(D) should be appointed in accordance with the HTM/ WHTM/SHTM guidance. The persons filling this role must manage the tasks appropriately, and not merely adopt a ‘tick box’ approach. If the AE(D) is not satisfied that the AP(D) is managing the safety systems correctly, constructive help should be given. The registration board for AE(D)s has produced guidance on the appointment procedures.


AP(D)’s responsibilities The AP(D), as nominated responsible person, should be aware of the activities necessary to ensure the continued safe operation of the system, and what action should be taken in an emergency (ref HTM 00 and HTM 01-01 part A). A permit to work should be used, to ensure that all engineering activities are managed and traced. The AP(D) should review job-sheets/logbooks presented by any internal/external engineering providers, with no shortcuts allowed. Engineers (Competent Persons) should


not work on any equipment unless adequately trained in the discipline for which they are needed. Should we accept


DTP pilot scheme under way in Wales


IHEEM CEO, Pete Sellars (pictured), said: “As part of IHEEM’s long-term commitment to actively supporting and fostering the continued professional development of all its members, the Institute has been working diligently over many years to reinforce and emphasise the importance of professional development, and the wider recognition of all its specialised engineering platforms. “Following on from the work undertaken across the Institute to strengthen and promote the role and importance of professional development and independent AEs across all our specialist engineering platforms, members highlighted the urgent need to actively support the


40 Health Estate Journal February 2024


development of APs and CPs. I am therefore delighted to announce that through our Decontamination Technical Platform we are now piloting a programme aimed at directly supporting them. This new initiative is designed to provide targeted and supportive


assistance to APs and CPs in their career development. “Currently, the pilot programme is being tested in Wales under the leadership of John Prendergast, in collaboration with NHS Wales Shared Services. Building upon existing efforts, the programme will be intricately linked to the IHEEM Career Route Map and the IHEEM MyCPD online resource, as well as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Personal Development Plan (PDP) initiatives. The aim is to


align the work with the identification of skills, knowledge, experience, and competencies essential for the proficient delivery of these crucial roles and compliance with statutory requirements, thus providing a one- stop shop to support our members and record their activities. “The outcomes from the pilot


programme will be reviewed at the IHEEM AE Conference on 9 July 2024, with the intention of expanding the learning to encompass all IHEEM Technical Platforms. The development of this programme will be conducted in collaboration with IHEEM’s esteemed leading Knowledge Partners, further solidifying the Institute’s commitment to enhancing and supporting professional development across all its diverse Technical Platforms.”


manufacturers or third-party providers as the experts? No, they must present the same robust documentation as any internal staff members. Manufacturers/ third-party providers can have a high staff turnover, which can lead to inconsistent service delivery and skills levels. A competent person, in accordance with HTM 00, is a person that supplies skilled installation and/or maintenance of the specialist service. The CP(D) will be appointed, or authorised to work, by the appointed AP(D). They should be able to demonstrate a sound trade background, and specific skill in the specialist service. They will work under the direction of the AP(D), following the operating procedures, policies, and standards of the service (ref HTM 00 and HTM 01-01 Part A). Documentation presented to the AP(D) should include evidence of training appropriate to the equipment and tasks. Does this mean that a quarterly validation course is suitable for maintenance activity? What should we do if we consider that the person nominated is not assessed to be competent, or to possess sufficient experience? The first response would be a recommendation for refresher training and education. Often managers send their staff on courses, but fail to correlate the fact that issued guidance (both local and national), equipment, and technology, change frequently. Part of the manager’s task should be to review the relevant courses attended, and, if – on doing this – it is found that they were conducted based on on ‘old’ guidance, then refreshers are to be recommended. This will include safety requirements within the designated workplaces. Those operating in commercial /


industry sectors, such as pharmaceutical


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