ENGINEERING GOVERNANCE


n Have routinely completed a competency logbook documenting a reflective work journal. A registered AP(D), an IHEEM- registered AE(D), or the appropriate service manager, must routinely assess the logbook


n Undertake a routine CPD programme. The programme should equate to 10 hours of relevant CPD per calendar year. Such a programme may include training specific to the role or the sector; for example this may include an awareness of good manufacturing practices where CP(D)s are dedicated to working within the pharmaceutical sector.


n Be assessed and considered competent by an IHEEM-registered AP(D) at a frequency not exceeding a 5-year period.


n It is acknowledged that engineers may complete restricted work activities under the AP(D)’s scrutiny, and – at their discretion – during a training period and prior to acceptance as a CP(D).


Authorised Persons (Decontamination) AP(D)s, meanwhile, should: n Have a minimum 12 months’ experience of relevant decontamination equipment. This can include sterilisers (porous load, laboratory, pharmaceutical, benchtops, VHP etc), washer-disinfectors (thermal, chemical), and controlled environment storage equipment etc.


n Have completed a relevant apprenticeship, or equivalent, in mechanical, electrical, or electronic disciplines, and have core experience with electrical safety, steam, and water systems.


n Have completed an NVQ level 3, City & Guilds, or BTEC qualification in mechanical, electrical, or electronic disciplines. It is advisable if the person in this the role is working towards, or has completed, a Higher National Certificate in an Engineering discipline.


n Have completed and passed accredited training courses covering validation of relevant decontamination equipment. This can include sterilisers (porous load, laboratory, pharmaceutical, benchtops, VHP etc), washer-disinfectors (thermal, chemical), and controlled environment storage equipment etc. This training is considered relevant only if undertaken within 10 years of assessment.


n Completed an accredited training course for the Authorised Person (Decontamination) role. This training is considered relevant only if undertaken within 10 years of assessment period.


n Undertake a routine CPD programme. The programme should equate to 15 hours of relevant CPD per calendar year.


n Preferably be employed within a supervisory or management role within the organisation they represent. If the nominated AP(D) is occupying a role in accord with those highlighted in this


42 Health Estate Journal February 2024


An example of a Personal Practice Log Book, developed in conjunction with Eastwood Park Training.


guidance, the AE(D) must be assured that the individual has appropriate knowledge of the role, and the equipment/systems/structures they are responsible for.


n Be assessed and considered competent by an IHEEM-registered AE(D) within a 3-year period.


n Have relevant experience and knowledge of the sites for which the AP(D) is responsible. This must include periodic attendance at the site to verify that equipment and systems are functioning in line with the requirements of HTM 01-01 Part A and HTM 00.


n Understand microbiology, infection prevention and control, and other ancillary services applicable to the equipment serving the decontamination facility. This may include enhanced awareness of the microbiological impact of water/ventilation principles within systems, or innovative technologies being developed to decontaminate medical devices.


n Understand health and safety, legislative, and regulatory requirements; this may include completion of training to cover PSSR, and COSHH requirements etc.


n Have satisfactory awareness and knowledge of risk assessment processes and escalation strategies.


n It is acknowledged that the AP(D) may not be solely dedicated to the role; it may only form part of the individual’s core duties, but they must give the role the necessary due diligence, and be allocated enough resource to complete the core governance duties in accordance with the operational policy of the organisation they represent. The AE(D) must assess this as part of the assessment process.


n Where the AP(D) services are outsourced, the nominated individual must be independent of the systems they are responsible for, and must be appointed as specified in HTM 00 and HTM 01-01 Part A. Even when responsibilities are outsourced, the


AP(D) must always demonstrate a basic awareness of the site/premises/systems they are accountable for, and must attend site at routine frequencies.


n When individuals are completing the AP(D) duties with acknowledged limitations, these need to be documented and approved by the AE(D). Details of any person taking responsibility for derogations to support their role should be documented and recorded up to the organisation lead/ director.


n It is acknowledged that there may be resource issues for a single AP(D) working within one organisation. Discussions must be sought with the AE(D) responsible on systems to agree support to manage the governance. This may include support from other Responsible Persons that have experience managing permit to work/ control of contractor’s systems on behalf of the organisation.


John Prendergast


John Prendergast is the Senior Decontamination Engineer working within the specialist team at NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership/ Specialist Estates Services. His role is dedicated to all aspects of decontamination/reprocessing techniques of medical devices. He leads the team that provides validation services, advice, and guidance to Health Boards/Trusts within Wales, and works closely with Welsh government departments to deliver policy and strategy in this unique and often complex field. John has worked within the NHS in Wales for the past 37 years. In 2012 he completed the ACIST course (qualifying course for Authorised Engineer – Decontamination), and was formally accepted onto the IHEEM register as an Authorised Engineer (Decontamination) in 2013. He is Chair of the IHEEM Welsh Branch, and represents Wales on the IHEEM AE(D) Registration Board.


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