The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

to perform, what is known as, the “bedside clean” to flush channels and externally wipe the scope with a sponge to remove gross soiling prior to returning the scope to the Decontamination unit. These procedures should be described in a local standard operating procedure (SOP) and be used to provide standardised training for all users.

Decontamination service provision requires significant support from a wide range of engineering staff. To ensure high quality standards are maintained, it is essential that those involved in that support are appropriately qualified and experienced.

Routinely, the key engineering personnel include the authorising engineer (AE) the authorised person (AP) and the competent person (CP). Depending on the organisational needs, this may include those responsible for decontamination, water and ventilation. The number of personnel will depend on the size of the organisation and the services provided.

Designated Person Appointed Senior Executive (board level) with assigned responsibility for service

Authorising Engineer Appointed independent professional engineer (specific to service)

Trusted Senior Operational Manager Informed client / intelligent customer

Authorised Person Appointed qualified technical engineer (specific to service)

Figure 2 from HTM 00 Policies

and Principles of Healthcare Engineering Part A 5

Competent Person Assessed and qualified crafts-person (Specific to service

153

@ 2025 Central Sterilising Club. All rights reserved. Do Not duplicate