Extract from Health Technical Memorandum 01-
Authorising Engineer (Decontamination) (AE(D))
5.27 The AE(D) is defined as a person designated by Management to provide independent
auditing and advice on washer-
5.28 The AE(D) is required to liaise closely with other professionals in various disciplines and, consequently, the appointment should be made known in writing to all interested parties.
The role of the Authorising Engineer (Decontamination) is defined as:-
5.29 This role has been developed from the prior Authorised Person (Sterilizers) arrangements. This person should be fully independent of the organisation’s structure for maintenance, testing and management of the decontamination equipment.
5.30 The AE(D) should have a reporting route to the Decontamination Lead and should provide professional and technical advice to AP(D)s, CP(D)s, Users and other key personnel involved in the control of decontamination processes.
5.31 The Institution of Healthcare Engineering and Estates Management (IHEEM) sets
professional standards for their voluntary registration and for the accreditation
of training courses, as has been the case for the Health Technical Memorandum 2010-
Responsibilities
5.32 The principal responsibilities of the AE(D) are as follows:
a. to provide to Management and others, general and impartial advice on all matters concerned with decontamination;
b. to advise Management and others on
programmes of validation;
c. to audit reports on validation, revalidation and
yearly tests submitted by the AP(D);
d. to advise Management and others on programmes of periodic tests and periodic maintenance;
e. to advise Management and others on operational procedures for routine production;
f. to advise Management on the appointment of the AP(D).
5.33 Only suitably qualified AE(D)s should be used.
A register is maintained by IHEEM.
URL: http://www.iheem.org.uk/authorising/decontamination.php