Hi guys,

If you would like to comment on the draft proposals for BS EN 60601-1:2006+A1:2011 3rd edition then go to BSI DPC and have your say! Don't hold back as this is your chance to have your input on the standards that will be used in the future.

What's that? Why should we do unpaid* work for any committee?

I'm sure they're in no rush anyway, what with all those endless meetings (and over-nighters), free lunches, expenses and all the rest.

Surely they get enough "pointers" as it is just by tuning in to this forum from time to time.

* Hint: consultants charge for their time. Usually at "handsome" rates as well, I might add.

I don't think you know how standards committees work, generally the members are nominated from organisations and do this work as well as their normal job!

Most members only attend meetings a few times a year the rest of their work being performed via the web, email and phone. Many do this work in their own time!

Given many on this forum have strong views about medical standards it seems odd that they would not like to contribute to the international standards they work with and discuss daily!

Stand by to be flooded with respondents, then!

Meanwhile, I reckon I do enough pro bono myself as it is (and don't really have time for anything else), so I think I'll need to "pass" on this one if you don't mind.

How long for Geoff? I can see you're itching to have a go.

Not me, Bill.

Three reasons:-

1) I restrict my voluntary efforts for those who need help, but are unable to pay.

2) I like to see myself as a practical bloke, not an "ivory tower pipe-smoker". That is, I like to crack on and get the job(s) done, rather than spending endless hours worrying about the minutiae of this or that leakage current (and all the rest).

3) Many others are more qualified than I in such matters (some of whom we see here on the forum from time to time). Best leave it to them, I reckon.

I had a look at the proposal form. Looks like you have to read the standard alongside the form, too much like hard work, after all as you say we just fix things. Sort of thing a budding Clinical Scientist might want to get invlolved in, someone with time on their hands and something to prove.