Yes I agree but there is always the requirement to demonstrate to the HSE that the means of EST, whether that be visual only or visual plus electrical tests using appropriate equipment, is up to the task and that EST is performed at regular intervals. In the clincal environment the patient is vulnerable and the risks of injury are greater than for domestic use so I guess use of a medical-grade safety tester is sensible.
Anyhow I still find earth-bonding problems with IEC leads, poor bonding to class 1 enclosures, etc, and in the past I have found the occasional IEC socket breaking down/carbonised due to fluid ingress. I haven't always picked up on this sort of problem by looking so the tester does come in handy sometimes.
It's not just about using medical safety testers to look for failures or degradation of components it's about using them as a tool when checking/installing systems that are used in clinical areas - they are useful to check relevant leakage currents/paths, of course (to determine whether mains isolation is required or not, etc) and their use is a mandatory requirement by my employer, i.e. NHS, when acceptance-testing new equipment.
