My point entirely Geoff, you can combine planned performance verification, with electrical safety tests (if required).
The example I gave,(Carefusion equipment) requires performance verification every three years, so safety test at the same time!
Between these scheduled (planned) periods, there is no requirement to electrically safety test this equipment.
Faulty equipment requiring reactive maintenance would trigger a requirement.
But if the equipment is not faulty (in use,and the clinical staff can confirm this),scheduling a visual inspection between planned performance verifications, is more than adequate. In many cases the equipment is in constant use, and they wouldnt release it for safety testing, this is recorded as "visual inspection only".
I have confidence in the equipment users to spot when the equipment is faulty, especially in high acuity areas. They will let you know if the equipment is working or not, and in most cases identify the problem. Credit where credit is due!
Your assertion that user checks are innefective, does Clinical staff a disservice, that may be your experience but not mine.
If the Technical Authority for the kit is confident enough to relax the periodic servicing interval from one year, to three years (that includes electrical safety testing) so am I.
Funnily enough, I dont feel the need to pop down annually with a safety tester, just because "weve always done it that way"
Correct assumption Geoff, just because its always been done in a time honoured and anecdotal fashion, does not mean that current practice is still valid and proportionate to a perceived risk. Every now and then it doesnt hurt to question how we do things, its called risk management.
