Understanding the roles involved in decontamination is essential across the many sectors in which Sychem operate, including Healthcare, Laboratory, Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical. One of our most significant sectors of operation is Private Healthcare and NHS Pathology facilities within the UK, where the role of an AE(D) is crucial. Alongside this, the wide range of services, consumables and equipment we provide to our prestigious clients often brings us into collaboration with an AP(D).

To support clarity, the following acronyms are used:

• AE(D) – Authorising Engineer of (Decontamination)
• AP(D) – Authorised Person of (Decontamination)
• CP(D) – Competent Person of (Decontamination)

What is an AP(D)?

An Authorised Person (Decontamination) oversees the daily operational management within a facility.

Some regular responsibilities of this role include:

• Carrying out practical implementation
• Checking the operation of the safety policy
• Undertaking procedures that relate to engineering aspects
• Authorising the use of decontamination equipment after any major repair works

The Authorised Person (Decontamination) liaises directly with the AE(D) and the Decontamination Lead to ensure the facility operates correctly.

AP(D) and CP(D)

An essential part of the Authorised Person’s role is to manage and work with the CP(D) (Competent Person of Decontamination), including checking certificates/competency records, to ensure the continued registration of the CP(D)’s -which should be carried out annually and recorded.

AP(D)’s and Health and Safety

The AP(D) also has a role within the Health and Safety side of the decontamination process, tasked with the responsibility of carrying out risk management, performing risk assessments and ensuring that there are safe systems of work. The Authorised Person takes on the responsibility of liaising with the user and any other technical support personnel, to enable them to discharge their responsibilities for the management and decontamination effectively.

What is an AE(D)?

An Authorising Engineer in Decontamination, whose primary role is to provide impartial advice and auditing on all aspects of decontamination. This includes advice and auditing the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of medical devices, associated instruments, and relevant accessories within the acute Healthcare sector.

Core responsibilities of an AE(D)

• Audits of annual and quarterly reports on sterilisation and decontamination equipment
• Issuing specifications for new machines, such as;
  • Autoclaves
  • Washer Disinfectors
  • Ultrasonic Washer
  • Gaseous Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilisers
• Specifications for gaseous hydrogen peroxide sterilisers
• Specifications for trolley washers
• Specifications for automated endoscope processors
• Writing of Operational Policies
• Advice on instrument tracking systems and marking technologies
• Advice on containment systems and packaging materials
• Advice on air handling systems supplying clean rooms
• Advice on works necessary to provide new facilities to comply with standards and guidance

Want to learn more about best practice guidance and standards in the decontamination of reusable surgical instruments? Discover our blog on HTM 01-01 for more information.

Or view our full range of Autoclaves and Washers to discover the types of equipment AP(D)’s would work with.