Rank: Forum user 
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I have a very small healthcare site with a Medical Gas Pipeline System (MGPS) installed. I am trying to organise training for the Estates Management team to make sure all the team have sufficient training. However, after digging a little deeper I appear to be going around in circles. I believe I need an Appointed Person and have identified a few courses. However, quite a few of the providers keep trying to lock me into a service contract with their Authorised Engineer. I am left feeling the whole thing is designed to be confusing.
Can anyone shed some light on what level of training I need to manage a small MPGS? Thanks.
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Rank: Forum user
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I am unaware of the legislation surrounding the maintenance and inspection of such MGPS but if I compare this to compressed airlines.........These are generally maintained and inspected by contractors that specialise in the equipment (ie trained, qualified, experienced and competent).
It is worth researching for particular legislation in order to acertain the legal requirements.
If you cannot find any relevant legislation then I always find that the insurance company is at hand and willing to assist
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Rank: Super forum user
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The NHS publish a sees of HMS - Health Technical Memorandum. These give guidance on a variety of subjects relevant to health care.
Here is a startrer. Not sure if this link is the latest version of this document.
Www.hpil.Co. uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/HTM_02-01_Part_A.compressed.pdf
You will need to find Part B
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Rank: Super forum user
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HTMS not HMS!! They are ships.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Google 'Oxygen health technicol memorandum'
Gives links toWy Part A & B
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Rank: Super forum user
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Health Technical Memorandum 02-01: Medical Gas Pipeline Systems.
SBH
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks all. Yes, the initial requirement was triggered after reading the HTM. This states that I should have an Appointed Person (AP). The problem is getting this person trained. Every time I ask for a quote I get another company saying "Dont worry, we will do that for you" and then fill the page with pound signs and zero's.
This is a little annoying since I have a company who are committed to doing the right thing but are getting very frustrated when companies keep trying the smoke and mirrors in order to lock us into a service contract.
That said, maybe the lesson is to just let a company do it all for us? But something tells me that I am not being told the whole truth because it is not in their interest to do so. Even when I ask other small health care providers I get random responses indicating that this is a grey area to most.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I think you have hit that nail on the head. It's not in the interest of a company to train up your people. An annual contract is obviously commercially better for them.
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Rank: Super forum user
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https://www.eastwoodparktraining.co.uk/
SBH
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Rank: Forum user
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I had a bit of success today. A company kindly came in and discussed this issue openly and without obligation. The HTM guidance is pretty good and this company provided reassurance of that. What we need is an "Authorised Person" (AP). This is the person who oversees the management of the MGPS. However, our modest setup means that we will struggle to justify the fully trained AP course which covers all gases. We just need oxygen. So the advice was to have tailored AP training just for low risk hazards. This person will then be responsible for making sure all PPM is carried out under a permit to work etc... Looking back at this I have found the whole subject of Medical Gas training to be very tiresome. There is a lot of self interest going on, where companies are trying to sell packages of work without really being interested in the company and/or risk. This may appear a little harsh but some of the quotes/services offered have been very questionable. But fingers crossed I am now on the right track...
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Rank: Super forum user
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Looking back at this I have found the whole subject of Medical Gas training to be very tiresome. There is a lot of self interest going on, where companies are trying to sell packages of work without really being interested in the company and/or risk. This may appear a little harsh but some of the quotes/services offered have been very questionable.</p><p>...</p>
This is quite common. Look are the vested interests in the various construction industry approval card scheme, fire extinguisher maintenance, lifting equipment inspections, accredited management systems auditors for BS18001/14001.
Much of UK h&s is gold plated and a closed shop for companies/organisations with vested interests. Maybe even some leading h&s organisations very close to here.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I can empathise with the views expressed. In a previous job, I was despatched to provide general awareness training on medical gases to hospitals in the north west, but I was under no allusion that my services were only being provided as a sweetener to hospitals for coming over to us for supply of cylinders rather than BOC, as was at the time. The training was provided FOC, but only as a one-off.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks all. I'll keep an eye on how this develops and post an update in the hope that it helps others :)
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