The Compliance Audit and Risk Assessment (CARA) service from BOC Medical Engineering Risk Management Services is designed to give hospitals the information necessary to manage risk on their medical gas pipeline system, in line with HTM 02-01 guidelines.
BOC Medical explained: “Having documentation with the most up-todate information, and priorities and risk levels clearly identified and quantified, gives estates teams an accurate overview of their medical gas pipeline system. The CARA service is delivered by a team that truly understands every aspect of MGPS management and its vital role in maintaining patient safety.”
The first stage is a comprehensive compliance audit, compiled following close investigation of the entire medical gas system, or of those areas identified in the agreed scope of the service, which may include wards, departments, procedures and policies, and other documentation relating to medical gases. BOC’s team then carries out a thorough risk assessment, categorising risks as Low, Medium, High or Extreme, enabling APs and estates teams to prioritise remedial works. An executive summary completes the process, and gives everyone present the opportunity to discuss the findings.
Alongside providing hospitals with the information needed to address risk, the CARA service provides:
- Compliance with HTM 02-01 guidelines, as well as BS EN ISO 73961:2007+A2 2010, BOC standard operating procedures, and best practice.
- Preparedness for CQC inspection/ investigation in the event of accidents or pandemics.
BOC recommends that the process be repeated every five years.