In short, no. Essentially, servicing and maintenance is the work carried out to ensure the equipment will remain reliable as well as meet, and even surpass, its expected lifetime without issues. It also gives the equipment the ability to function correctly, meet and maintain its original design parameters, such as reaching the correct temperature and pressure, providing the correct level of cleaning efficacy etc. Importantly maintenance also ensures the equipment is continually safe to use.

In comparison, periodic testing and validation is the process that challenges the equipment to meet its designed parameters, meet them repeatedly and consistently, and importantly provides evidence of this fact for subsequent auditing purposes.

Periodic testing (daily/weekly/annual), user maintenance and user/operator training provide the evidence that the equipment continues to function to the manufacturer’s expectations, that a practice is following essential quality requirements, and patient safety is not being put at risk

Each is as important as the other, and one does not negate the need for the other.

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Regular servicing is important because it allows for the equipment to be assessed and fine-tuned regularly. This reduces the risk of malfunction or complete breakdown – which can cost businesses significantly in time, stress and in-turn, money.

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There are many aspects to consider when looking for a provider of decontamination equipment servicing and validation. They must be reputable in the market, with adequate experience within the relevant sector. Annual validation and pressure vessel certification, which is a legal requirement, and any other equipment maintenance must be delivered by well-trained engineers who understand the regulations and the equipment and know exactly what they’re doing. Other questions to consider include:

• Does the provider offer enhanced/validated/accredited user training for its equipment e.g. ECPD training?
• How fast is their response rate to queries?
• How quicky can an engineer visit the practice in-person, when needed?
• Are their engineers polite, efficient and competent when they visit to provider equipment validation, servicing or other checks?
• Can you access help and support via a dedicated telephone line or online from an expert team?
• Does the provider truly understand the various regulations that govern infection control within your specific profession?
• Are there customer testimonials available to demonstrate the quality of service the provider is delivering in real-life?

To learn more about equipment servicing and Eschmann Care & Cover service plans, click here.

HTM01-05 - Decontamination in primary care dental practices

SHTM01-05 - Management, equipment and process of the decontamination of dental instruments in a Local Decontamination Unit (LDU) in NHSScotland. 

SDCEP - The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme

Article: Optimising performance and patient safety

Article: The right support for your decontamination equipment

Article: What does it mean to be compliant in dentistry

Eschmann Decontamination Guidance Poster - Free download

Got a question or need help? Eschmann engineers are highly trained and experienced in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our equipment – Contact us for more information.