INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
POST OF:
BASE:
REF NO:
MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CROSSHOUSE
W/780/12
Thank you for applying for the above post with NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This information sheet
summarises the terms and conditions related to the post.
A job description and person specification for the post are attached.
This post is Permanent.
The salary for the post is based on the Band 5 salary scale which is currently £21,176 to
£27,625 per annum (pro rata for part time posts).
The hours for the post are 37.50 per week (8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday and
8.00am to 1.30pm, Friday).
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Conditions of Service - The conditions of service are those laid down and amended from
time to time by the appropriate negotiating bodies e.g. NHS Staff Council/NHS Pay
Negotiating Council.
Annual Leave – The leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Annual leave entitlement
for full time staff on appointment is 202.5 hours (27 days), with 217.5 hours (29 days)
upon completion of 5 years NHS service and 247.50 hours (33 days) after 10 years NHS
service. Entitlements for part time will be pro rata.
Public Holidays – Public holiday entitlement for full time staff is 60 hours based on the 8
designated Public Holidays per annum, and on a 5 day week working 7.5 hours per day.
The 60 hours entitlement is due to all whole time staff irrespective of work pattern. For
part time staff, this will be applied on a pro rata basis and also allocated in hours.
KSF - The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework is essentially a development tool but
will also contribute to decisions about pay progression. It will promote equality for and
diversity of all staff, having the same opportunities for learning, development and review.
It will promote effectiveness at work – with managers and staff being clear about what is
required within a post. It will support effective learning and development of individuals –
with all members of staff being supported to learn throughout their careers.
Superannuation - Employees are automatically opted into the NHS (Scotland)
Superannuation Scheme. Contributions are at the rate of 6.5%
Employees may opt out by completing Form SB34.
Disabled Applicants - A disability or health problem does not preclude full consideration for
the job and applications from people with disabilities are welcome. All information will be
treated as confidential. NHS Ayrshire & Arran has been approved, by the Employment
Services Department, as an Equal Opportunities employer with a positive policy towards
employment of disabled people. NHS Ayrshire & Arran guarantees to interview all applicants
with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
You will note on our application form we ask for relevant information with regards to your
disability. This is simply to ensure that we can assist you, if you are called for interview, to
have every opportunity to present your application in full. We may call you to discuss your
needs in more detail if you are selected for interview.
Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and 2004 (Section 8) - The Asylum and Immigration Act
1996 and 2004 requires employment checks to ensure that all employees are legally
employed in the United Kingdom. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant original
documents prior to an offer of employment being made. Any offer of employment will only be
made when the organisation is satisfied that the candidate is the rightful holder of the
documents and is legally eligible for employment within the United Kingdom.
Medical Examination - Any offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory
medical report from our Occupational Health Services. You may be offered employment
conditional on confirmation that you are medically fit for employment. A commencement
date for employment will only be agreed following this confirmation.
Policy Relating to Staff with Bloodborne Virus Infection - Candidates for posts which
involve exposure prone procedures will not be allowed to commence employment until
they have been assessed as fit to perform EPPs by Occupational Health. The preemployment screening must be completed prior to any job offer being made. Where a
candidate is not able to perform EPPs, Occupational Health will notify the appropriate
manager that the candidate is ‘fit with restrictions’ and is unable to perform EPPs. The
health status of the individual will not normally be notified to management. Where the
restrictions recommended by Occupational Health are unable to be accommodated due
to the clinical duties of any of the posts within the staff groups specified in the policy, an
offer of employment to the post will not be made.
Candidates who are not offered employment due to being deemed unfit to undertake
EPPs as an essential requirement for a post, may be offered the opportunity to apply for
another advertised vacant post and be considered with other applicants. The preemployment screening for EPP posts above do not apply to staff undertaking non-EPP
posts who could have direct contact with blood, bloodstained body fluids or patients’
tissue in the course of their work activities. These staff will be offered and strongly
advised to be immunised against Hepatitis B in line with the Immunisation Policy including
recall for boosters and further antibody checks.
References - Two satisfactory written references must be obtained prior to any offer of
employment being made. These should include current and previous employers as
requested in the job application form. This is in line with the Recruitment and Selection
Policy.
YOUR APPLICATION:
Applications - Please note that we no longer acknowledge receipt of applications
therefore, unless you are shortlisted to attend for interview, you will not receive any
further communication.
Informal Enquiries - Informal enquiries welcome to Jack Chalmers, Estate Officer, Estate
Officer, Estates Department on 01563 823962, ext 23962.
Closing Date - Your completed application form should be submitted by Wednesday 20
February
2013
to
the
address
below
or
can
be
e-mailed
to
allison.robertson@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk
Department of O&HR Development
63A Lister Street
Crosshouse Site
KILMARNOCK
Ayrshire
KA2 0BE
INTERIM
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
TECHNICIAN MECHANICAL
Responsible to (insert job title):
Supervisor
Department(s):
Estates Department
Directorate:
Information & Clinical Support Services
Operating Division:
NHS Ayrshire & Arran
Job Reference:
W/780/12
No of Job Holders
Last Update (insert date):
May 2005
2. JOB PURPOSE
To assist in the provision of a comprehensive multi-site installation, maintenance and Planned
Preventative Maintenance (PPM) service and to maximise the efficiency and quality of the
mechanical, electrical and environmental services of NHS Ayrshire & Arran using resources
available.
3. DIMENSIONS
The Jobholder is one of a team of Technicians Mechanical employed by Estates Department to
provide a service across all sites within the NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
The Jobholder may be based at any one of the hospital sites within NHS Ayrshire & Arran, which
are: Ayr Hospital, (including Ailsa, Biggart Hospital and Heathfield Clinic)
 Ayrshire Central
 Crosshouse,
 The Jobholder is directly responsible to the Supervisor, Estate Officer and Senior Estate Officer
on the site in which he is based
 The Jobholder may occasionally be required to supervise apprentice duties.
 Plan, organise complex activities including installations and maintenance of engineering plan
and equipment in co-ordinating with suppliers, contractors and hospital staff
 There are no budgetary responsibilities although the jobholder will impact on the departmental
budget.
 The Department operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week and the Jobholder normally
works between the hours of 8.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and to 1.00pm Friday.

The Jobholder also participates in the Department’s On-Call rota, responsible for general
maintenance and breakdown cover for relevant sites out-of-hours
4. ORGANISATIONAL CHART
HEAD OF
ESTATES
ESTATE
MANAGER
NORTH
ESTATE
MANAGER
SOUTH
ESTATE
MANAGER
EAST
ESTATE
OFFICERS
X3
ESTATE
OFFICERS
X4
ESTATE
OFFICERS
X4
SUPERVISOR
X3
SUPERVISOR
X4
SUPERVISOR
X3
TRADESMEN
TRADESMEN
TRADESMEN
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
To facilitate the delivery of uninterrupted quality healthcare by providing 24 hour 7 day safe and
effective upkeep and development of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s land, properties and assets
To deliver, maintain and develop a high quality, cost effective, responsive and efficient engineering
and building service to all staff patients and departments within an agreed budget, in line with the
policies, procedures and requirements of NHS Ayrshire & Arran
To provide professional and managerial support for the Facilities Department in matters relating to
engineering and building development
To contribute to the strategic direction of NHS Ayrshire & Arran
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
 Ascertain desired action using acquired skills and abilities to expedite best solution for
desired outcome and assist putting solutions into practice
 Install and commission machinery using installation manuals to ensure safety and in
compliance with health and safety, and statuary regulations that benefits and provides a safe
environment for the user and patient care.
 Complete Planned Preventative Maintenance in accordance with organisational and
manufacturers recommendations, using appropriate tools, test equipment, and recording
details of work carried out within set time-scales, to prevent breakdown and maintain optimal
operational ability.
 Respond to breakdowns, evaluate situation and take corrective action to ensure minimal
disruption and damage.
 Test, monitor and overhaul back up systems such as emergency electricity generators to
ensure a continuality of service for patient care areas and all other departments
 Participate in lift rescue, maintaining manufacturer’s safety standards to ensure quick and
safe release of trapped individuals.
 Survey plant and equipment for, safety, soundness and establish maintenance to be
undertaken.
 Be aware of Health and Safety requirements when undertaking all work to maintain a safe
environment for staff and patients
 Verify integrity and monitor medical gas, heating and ventilation systems utilising calibrated
test equipment to maintain a safe working environment within hospital sites.
 Fault finding and analysis in complex controls and monitoring equipment using fine tools and
calibrated measuring equipment in a safe manner in order to keep hospital running efficiently.
 Fault finding and analysis within complex systems/equipment in a safe, effective manner
using fine tools and calibrated measuring equipment as required in order to minimise future
breakdowns and keep hospital running efficiently
 Work as a highly skilled Competent person to maintain Medical Gases to Health Technical
Memorandum SHTM 02 to ensure a safe supply for patient use
 In depth effective use of BMS (Building Management System) computer to set parameters
and record data on a wide range of building services to provide correct environmental
conditions throughout the hospital and provide an early warning of services (medical gases,
heating, water, power etc.) failing.
 Investigate, research and plan upgrades and developments to meet changing requirements
of health care.
 In depth testing and repair of sterilization equipment and washer disinfectors
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
 Calibrated medical gas equipment to test flow rates
 Calibrated gas analyser to record boiler efficiency
 Siemens Building Management system to monitor, theatre environment, essential plant,
electrical distribution, heating systems and temperatures for legionella prevention
 Calibrated test equipment to determine flow rates on air handling units
 Hand tools and portable electric tools, pipe threader,
 Welding equipment: gas, electric arc and mig.
 Precision Electric workshop machinery;- Lathe, universal mill and pillar drill
 Lifting gear, chain blocks, slings and runway beams
7b. SYSTEMS
 Records of the performance of essential item of plant and equipment
 Daily time sheets for forwarding to Supervisor
 On-call and overtime sheets for forwarding to Supervisor
 Weekly boiler efficiency checks for internal audit purposes and monitor efficiency
 Daily check on theatre medical gas system, to ensure pressures are maintained.
 Safety cabinets and ventilation air flow calibration sheets
 Permit to work system for medical gases, electrical distribution and hot work
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
 Duties are allocated by Supervisor/Estate Officers, although the
Jobholder operates autonomously within designated parameters
and Health & Safety Regulations.
 Breakdowns are a major aspect of the work, some require major
in depth ability to fault find and carry out repairs to put the
equipment, facility back into service.
 Planned Preventative Maintenance work is allocated weekly and
is then prioritised by the Jobholder, liasing with staff in relevant
departments to establish accessibility, taking into the account the
needs of the service.
 Much of the Jobholder’s work is demand-driven and therefore
unpredictable and may consist of repair, redesign and installation
as necessary to undertake a particular task.
 Measure up jobs for new installations and alterations; check
plans/drawing to work out best route to run in supplies and
establish materials required to enable the job to be carried out
quickly with minimum disruption
 Keep records of weekly boiler efficiency checks for internal audit
purposes and management of boiler performance.
 Daily check on theatre medical gas system to ensure pressures
are maintained
 Identify problems with medical gas system within theatre area,
liase with nurse in charge to ascertain problem area, track fault
using specialised equipment and protective clothing in line with
Health & Safety regulations. Determine severity of fault and
appropriate action to be taken, advise medical staff if shut down
is required and agree safest way to proceed. Make
recommendation to authorised person on suitable solution.
 Participate in lift rescue, maintaining manufacturers safety
standard to ensure quick and safe release of trapped individuals
 The majority of the jobholder’s work is unsupervised.
 Work in wards theatres and clinics areas often alongside patients
to repair and maintain medical gases, operating tables, beds,
heating systems etc.
 Undertake repairs and maintain equipment used by patients such
medical gases and body fluid suction machines
 Participate in departmental On-call service to provide 24 hour
emergency cover across all hospital/clinic sites in East sector.
Frequency
Weight
All duties,
daily,
ongoing
All equipment
in
accordance
with H&S
Regulations
Weight: As is
comfortable
in
accordance
with Moving
& Handling
Risk
Assessment
s
Max Wt
25kg without
use of lifting
equipment
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS












Able to use own initiative and undertake a wide range of duties without referral back to
supervisor.
Ability to repair major and minor faults in a safe manner whilst keeping hospital running
efficiently i.e. on troubleshooting fault, the jobholder can decide to close down certain areas of
the site until repair has been completed, for health and safety reasons.
Identify problem with medical gas system within theatre area and take appropriate action.
Ascertain how many persons are trapped in lift and reassure, ask if medical assistance is
required, liase with other members of test and proceed with rescue in accordance
with manufactures guide lines
Ability to repair faults in a safe manner whilst keeping hospital running efficiently.
Prioritise work as they occur on a daily basis.
Measure up jobs for new installations and alterations establishing the best route to run
pipe work and locate equipment
Measure operating conditions of engineering equipment, eg:- medical gases, heating,
ventilation system, calculate performance, analyses results and adjustment to restore
desired conditions
Control stock of materials used to undertake work and request replacements as required
During emergency call outs the post holder has to initiate a plan of action and has
freedom to undertake what ever work is required in complete autonomy to restore the
failed equipment or service
Ensure all plans, information and instructions are accurately interpreted for the efficient and
safe operation of equipment and plant. Update plans when required
Plan new installations and alterations i.e. best route to run supplies. And oversee job from start
till finish
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB





The jobholder requires the ability to diagnose and repair faults in complex plant and equipment
Deal with new situations as they arise, disseminating newly acquired information to others.
Requires to understand the complete working of the plant and equipment in the hospital.
During On-Call Rota out-of-hours, the Jobholder must decide action required to maintain safe
and continued operation of services.
Dealing with irate and unreasonable personnel regarding accessibility and work requirements
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The Jobholder is a member of a team and, in order to ensure a high level of satisfaction and
seamless, efficient services are maintained, is required to develop and maintain effective
communication links and working relationships to provide technical and safety issues to the following
groups:Internal
 Colleagues and management within Estates Department, including the other trade groups
 Nursing/Medical staff within wards/departments
 Management/staff within all other departments
External
 Suppliers of Equipment, materials or spare parts
 Specialist contractors
 Demonstrate own activities to less experienced and new employees, and provide training,
guidance and advice to apprentices for the continuation of the service.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
PHYSICAL EFFORT/SKILLS:
 Good eye hand co-ordination for precision and intricate work
 Working with heavy equipment
 Standing, bending, walking for long periods
 Heavy Lifting and Handling
 Working from ladders and scaffolding up to 4 meters above floor
level
Frequency
All daily
ongoing
MENTAL EFFORT/SKILLS:
All daily
 Mental arithmetic – for calculate air flow readings
ongoing
 Reading of plans – for installation of equipment, valves, pipe work
and connections.
 Computer skills
 Ability to read schematic drawings and interpret information
 Reading and interpreting manuals and instructions, comment on
non compliance and suggest modifications to enable documents
to be kept up to date
 Concentration for periods of an hour with frequent interruptions
approximately every hour by bleep or personal visit.
All daily
ongoing
ENVIRONMENTAL
 Coming into contact with hazardous materials and body fluids
 Working in confined spaces and hazardous areas
 Working in temperatures below freezing on outside plant and
equipment and as high as 30 deg C in boiler houses and plant
rooms.
 Coming into contact with hazardous materials and body fluids
EMOTIONAL EFFORT/SKILLS:
 Occasional direct contact with patients, some of who may be
physically or emotionally distressed or aggressive.
 Dealing with difficult staff with regards to accessibility and work
requirements.
 Frequently working in wards with very ill and distressed patients.
Weight
All
equipment
in
accordance
with H&S
Regulations
Weight: As is
comfortable
in
accordance
with Moving
& Handling
Risk
Assessments
Max Wt 25kg
without use of
lifting
equipment
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
The jobholder is required to be proficient in, have knowledge of, or undertake training in the
following: Recognised apprenticeship
 Up to Higher National Certificate or equivalent with appropriate previous experience.
 Use of fine and intricate tools
 Trained with refreshers for competent persons to SHTM 02 Medical Gas pipe systems
requirements
 COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
 City and Guilds Qualification in HTM 2010 Large porous load sterilizers
 City and Guilds Qualification in HTM 2030 Testing of Endoscope washer disinfectors
 Certified specialist training in Visonik, Desigo and Apogee Building Management System
computerised control system
 Precision machining and working to very fine tolerances.
 Steam Boiler plant, pressure vessel and other statutory devises
 Mathematical calculations in respect of mechanical systems and processes
 Reading of plans
 Confined Spaces training
 Fire Safety/Training
 Health & Safety Regulations/training
 Able to use own initiative
 Interpersonal skills
 Problem solving
 Lifting and Handling, use of lifting equipment
 SHE
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Person Specification
Post Title Mechanical Technician
Post Reference Number W/780/12
Selection Factors
(Person
Specification)
QUALIFICATIONS &
TRAINING
Criteria
Essential


Desirable
EXPERIENCE
Essential








EXPERIENCE cont/
Desirable




KNOWLEDGE
Essential



Higher National Certificate/Diploma in appropriate discipline or BSc
Degree in Mechanical Engineering
or
Corporate Membership of a Professional Institution/Organisation
registered with the Engineering Council
Registration at the Engineering Council at Chartered level
Relevant Steriliser qualifications
Relevant Natural Gas qualifications
Relevant Medical Gas qualifications
Completion of a recognised trade apprenticeship or formal training.
Experience facilitating new installations and/or maintenance
management
Benchtop and porus load sterilizers maintenance and procedures
Management of steam boiler plant and systems
Extensive experience in management of healthcare estates facilities
Experience of working across departments and organisational
boundaries and with clinicians and multi-disciplinary teams.
NHS Estates reporting requirements (ERIC etc)
Working knowledge and experience of Apollo Labour Management
System
Knowledge of East Sector property portfolio
Knowledge of Planned Preventative Maintenance programmes
Knowledge of Capital programmes for Maintenance and Development of


KNOWLEDGE
Desirable
COMPETENCIES &
SKILLS
Essential
COMPETENCIES &
SKILLS cont/
Desirable
PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS
AND OTHER
Essential
Desirable

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














estates facilities and property
Analytical abilities
Must have good working knowledge of: Health & Safety at Work Act, all
relevant statutory regulations, bye laws, policies and procedures,
codes of practice, HTM’s etc
Must have basic IT/computer knowledge
Knowledge of NHS national strategies and initiatives.
Knowledge of NHS/DOH Estates mandatory guidance
Knowledge of Risk Management procedures
Leadership and negotiation skills
Presentation skills
Knowledge of the EU – Emissions Trading Scheme
Experience of working in an acute hospital environment
Good communication skills
Commitment to providing the highest quality of work
Be a good communicator who can lead by example and represent the
department in the absence of the senior site officers
Ability to communicate effectively both in written and oral form.
Ability to prioritise own workload
Full Driving Licence
Must be capable of working in a demanding environment
Must be able to work within a team
Evidence of Continuing Professional Development