The introductory section of the PEC identifies four categories of regulatory focus in the PEC, and asks for descriptions of the qualifications of the personnel who completed each section of the document. However, the PEC never defines what those qualifications must or should be. The intent is simply that whoever answers each question should understand its meaning; and that the subject matter tends to fall into four categories that may or may not require different people to meaningfully assess each of them.
Most items in the PEC are narrative compilations of the most easily understood, and freely visible, manifestations of compliance with far more complex technical issues. As such, expertise in design or engineering of ASCs should not be required. What is necessary are individuals able to carefully read each given item, and truly/critically evaluate the particular aspect of the given facility. The greatest challenge is to not jump to the desired conclusion, such as: “It wasn’t a problem last time,” or “We hired experts to design it,” or “Prior surveyors didn’t say it was a problem . . . so it MUST be right;” but instead determine if the facility demonstrates what the PEC item describes (just like a surveyor will do).
The PEC enables organizations to double-check for themselves the work of those involved with the design, construction and/or maintenance of their facility. It is entirely possible that the best people for the job are those working in the facility every day, as they routinely deal with the operational aspects of the facility and train for emergency preparedness.
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