MAINTENANCE, SERVICE AND REPAIRS n Technical understanding is essential At the same time, the revised standard clarifies that the responsible person cannot be purely administrative. The requirement for competence at “craftsperson level” means the RP must understand the work being carried out. They do not necessarily need to carry out every repair themselves, but they must be able to: n understand repair procedures; n interpret measurements and test results; and n assess whether work has been completed correctly. In simple terms, if someone cannot understand the job, they cannot be responsible for it. This has clear implications for businesses that may previously have nominated officebased or non-technical managers as the responsible person. Under the updated standard, that approach is unlikely to be acceptable unless those individuals can demonstrate the required technical knowledge. Another area which has been expanded is the extent of responsibility. The responsible person is no longer linked to isolated tasks or sign-off points. Instead, they are accountable across the entire repair process. So, the following areas of responsibility have been added, reinforcing the requirement for the RP to be at craftsperson level and within the management structure: n agreeing the work scope at the outset; n approving repair techniques and any changes; n overseeing inspection and testing; n reviewing and verifying documentation; n supervising operatives; and n participating in audits and quality management processes. The standard also makes it clear that all operatives must be monitored and supervised by the responsible person. This reinforces the fact that the RP must be closely connected to workshop activity, not removed from it. No RP means no release of work A particularly important operational point is that work must not be released without a responsible person in place. The standard allows for short-term cover, including across multiple sites, but only as a temporary measure and only if a common QMS is used across the sites. If no responsible person is available, the work cannot be signed off. The updated approach also places greater emphasis on evidence. It is no longer enough to assume that someone is competent. Repair specialists must be able to demonstrate it. In practice, this means: n maintaining training records and matrices; n providing evidence of relevant training, such as AEMT courses; and n ensuring knowledge is kept up to date. This is not only about satisfying auditors. It also forms part of a repair specialist’s defence if something goes wrong. Being able to demonstrate that the responsible person and any operatives involved were properly trained and competent is critical. While the term “responsible person” has been part of the standard for some time, the latest update makes its intent far clearer. The role is now about real accountability, backed by authority, competence, and evidence. n Subscribe now for your FREE monthly digital subscription www.drivesncontrols.com AUTOMATION FOR MANUFACTURING Drives&Controls ENERGY EFFICIENCY: You don’t need a new factory to boost your efficiency FOOD AND BEVERAGE: Food and beverage drives failures start at specification MAINTENANCE, SERVICE AND REPAIRS: What has changed for the ‘responsible person’? Drives&Controls AUTOMATION FOR MANUFACTURING INSIDE SEPTEMBER 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com
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