Technical Advisors - General statement
AALS Inspector Guidance Note - IGN 5.01 (was C/Int 07)
- Version No & date: 1: 19/01/2010
- Review date:
01/2013
Issue: The AALR (reg. 6(1)(a)(iv)) requires that a licence holder appoints competent persons to advise on safety matters unless competent in such matters themselves. Appendix 2 of L77 gives an indication of the level of competence expected.
1. In some cases nomination of a technical advisor may only involve the identification of one possible contact for a given activity backed up perhaps with a brief verbal agreement. In other cases a formal contract with terms and conditions may be appropriate.
2. Calling on the services of a nominated technical advisor (by the provider) is normally as a result of the following:
- the provider deems it necessary to clarify areas of uncertainty which neither the provider nor the instructors involved are suitably knowledgeable, experienced or qualified to address. These could include for example, particular venues and or equipment to be used, conditions prevailing or required competence levels for given circumstances;
- the provider requires ratification of the competence of their non-NGB qualified staff or would like them to conduct staff training, etc;
- following inspection, the Licensing Authority requires that the provider contacts their technical advisor for a stated purpose which will be contained in a report issued to the provider.
3. The provider must always nominate a technical advisor. However, under circumstances where:
- the provider uses only appropriately NGB-qualified staff; and
-
no uncertainty exists about the suitability of any of its venues; and
- the provider has suitable and acceptable operating procedures
It is unlikely that the services of a technical advisor will need to be called upon.
