Inspectors have noticed the practice is increasing, particularly with panel technicians removing and refitting seats, seat belts and safety restraint system equipment in order to complete a repair.
BSI is concerned that such work is being done without the technician being directly supervised or being within the one-in-four minimum ratio for proven competency.
Failure to comply could lead to suspension of the Kitemark, as it is an unsafe practice without proper competent individuals involved in the task.
Eric Friend, body repair Kitemark scheme manager, said: “BSI does not have any issues with this practice if those panel technicians are included in the one-in-four ratio and appropriate supervision for non-competent staff is applied.”
He said that accreditation for ATA panel technicians did not include competency testing for mechanical or electrical functions, such as refitting lights.
“If individuals are required to undertake this dual role as both MET and panel technicians, then they are required to hold both qualified competencies or be included in the overall MET numbers and treated as non-competent, but supervised,” he added.
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