Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
JHF  
#1 Posted : 14 July 2014 11:20:28(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JHF

Hi all, could someone tell me what are / is the key area(s) of concern in further education. Interview coming up, just need some general pointers - thanks.
JHF  
#2 Posted : 14 July 2014 11:33:02(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JHF

Just a simple list will do.
Riley22200  
#3 Posted : 14 July 2014 11:36:45(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Riley22200

Asbestos is always an issue, but also carbon monoxide poisoning if residental property covered. Managing contractors in Education and Fire risk management often is not owned in this sector. Hope this helps!
JHF  
#4 Posted : 14 July 2014 11:51:42(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JHF

Many thanks (Riley) - will take note.
Jane Blunt  
#5 Posted : 14 July 2014 11:52:52(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Jane Blunt

Further education is very varied and many include vocational courses.

Some of these have a considerable potential exposure to chemicals (e.g. hairdressing).

Others to working in hot and busy environments (catering)

Machine tools (workshop and engineering skills)

One big issue is that of tailoring the supervision requirements to the student level of expertise, while expecting that the students will mature as time goes by and take more responsibility for themselves.

I agree with the asbestos, unless you are blessed with a nearly new building, and contractors can be a challenge because these environments are frequently a lot more open than either schools or commercial premises - it is easier for people to wander in without having gone through the correct process.

A Kurdziel  
#6 Posted : 14 July 2014 11:59:04(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

This depends very much on the sort of college you will be working in. It could be a very technical place with engineering workshops, science labs and teaching kitchens, with all the hazards that will imply. Or it could be a secretarial/IT/soft science emphasis sort of place which will be “office type” issues, DSE, slips, trips and falls etc. Stress and wellbeing?
There is also what the role of the H&S department is. You could THE H&S bod responsible for EVERYTHING or there could be local H&S people in each department and you might just have a coordinating role or just be in charge of support staff eg cleaners, grounds staff, FM, catering etc leaving the teaching departments to manage their own H&S (that is something you often see in universities rather than FE colleges).
Phone them up and ask.
Ron Hunter  
#7 Posted : 14 July 2014 13:08:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

The Establishment's Prospectus will give you big clues regarding syllabus related risks. Could be anything between Hairdressing and Hadron Colliders!
Many FE establishments have significant property portfolio, and there is likely to be a fair crossover with Facility Management and Control of Contractors.
There are a fair few FE Establishments with H&S Policy etc. available on the www. and lots of resource there for you to mug up on.
JHF  
#8 Posted : 14 July 2014 13:52:54(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JHF

Many thanks for all comments. Will collate and shorten for use - thanks.
RP  
#9 Posted : 14 July 2014 20:39:01(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
RP

Education Act places duties of the Governors or Directorate Board, all of the principles of the HASAWA apply.

stevie40  
#10 Posted : 15 July 2014 11:35:32(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stevie40

Legionella should be considered.

Assault by pupils is becoming more common. A lot of colleges have SEN pupils (special educational needs) and many will now take in pupils excluded from mainstream education through a deal with the local academie / LA.

You will need to look at the training in relation to conflict management. Some use Team Teach, MAPA or Proact-Skipr IIRC.

Also consider activities external to the campus either in the local community or with external providers. Catering colleges sometimes have restaurants open to the public for instance. With external providers, you are looking at vetting arrangements, staff cover, nature of activity and location.

JHF  
#11 Posted : 16 July 2014 10:50:34(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JHF

Again - many thanks, some great responses. As can be seen above, issues are wide-spread!
kdrum  
#12 Posted : 16 July 2014 15:48:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
kdrum

All of the above and perhaps the management of work placement providers.

I work in a joint College/University campus and happy to offer any specific advise I can, PM me and I will respond.

Good luck
Users browsing this topic
Guest (2)
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.