The topic of the recent seminar of Irish Safety & Health Trainers Network (ISHTN) was the development of a New Manual Handling Training System and FETAC Quality Assurance Agreement Provider Registration. Speakers were Mr. Frank Power, Inspector and Projects Manager with the HSA (Health & Safety Authority) and Ms. Angela Lambkin, Development Officer, FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council)
In detailing the reasons for a new standard in Manual Handing Training, Mr. Frank Power highlighted the fact that, at present, there is a lack of consistency in the type of training delivered, in the skills of those delivering training and no system of accreditation of training providers. This came about through a public consultation process which started in 2004 when it was decided to work on developing a new standard. Further consultation continued with FETAC and the setting up of a Manual Handling Training Advisory Group after research showed that 93% of training organisations felt there should be a standard. Two standards have now been finalised and submitted to FETAC for public consultation.
Training provider organisations who currently deliver manual handling and people handling instructor training will need to begin the process to register with FETAC through the provider registration process. All training provider organisations will have to be quality assured by FETAC to deliver the proposed programmes. The two standards are for Manual Handling Instruction Level 6, which will be a special purpose award made up of one component, and People Handling Instruction Level 6, which will be a special purpose award made up of two components. This means that all Manual Handling/People Handling Instructors will be required to undergo this FETAC Level 6 training programme. There is also a plan to have an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process in place to facilitate existing instructors to submit an application for recognition of prior learning. FETAC registered training providers can apply to be approved by FETAC to offer RPL.
The new system will be phased in with implementation being between 2009 and 2012. This will allow training providers to become FETAC registered, new instructors to be trained and existing instructors to be recognised under the system. By 2012 all Manual/People Handling instructors will have a FETAC Level 6 award. At present there are no plans to provide a FETAC award for participants on a Manual/People Handling training course being provided by a FETAC qualified instructor.
The HSA (Health & Safety Authority) plans on holding seminars in October this year to inform interested parties of the changes. Frank Power emphasised that it is a new approach, there are issues to be addressed and there will be further communication as the system develops and nears completion. He said “This is one part of an overall strategy and we have come from nothing to a new system.”
The FETAC Quality Assurance agreement process was outlined by Angela Lambkin from FETAC. There are now 760 providers registered with them comprising public bodies, private companies and community groups. Established since 2001 they publish awards that providers can offer. A registered provider develops a programme to enable the learner to achieve an award which is a statement of the national standard for a particular subject matter.
To become a registered provider you must get your quality assurance policies and procedures agreed with FETAC. This is in relation to programmes and related services to be offered to learners leading to FETAC awards. These policies and procedures cover nine areas which are outlined on their website – www.fetac.ie and in their Quality Assurance in Further Education and Training, Policy and Guidelines for Providers v1.3.
In outlining the process Angela went through each stage of registration, the time frame involved and the necessity for clarity and relevance in development of policies and procedures. Each application is screened, evaluated by two independent evaluators where a consensus is reached and final approval is at a Council meeting. A report is sent to the provider and a verification visit is arranged.
After registration the provider has access to FETAC awards. Providers have to undertake Self-Evaluation of programmes and are subject to FETAC monitoring. All of this ensures that programmes are being delivered to a national standard and the integrity of the award is being upheld at all times.
ISHTN supports the belief that the way forward for their members is through the FETAC Quality Assurance process to ensure that quality training is being delivered within the Health and Safety industry. ISHTN proposes to hold workshops in the future to assist members in the development of their quality assurance process.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Manual Handling Trainers Seminar
The changes to the manual handling training standards, which are based around a new Fetac Level 6 Manual Handling Instructors Qualification will kick off later on this year.
It's vital for safety trainers of all levels to attend this important briefing.
Speakers include Mr. Frank Power, Health & Safety Authority Project Manager in charge of the new Manual Handling Standards. We also hope to have someone speak from Fetac regarding becoming a quality assured provider.
It's vital for safety trainers of all levels to attend this important briefing.
Speakers include Mr. Frank Power, Health & Safety Authority Project Manager in charge of the new Manual Handling Standards. We also hope to have someone speak from Fetac regarding becoming a quality assured provider.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
OFA-CFR Seminar Success!
The Irish Safety & Health Trainers Network (ISHTN) held their first seminar in City West Hotel on Tuesday 24th March. The network was set up last year and it’s aim is to communicate with and make representations on behalf of members in relation to any changes or improvements to standards within the Health and Safety industry. The topic for the seminar was the new OFA-CFR standard which came into operation in September 2008. Speakers were Mr. Kieran Sludds, Occupational Health & Safety Manager with the HSA (Health & Safety Authority) and Mr. Brian Power, Programme Development Officer with PHECC (Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council).
In Kieran Sludd’s delivery he outlined how both the Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 drove the changes in Occupational First Aid within the workplace. In outlining the FETAC Level 5 standard he said that the biggest change to the Occupational First Aid Course was the introduction of the Cardiac First Responder unit in the syllabus.
In relation to the FETAC Level 6 Occupational First Aid Instructor standard he emphasised that this was an assessment standard and there was a need to develop a training standard for instructors in the future but that this is in both FETAC’s and the HSA’s plan. He spoke of the role of the HSA in relation to ensuring that employers comply with regulations and that training standards are maintained. Kieran detailed the role of Occupational First Aid Assessment Agent (OFAAA) as being there to assess and monitor training providers on behalf of the HSA. The role of FETAC as the awarding body and their contribution in the setting of the standard was highlighted and discussed. Kieran emphasised the importance of delivering courses whilst fulfilling HSA, OFAAA and PHECC requirements.
The introduction of Asprin in First Aid kits was a topic for discussion and now as it is recommended that 1 x 300mg tablet be held in the kit. Brian Power who did a presentation on behalf of PHECC suggested that the Asprin be held with the AED Machine as it is only needed in Cardiac emergencies. Brian presented the Cardiac First Response Course detailing what materials are required to run a course right down to the completion of the paperwork. He also said that instructors should give adequate time to class practice for participants rather than too much time being spent demonstrating which can minimise practice time. The PHECC Chorus taught everyone how to measure 100 compressions per minute when carrying out CPR. The message of minimising ‘hands off time’ when doing compressions was emphasised, ensuring maximum blood flow to the brain during CPR. Brian highlighted the correct placement of AED pads saying it was ‘the only real skill associated with AED use’.
Both speakers outlined the future for OFA & CFR standards including the Mutual recognition of OFA awards between Ireland and UK and EU.
The next ISHTN seminar will be on 14th May and will focus on changes to Manual Handling standards. Speakers will be from the Health & Safety Authority and FETAC.
In Kieran Sludd’s delivery he outlined how both the Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 drove the changes in Occupational First Aid within the workplace. In outlining the FETAC Level 5 standard he said that the biggest change to the Occupational First Aid Course was the introduction of the Cardiac First Responder unit in the syllabus.
In relation to the FETAC Level 6 Occupational First Aid Instructor standard he emphasised that this was an assessment standard and there was a need to develop a training standard for instructors in the future but that this is in both FETAC’s and the HSA’s plan. He spoke of the role of the HSA in relation to ensuring that employers comply with regulations and that training standards are maintained. Kieran detailed the role of Occupational First Aid Assessment Agent (OFAAA) as being there to assess and monitor training providers on behalf of the HSA. The role of FETAC as the awarding body and their contribution in the setting of the standard was highlighted and discussed. Kieran emphasised the importance of delivering courses whilst fulfilling HSA, OFAAA and PHECC requirements.
The introduction of Asprin in First Aid kits was a topic for discussion and now as it is recommended that 1 x 300mg tablet be held in the kit. Brian Power who did a presentation on behalf of PHECC suggested that the Asprin be held with the AED Machine as it is only needed in Cardiac emergencies. Brian presented the Cardiac First Response Course detailing what materials are required to run a course right down to the completion of the paperwork. He also said that instructors should give adequate time to class practice for participants rather than too much time being spent demonstrating which can minimise practice time. The PHECC Chorus taught everyone how to measure 100 compressions per minute when carrying out CPR. The message of minimising ‘hands off time’ when doing compressions was emphasised, ensuring maximum blood flow to the brain during CPR. Brian highlighted the correct placement of AED pads saying it was ‘the only real skill associated with AED use’.
Both speakers outlined the future for OFA & CFR standards including the Mutual recognition of OFA awards between Ireland and UK and EU.
The next ISHTN seminar will be on 14th May and will focus on changes to Manual Handling standards. Speakers will be from the Health & Safety Authority and FETAC.
Monday, March 23, 2009
FAS Safepass Tender
FÁS are seeking expressions of interest in the development, training, systems implementation, and delivery of the FÁS Safe Pass Programme.
The Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and further details of this tender are available on the etenders website: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/
In order to achieve the objectives set by the Social Partners and the Construction Industry Group, it is important that the FAS Safe Pass Programme is delivered by accredited Safe Pass Tutors to a consistent standard. The delivery of the Programme to this consistent standard will ensure that all workers in Construction will receive the same standard of Health and Safety training and will use this knowledge to improve safety practice on site.
Interested parties must complete a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire from the etenders website and submit the requested additional documentation. Pre-Qualification Questionnaires should be completed in the English language. Responses to the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire will be used in the first step of selecting Service Providers to tender.
Completed Pre-Qualification Questionnaires must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked:
SAFE PASS TUTOR, PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING AND SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION no later than 5.00p.m., Thursday, 2nd April 2009.
The Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and further details of this tender are available on the etenders website: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/
In order to achieve the objectives set by the Social Partners and the Construction Industry Group, it is important that the FAS Safe Pass Programme is delivered by accredited Safe Pass Tutors to a consistent standard. The delivery of the Programme to this consistent standard will ensure that all workers in Construction will receive the same standard of Health and Safety training and will use this knowledge to improve safety practice on site.
Interested parties must complete a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire from the etenders website and submit the requested additional documentation. Pre-Qualification Questionnaires should be completed in the English language. Responses to the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire will be used in the first step of selecting Service Providers to tender.
Completed Pre-Qualification Questionnaires must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked:
SAFE PASS TUTOR, PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING AND SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION no later than 5.00p.m., Thursday, 2nd April 2009.
Monday, March 2, 2009
OFA / CFR Trainer Briefing - March 24th
ISHTN will hold a seminar for trainers involved in the delivery of Occupational First Aid and Cardiac First Response on March 24th in the Citywest Hotel, Citywest, Dublin.
The seminar is being organised to update trainers on current standards and will clarify a number of issues that trainers are faced with during delivery of these courses.
Speakers at the seminar are Mr. Kieran Sludds, Occupational Health & Safety Manager with the HSA and Mr. Brian Power, Programme Development Officer with PHECC, both will outline the vision of the HSA and PHECC for training standards within the industry and answer questions regarding the OFA and CFR programmes.
We would encourage anyone who's currently involved in the delivery of these programmes or anyone considering offering these programmes in the future to attend. If your not directly involved in the delivery, please email our flyer onto any OFA / CFR instructors you know.
Download a flyer, we'd love to see you there.
The seminar is being organised to update trainers on current standards and will clarify a number of issues that trainers are faced with during delivery of these courses.
Speakers at the seminar are Mr. Kieran Sludds, Occupational Health & Safety Manager with the HSA and Mr. Brian Power, Programme Development Officer with PHECC, both will outline the vision of the HSA and PHECC for training standards within the industry and answer questions regarding the OFA and CFR programmes.
We would encourage anyone who's currently involved in the delivery of these programmes or anyone considering offering these programmes in the future to attend. If your not directly involved in the delivery, please email our flyer onto any OFA / CFR instructors you know.
Download a flyer, we'd love to see you there.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Consultation with the HSA.
ISHTN has been asked by the Health & Safety Authority for their assistance relating to the new Manual Handling System currently being developed by the authority.
The new system will comprise of two levels of standards and guidance. These are detailed below:
1. Development of a new Fetac Level 6 Manual Handling Instructor Standard and a new Fetac Level 6 People Handling Instructor Standard.
2. Guidance and advice from the authority regarding standard learning outcomes for the Manual Handling Operatives and People Handling Operatives Courses.
ISHTN have been asked by the authority to identify members who are currently offering a Manual Handling Instructors Course, as these providers will then be contacted shortly by the authority advising them of the new standards.
ISHTN are asking all members who offer the Manual Handling Instructors Course to email safetytrainersnetwork@gmail.com with their full contact details and these details will in turn be passed onto the HSA for their records.
The new system will comprise of two levels of standards and guidance. These are detailed below:
1. Development of a new Fetac Level 6 Manual Handling Instructor Standard and a new Fetac Level 6 People Handling Instructor Standard.
2. Guidance and advice from the authority regarding standard learning outcomes for the Manual Handling Operatives and People Handling Operatives Courses.
ISHTN have been asked by the authority to identify members who are currently offering a Manual Handling Instructors Course, as these providers will then be contacted shortly by the authority advising them of the new standards.
ISHTN are asking all members who offer the Manual Handling Instructors Course to email safetytrainersnetwork@gmail.com with their full contact details and these details will in turn be passed onto the HSA for their records.
ISHTN Welcome!
Welcome to the blog of the Irish Health & Safety Trainers Network. We aim (as our mission statement suggests) to provide practical advice on training issues and assistance to tutors, instructors and trainers of all levels.
Our current members represent a complete cross section of the safety training industry - from first aid to safepass, from fire safety to diggers. If your involved in the safety training industry at any level, then membership is for you.
All our current activities will be posted on this blog, so please click the follow button on the right to keep up to date with changes and developments within your industry.
Our current members represent a complete cross section of the safety training industry - from first aid to safepass, from fire safety to diggers. If your involved in the safety training industry at any level, then membership is for you.
All our current activities will be posted on this blog, so please click the follow button on the right to keep up to date with changes and developments within your industry.
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