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.