Trainers briefed on new manual handling standards

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.