- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) places an onus on employers to ensure that those employees using wood working and metal working machines and equipment have access to competence based training. The STEM Technical Team within the Education Directorate is responsible for providing this training to Technology and Design teachers and technicians. This training involves opportunities for initial and refresher training in the use of various technology and design equipment.
- BS 4163:2021+A1:2022, Health and Safety for Design and Technology in educational and similar establishments, code of practice (paragraph 4.6) states that the refresher training should be undertaken for machines during a five-year period; Centre Lathe, Pedestal Drill, Milling Machine, Gas welding, Electric Welding and Abrasive Wheels. It is worth noting that in Northern Ireland case law has established that training for Circular Saw and Bandsaw should be refreshed every three years given the high-risk nature of these specific machines. BS4163:2021+A1:2022 also states that “all health and safety training should be recorded and updated as part of professional good practice”; this good practice in recording is expected of each school Technology and Design Department.
- Department of Education Circular 2007/22 sets out the qualifications for teachers in NI and in Annex A the additional specialist qualification to teach Technology and Design. As a result those teachers who have an initial teacher qualification through a Post Graduate Certificate of Education must also ensure that they have a qualification in Workshop Competency (accredited by City and Guilds or Open College Network NI). The STEM Technical team provide this 210 hour course on request of DE to schools and Ulster University.
- The Education Authority affords membership to Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services (CLEAPSS) for schools in NI; Special, Primary and Post-Primary, for access to a range of H&S advice, resources and guidance. As well as Technology and Design please note that CLEAPSS advice and resources cover Science, Home Economics and Art. Please note, each member of staff will need to have set up an individual login to access CLEAPSS services, contact the CLEAPSS lead within your school or CLEAPSS if required.
The mandatory Health and Safety training is currently offered at two EA centres, Clounagh and Omagh, which are fully equipped with Technology & Design manufacturing suites to allow teachers to develop and refresh key skills.
For further information please contact [email protected]