Friday, 13 March 2015

Optimising the safety context of the classroom workshop

I have dedicated this issue of the blog to
On the premise that it is something that technology teachers both consider in our practice and yet constantly struggle to create a successful, sustainable approach.

There is a shift in responsibility for health and safety as the New Zealand legislation is being reviewed and an added component is around the expectation that the PCBU (Person conducting business) in the role of the school this would be the principal would:
http://legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2014/0192/latest/whole.html#DLM5976923


But the relative context of the classroom throws out the norms of what is considered good practice from industry, as our clientele are often not reasoning adults, there are no mandated controls (only guidelines)  and there is often overcrowding within the working space. http://technology.tki.org.nz/Technology-in-the-NZC/Safety-in-Technology-Education


In the interest of using inovative technological approaches to learning. I have shared a link to a basic youtube video demonstrating safety requirements in a workshop.

A big thank you to Steve Clark from Kerikeri high school who has shared his workshop safety checks and unit planning risk assessment sheets for others to peer review on the northern technology cluster VLN site. 

The purpose of the safety review at Kerikeri high school was in Steve's words to "Simulate a real life workshop experience for students, to prepare them for the workplace." while these documents are being trialled and reviewed to streamline the operation I am sure he would welcome some constructive feedback from colleagues. http://www.vln.school.nz/resources/view/918581/steves-safety-resources

In order to view these resources you will need to join the VLN and then the group if you havent already.

In response to first publishing this blog I have been sent some further resources focusing on textiles/materials technology from Natasha Bagley at Selwyn college, which I have also shared via the VLN. www.vln.school.nz/resources/view/918616/natasha-bagley-selwyn-college-soft-materials-safety-resources

It is a really positive sign that so many are willing to share through this space. If anyone has some examples of Health and safety protocols in a food or biotech room I would appreciate having a complete set.


 To finish off, I thought I would share a bit of humour. while visiting a school this week and passing through a year 12 BCT (Building & Carpentry trade class) I asked one of the four females present why she had choosen the class, her answer put me in my place by challanging my preconcieved assumptions! 

"I choose this class to surround myself with boys and male ego's so that when I join the Army next year as a rifleman (woman) I will be able to cope with all the crap they give me, as I dont have any brothers at home!"





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