Big response from industrial arts teachers

A revised Equipment Safety in Schools package is to be issued after industrial arts teachers expressed concern. KEN FORD reports.

Industrial arts teachers in more than 40 per cent of high schools provided detailed responses to the Department of Education and Training's (DET's) Equipment Safety in Schools consultation package for Technical and Applied Studies. The responses have been transcribed into more than 3000 comments regarding the advice in the package.

Many responses acknowledged the need for guidance in terms of risk assessment and management. There was criticism of DET's inadequate training and resources. A large number of teachers expressed concern over restrictions placed on the usage of some equipment which would impact on the delivery of the curriculum and student outcomes.

This process was undertaken as a result of the Federation's intervention to ensure that the DET undertook appropriate consultation in line with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulation.

At a meeting held in October, DET officers gave an undertaking that there would be a further review of the package based on advice received from teachers. This review process may result in some changes in relation to the access of some student cohorts to particular items of equipment. It may also permit limited use of some equipment which had been designated as prohibited. This will require stringent controls.

Federation has been advised by DET that the revised Equipment Safety in Schools package for Technical and Applies Studies will be forwarded to schools in 2004. If significant concerns remain, Federation will continue to pursue the requirement of the employer to consult on these matters. Federation advises against members undertaking their own risk assessment without DET authorisation.

Congratulations to all the industrial arts teachers who participated in the process to improve the package.

Ken Ford is a Relief Officer.

For further information

November 2003 contents