Safety: sequence of events
In a laboratory environment, proper "pre-lab" student training and preparation is absolutly essential.
I am in this same situation. I teach a class that extensively uses vehicle lifts, yet the 2 classes that teach them how to properly use the lifts are NOT prerequisites to mine. Unfortunately, with most classes I have to put the students into a lab group that has experienced lift operators in it to get them some peer tutoring on usage. If time allows, I'll always walk them through proper usage but it isn't even part of the curriculum.
Lino ,
An oral quiz in the lab prior to starting any task could further reinforce safety.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
In order for our students to get to the classrooms, the students must to walk through the lab. So I initially on the very first day assign them a twenty question shop safety qiuz. We review the answers and I encourage them to ask other general safety questions. After the quiz we tour the shop and I do hands on demonstations on the shop tools and equipment. But it doesn't end there. As the lab class evolves it is crucial that the instructors and lab technicians remain vigilant in the saftey process, and in ensuring the students are following the safety rules.
Margaret,
The on-lookers comments/discussion is invaluable. Thank you for your post.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
In the classroom setting, prior to entering the lab, the phlebotomy "sequence of events" was read, outlined, homework assignments, class discussions, and a quiz and tests was given. The students who passed all of the above were allowed to go into the lab to practice. They assembled their phlebotomy tray with the items they were going to use. They practiced on the "arm", named "Mrs Armstrong" and I was the patient sitting in the lab chair. I held a check off list, and as the student recited the steps in sequence aloud, I would check it off. Other students were in the lab, as observers only, due to concentration. Afterwards, the on-lookers were allowed to discuss what the student did correctly and incorrectly. Participation from the other students triggered positive class interaction and each became more excited for their turn. This proved to be an acceptable way to teach safety while correctly learning the sequence of events of Phlebotomy.
David,
Thank you for your reply. I am willing to guess that most of the safety violations that lead to a warning are due to carelessness. The warning helps the student to refocus.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Generally on the first occurrence, it is a warning, second time is a reduction in grade, third time is dismissal from lab for a time, usually 10 minutes, any further incidents the student has to see an administrator for further actions, this rarely goes beyond the warning stage. Students are told about this policy on day one of the course and of course reaffirmed during the reduction of grade
David,
There are always those students that may seek a shortcut and not pay full attention to safety. Your diligence is what keeps them from severe harm. If you have a policy that restricts the student from "hands-on" due to not following proper safety that might help if they see a consequence that keeps them away from the lab.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I walk and talk the students through safety during an introduction to the class and then (to a lesser degree) throughout each lecture after that, covering items specific to that area. What has always amazed me is that through all of this I still find students doing stupid things trying to hurt themselves or other students, either due to inattention or carelessness
Ryan,
Waling/talking the student through all the safety issues prior to attempting the task is a big part of the learning process. This applies to any field where safety is an issue.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I agree with this, there is no point in training a student how to do a task with out having safety training before hand. I would hate to see a student of mine put a car on the rack and it falls off. This is a huge safety concern. The only way to do this task safely is talk about what can go wrong and show how to do it correctly. This is only one example of how I train students in the automotive field.
Marian,
While I know it does not assure the students will always act safely are students required to earn their ServSafe certification in the first course?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I'm a culinary instructor and it seems like we never have enough time or opportunity to properly train students to use kitchen equipment. Their first class is safety and sanitation in a classroom setting. And then they enter the lab and learn how to use equipment as they go. The school started a policy that instructors must have all their students sign a list of equipment stating they understand how to use it. But understanding and really knowing how to use the equipment doesn't happen until they have to physically use it.
I absolutely agree. We have sewing labs and the students work with industrial machines and irons. In the first classes we show them how to thread and how to trouble shoot if the machine does not work properly.
We are still working on to get testing done with a certification so we know each student uses the machines properly.
I absolutely agree. We have sewing labs and the students work with industrial machines and irons. In the first classes we show them how to thread and how to trouble shoot if the machine does not work properly.
We are still working on to get testing done with a certification so we know each student uses the machines properly.
William,
Thank you for your reply.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
At this time there is no standardized pre-test. It is the responsibility of the instructor to properly prepair the students regarding proper lab conduct and how to work on the equipment.
William,
Are students required to "pass" the pre-lab training before they can proceed?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
