Training

The University has made available online Health and Safety training for all staff. The purpose of this training is to ensure that the University provides Health and Safety information (as mandated by the law) and also to help prevent and reduce injuries and cases of ill health.

The training is provided by Awaken and there are a number of mandatory and optional modules. The modules available are listed in the table below.

• Once you have received the welcome email you can access your modules at https://abdn.awaken-be.com.
• View resources from the mandatory modules.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Managing Safely course is open to all School and Directorate Safety Advisers, and to others who may find it useful. Feedback from previous courses -

• Really enjoyed it, thank you. Responsive trainer who was happy to discuss any areas of concern
• Good presentation of the material making it more engaging than slides and workbook on their own
• I enjoyed that there was room for discussion which kept the course engaging
• Allan took topics from this course and found ways to make them specifically relevant to the attendees
• Case studies were very interesting, was also interesting to hear experiences of other delegates

The course is suitable for both newly appointed safety advisers and for those who have been in the role for some time as well as those who may find it useful for their role. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop an understanding of health and safety management.

The course leads to a nationally recognised certificate for those who successfully complete the course and the assessments. The course will be delivered at the University by the Health and Safety team, who are licensed by IOSH to deliver the course.

The course lasts 3 days, either consecutively or split over three weeks and includes topics such as:

• Understanding hazards
• Assessing and controlling risks
• Investigating incidents
• Understanding responsibilities

The course assessments consists of a multi-format exam on the last day and the completion of a risk assessment project within 2 weeks of the course finishing.

IOSH  is Europe's leading professional body for health and safety practitioners. Their Managing Safely course is a very practical course which:

1. Establishes an understanding of the causes of accidents and ill health in the workplace;
2. Explains the principles involved in the successful management of health and safety;
3. Provides a practical understanding of current health and safety legislation;
4. Highlights the practical measures and techniques needed to manage health and safety effectively on a day to day basis.

Health and Safety aim to run the Managing Safely courses several times a year. If you wish to attend future Managing Safely courses, please contact healthandsafety@abdn.ac.uk. If you want further information about the course or wish to discuss the suitability of it for you, please contact Allan Petrie.

This course teaches attendees how to carry out a computer workstation assessment. This includes understanding the guidance and legislation behind the DSE regulations assessments and understanding the risks associated with the use of computer workstations.

The course will consist of presentation and discussions about hazards associated with using workstations, the optimal set up for workstation to minimise these hazards and tips for assessing a workstation.

There are no courses currently arranged, however please contact Health and Safety for further information.

Fire Training 

BeOnline Fire Safety Awareness (mandatory)

This training provides basic fire awareness to all staff. It is a mandatory online module for new staff and staff requiring refresher training.

It provides all staff with a basic knowledge and understanding of:

• What is fire, smoke and heat
• The fire triangle
• Prevention measures
• What to do in event of fire
• How to raise the alarm
• How to make your escape
• What types of extinguishers can be used

BeOnline Fire Warden

This training provides nominated staff to act as Fire Wardens (also known as floor checkers). This is an online module and provides University of Aberdeen staff with a more comprehensive knowledge of fire safety, which includes:

• Hazard spotting
• Basic legislation requirements
• How to fully check and clear the areas they are responsible for
• What information they need to inform the Fire Marshall

Fire Marshall (to be developed)

Many buildings have these in place; there is currently no specific training package

Practical Fire Extinguisher Course

This is a 90 minute session with a basic technical input and practical ue of fire extinguishers on real fires. It includes:

• Safety when using extinguishers
• What type of extinguishers to use on what type of fire
• How to identify the type
• How to operate the different types

This course is offered to nominated staff and is booked via the University of Aberdeen  online course booking system, once dates have been identified.

If you have staff that require this training and would like to be added to a waiting list, please contact the Fire Safety Adviser (william.tocher@abdn.ac.uk).

Evacuation Lift Training

This training is offered to nominated staff who normally work in a building with an evacuation lift. It is aimed at providing lift operators with a full understanding of how to take control and operate an evacuation lift. The training offers participants the opportunity to operate the lift with the fire alarm in fire mode, although silenced. Training is in person and can be booked directly via the Fire Safety Adviser (william.tocher@abdn.ac.uk).

Evacuation Chair Training

Training is for nominted staff who work in a building with evacuation chairs sited in Termporary Waiting Spaces. The training provides full understanding of how to operate an evacuation chair, including:

• The preparation of the chair
• The transfer of a person
• The balancing of the chair
• How to operate in 2-wheel position
• How to operate in 4-wheel position
• How to escape

Training is in person and can be booked directly via the Fire Safety Adviser (william.tocher@abdn.ac.uk).

Disabled Communication System Training

This training is done in person for buildings that have Temporary Waiting Spaces (also known as refuses) for physically impaired persons. These are the ones with communication systems fitted. This sytem allows a person in need of assistance with evacuation to summon help. There are green boxes in the Temporary Waiting Spaces that communicate directly with a panel and phone located at the fire panel. This training is offered in conjunction with Evacuation Lift or Chair training and can be booked directly by emailing the Fire Safety Adviser (william.tocher@abdn.ac.uk)

The Health and Safety team arranges first aid training to provide first aid cover in the event of accidents that arise during University activities on campus. Health and Safety do not provide specialised first aid training, however we can assist in sourcing training providers, for example, outdoor/fieldwork first aid training.

There are a set of expected duties of appointed first aiders, which can be found here. First aid training is provided on a risk based approach. This takes into consideration the number of occupiers and the activities conducted within buildings. For further information on first aid training or on first aid cover, please contact Health, Safety and Resilience

For further information regarding First Aid visit our Resources section.

Defibrillator training is available for First Aiders. The training is provided in-house at the Clinical Skills Centre, Suttie Building, Foresterhill by Jerry Morse. Those interested should check the Course booking page or contact Health, Safety and Resilience

For further information regarding defibrillators on campus visit our Resources section.