DATA H&S Training
Essential Workshop Safety Training for D&T Teachers and Technicians
Design and Technology Association Health and Safety Accreditation
The Design and Technology Association (DATA) provides nationally recognised Health and Safety training for teachers and technicians working in school workshops. These courses are designed specifically for educational environments and focus on the safe use of tools, machinery and equipment within Design and Technology departments. Training is delivered by consultants who are registered with the Register of Design and Technology Health and Safety Consultants (RDTHSC), ensuring that courses are taught by individuals with recognised expertise in school workshop safety.
Health and safety training in D&T is not simply good practice – it is essential. Schools have a legal duty to ensure that staff are competent to supervise pupils using tools and machinery. In an environment where pupils may be working with potentially dangerous equipment, staff must understand safe procedures, appropriate supervision and how to manage risk effectively. In today’s increasingly litigious environment, schools must also be able to demonstrate that appropriate training and guidance has been provided to staff.
DATA training helps schools meet these expectations by providing structured guidance on safe workshop practice. The courses cover key areas including safe use of machinery, workshop management, risk assessment, pupil supervision and maintenance checks. The aim is not simply to teach rules, but to develop a practical understanding of how safety fits into everyday teaching and workshop practice.
I can deliver accredited training in the following areas
SCHS – Secondary Core Health & Safety
Core workshop safety training covering risk assessment, safe systems of work, pupil supervision, workshop layout, machine guarding and general safety management within a D&T department.SMHS – Secondary Materials Health & Safety
Safe use of common workshop tools and machines including hand tools, drilling machines, sanding and finishing machines, mortisers, guillotines, grinding machines, polishing machines and power fret saws.SFHS – Secondary Food Health & Safety
Health and safety training for food teaching environments, covering safe working practices, hygiene, food preparation, equipment use, pupil supervision and the management of risk within school food rooms.STHS – Secondary Textiles Health & Safety
Health and safety training for textiles teaching areas, including the safe use of sewing machines, specialist textiles equipment, tools, materials, pupil supervision and safe working routines.Heat Processes & Plastics Processes
Safe use of equipment such as vacuum forming, line bending and other heat-based material processes used in D&T workshops.S1HS – Wood Sawing Machines — coming soon
Safe operation and supervision of band saws, circular saws, panel saws and chop/radial arm saws.S2HS – Centre Lathe / CNC Lathe
Safe setup and operation of metalworking lathes and CNC turning equipment.S4HS – Metal Arc Welding - Coming soon
Safe use of welding processes including MMA, MIG, MAG and TIG welding.S7HS – Wood Turning Lathe
Safe setup and operation of wood turning lathes and supervision of pupils during turning processes.S9HS – Portable Power Tools
Safe use of portable equipment such as drills, sanders, routers, biscuit jointers and portable saws.S10HS – Grinding and Sharpening
Safe use of grinding machines and tool sharpening equipment.
Logistics and Planning
Many schools choose to incorporate DATA training within a broader programme of safety development. When delivered alongside workshop safety audits, equipment maintenance and staff CPD, the training can be tailored to the specific tools, machines and projects used within the department. This allows training to be directly linked to the schemes of work and teaching practices used in your school.
Training can be delivered either on-site at your school or arranged as a course for a group of schools. I primarily work with schools across Hertfordshire, London and the surrounding South East, although travel to other regions can often be arranged depending on availability.
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