A consideration of two models of health and safety training for undergraduate chemists

Abstract

An initial pilot evaluation is presented of students’ awareness of health and safety training provision, and a comparison of two models of health and safety training after a curriculum redesign. The old model focussed on students generating their own COSHH with highly variable approaches to checking understanding across our curriculum. The new model shifted the focus more on student understanding with a more harmonious approach using research-standard safety documentation and assessment processes. The new system has elements of research-connected teaching and authenticity with students finding the research-standard materials accessible. In terms of preparedness, each model has its benefits and some suggestions for future practice are presented.