§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Employment what training he proposes to give the 133 additional factory inspectors required by 31st July 1976 in order that they may enforce the requirements of the Woodworking Machine Regulations 1974, in particular the regulation concerning noise.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that all factory inspectors 195W recruited to the general branch of the Inspectorate undergo a two-year basic training which includes formal training courses, and field training. Within a few months of joining the Inspectorate a new entrant undertakes a six-month residential training course in the Department of Occupational Safety and Hygiene at the University of Aston in Birmingham, at the end of which he is required to pass examinations for the award of the Diploma. During the course instruction is given in legal requirements enforced by the Factory Inspectorate, including the Woodworking Machinery Regulations 1974. Instruction is also given in the problems of noise in industry and the techniques of measurement and control. This instruction is subsequently followed by practical experience in industrial situations during field training.
Those inspectors who are recruited to the specialist branches of the Inspectorate and who will be involved in the enforcement of the Woodworking Machinery Regulations 1974, will receive individual training, including that from colleagues who are recognised authorities.