Safe in the knowledge

We’re handing out posters and a handy toolbox-sized version of our safe isolation flowchart to remind apprentices and adult trainees how to protect themselves

David Henderson and Bob Cairney with the new safe isolation poster and cards

Keeping safe isolation front of mind with the next generation of electricians is the latest initiative from the SELECT Technical team.

The association is currently distributing Ten Steps to Safe Isolation posters to all 22 training centres used by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), to be displayed prominently as a reminder of safe working practices.

Smaller durable versions, designed to fit handily into toolboxes, are also being made available to all 2,669 electrical apprentices and adult trainees currently training in Scotland.

Running under the banner ‘Work dead safely: Stay alive’, the first resources were handed over to David Henderson, SECTT Assessment Centre Manager at Cambuslang, on Friday 18 March, by Bob Cairney, SELECT Director of Technical Services.

David said: “These resources will help reinforce the importance of safe isolation for all apprentices and adult trainees and we will be encouraging all learners to include the toolbox cards as part of their day-to-day kit.”

Bob added: “It’s vital that apprentices learn about safe isolation at the start of their career so good practice becomes second nature and helps keeps them and others safe.

Barrie McKay holding a fan of the new leaflets

“We hope these resources will be a constant reminder of the need to work dead safely and stay alive.” The remaining posters and cards will now be distributed to the 21 Approved Centres around Scotland by Barrie McKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT, with the help of SECTT Training Officers.

Barrie said: “We are grateful to SELECT for producing and sharing these essential resources, which should be a central part of every apprentice’s toolbox.”

The cards will also be handed out at SELECT’s upcoming Toolbox Talks in May and June, and posters are also available for Members on request.

If you would like any of the safe isolation posters or toolbox cards for your own apprentices, please email memberservices@select.org.uk