• 5.16.1 Students supervision
• 5.16.2 Instructor requirements
• 5.16.3 Laboratory requirements
• 5.16.4 Safety manual
• 5.16.5. Advisory Committees
  

The following policies have been established by Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) to ensure that best practices for High Risk Instructional Programs are identified and implemented. A High Risk Instructional Program is defined as any credit or noncredit program that puts students in a learning environment that can cause immediate, grievous, and unique bodily harm. This policy applies to all current and future programs that meet this definition.

The following credit and noncredit programs have been identified as high risk instructional programs at VHCC:

• Electrical Technology
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Manufacturing
•  Industrial Maintenance
•  Welding
•  All heavy technology programs

5.16.1 Students supervision

5.16.1.1. Students will be supervised at all times while equipment is in operation during scheduled class or laboratory sessions.

5.16.1.2. If a student needs additional time operating equipment, the instructor must approve the time and be present to supervise.

5.16.1.3. If the instructor must leave the laboratory for any reason, students will stop working and power down equipment. Any exceptions shall be documented and have approval from the dean of the program.

5.16.2 Instructor requirements

5.16.2.1. Instructors will stay current in the discipline and particularly in safety issues relevant to the industry and/or discipline.

5.16.2.2. Instructors will maintain familiarity with all emergency equipment.

5.16.2.3. Instructors will enforce the safety practices in their safety manual and syllabi.

5.16.2.4. Instructors will provide the following in course syllabi: a. Information on and importance of safety b. A listing of all safety equipment

5.16.2.5. Instructors will provide opportunity to address safety in instructor evaluation forms.

5.16.3 Laboratory requirements

5.16.3.1. Laboratories will be maintained in a clean and organized manner at all times.

5.16.3.2. Documentation of equipment inspections for all laboratory equipment will be maintained. 5.16.3.3 Safety signage will be properly displayed in all laboratories.

 5.16.4 Safety manual

5.16.4.1. For each program, the program coordinator and dean will develop and maintain a written manual related to safety in laboratories to include:

1.  Procedures regarding personal projects in labs

2. Rules for classroom and lab behavior

3.  Requirements that students:

   1. Be provided emergency training and awareness in classes

   2. Pass a safety test before working in labs

5.16.4.2. An updated copy of the safety manual will be provided to students and Campus Police.

5.16.5. Advisory Committees

Curriculum Advisory Committees will be actively involved in discussions of safety-related topics in for high-risk instructional programs. Committees will discuss current and emerging safety issues relevant to the industry and/or discipline. Discussions will be documented in the meeting minutes.