179: Laboratory/Practical Training Issue

Definition/Typical Issues

Was there a failure to conduct laboratory/practical training in accordance with the training program design? Were unskilled personnel used to perform the instruction? Was the training inconsistent with desired practice? Did the training fail to reflect the current practice? Was there insufficient laboratory/practical training?

Examples

Example 1

• Practical training on the use of the new computerized maintenance management system was about 15 minutes long. It did not cover key aspects regarding work request closeout that were included in the learning objectives.

Example 2

• The instructor who taught the work request processing system in the computer lab was not familiar with the process used to document as-found conditions during calibration tasks. As a result, the students did not cover this during their training.

Typical Recommendations

• Ensure that training is conducted by qualified instructors.
• Ensure that laboratory/practical training addresses all of the learning objectives.
• Ensure that laboratory/practical training is consistent with the desired practice.
• Ensure that laboratory/practical training is current.
• Practice the emergency action plans.
• Train incident commanders and all emergency response team members on all of the skills needed to effectively and safely mount an emergency response or rescue effort.
• Periodically conduct tabletop exercises or other actions to train managers and other personnel who would help manage the crisis but are not directly involved in the tactical emergency response activities.
• Periodically conduct drills to assess the (1) effectiveness of the plan and (2) state of readiness of the emergency response team.
• Conduct a formal critique using independent, experienced observers.