The person setting up a course, such as a training coordinator, is responsible for arranging for a trainer, advertising the class to participating personnel and arranging an appropriate venue. If possible, the coordinator and the trainer should find out ahead of time if there are any specific safety considerations to take into account when preparing for the course. The coordinator or trainer should speak with the building coordinator and review the venue's evacuation plan before the class is held. Emergency preparedness information must be passed onto the trainer from the coordinator if the trainer is not collecting this information himself.
The training room must be set up in an appropriate configuration for the course. All projection and electronic equipment needs to be placed so that cords are secured and do not present a trip hazard. Commercial cord covers are available to prevent trips and falls. All equipment should be in good working order and not present a fire hazard. A trainer should also know the location of safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, and how to use them if needed. Safety equipment may not be available in the room but may be located nearby. The trainer must be familiar with any exits and evacuation routes, as well as any designated locations where people will meet if they have to evacuate a building.
It is important that everyone attending a course sign a sign-in sheet or class role at the start of the class. In the event that the room or building must be evacuated, a completed sign in sheet will provide a listing of who was in the room before the evacuation and will help account for those individuals during the emergency. The trainer must relate any general safety information to students at the beginning of the class. This information should include where the closest exits are in case of an evacuation. The trainer should address the rights and needs of the disabled by telling students that if they need the course in another format to meet ADA requirements or need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated to let her or the training coordinator know at the student's discretion. More information about addressing ADA requirements is available from the ADA's website.
The trainer must find out any specific policies concerning emergencies held by the administrators of the location where the course is being held, as well as the company or organization sponsoring the course. Not every company will want an individual to call emergency services directly in the event of an emergency. For example, a hospital already has the medical equipment needed in case of a person who experiencing a medical emergency at the hospital. Calling emergency services will result in an ambulance being sent to the site, which is inappropriate if it is a hospital. Other sites may have security issues that will affect how emergency services are contacted. The trainer needs to be aware of any such policies when teaching courses at specific venues, as well as any phone numbers to call in case of an emergency.
The trainer must also take into consideration his own safety when leading a course. The trainer must practice safe lifting techniques when handling heavy equipment and moving desks and tables. In addition, equipment must be in good working order for the trainer to use in demonstrations. Ultimately, the trainer must present safe working habits when he teaches others so safety principles will be passed on to students as well as the lessons he is providing.