Design-build experiences (DBEs) are an essential element of any programme based on the CDIO methodology. They enable students to develop practical hands-on skills, they enable the learning of theory by stealth and they provide a forum for developing professional skills such as team working and project management. The hands-on aspect of certain DBEs has significant risk associated with it which must be addressed through the formal evaluation of risks and the development of a methodology for controlling risks.
This paper considers the aspects of design-build experiences that may impact on student safety. In particular, it examines the risk associated with each of the four stages of CDIO and gives examples of risks which may commonly apply across engineering disciplines. Two particular aspects of DBEs, operating off-campus and high-risk DBEs, are also discussed. A system for assessing and controlling the risks in any particular DBE is presented and the paper finishes by discussing the significance of health of safety in the educational environment.
2nd International CDIO Conference, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden, 13 – 14 June 2006