QUB Students Learn from Engineering Disasters

Description

QUB students learn from engineering disasters

1st and 2nd Year Civil Engineering students in the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen’s University, Belfast (QUB) participated in a Disasters and Hazards Exercise on 13-15th December, sponsored by Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Ltd. The event, which has been running for over 22 years, is used to examine engineering disasters; identify hazards; and determine technical and human causes. Impacts on civil engineer-ing practice are also examined, so that students learn to appreciate the responsi-bilities of engineers.
Over 3 days the students were placed into groups and investigated 3 disasters and their associated hazards. During the first and second day, student groups were advised during consultation ses-sions with engineering faculty, external practising engineers, health and safety professionals in the engineering and construction industry, and a representative from the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) who all brought a wealth of experience to the exercise. These meetings ensured that the students understood the importance of their findings and helped them focus on the activity.
External professionals and engineers helping with the exercise this year were Eddie McVeigh (professional engineering associate), Ken Logan (HSENI), David Sloan (retired QUB Civil Engineering lecturer), David Logan (Belfast City Council), Simon Wells (AECOM), and Samuel Donaldson (AECOM).
On the last day, the students gave group presentations and prizes were awarded to the best groups and best individual speakers. The coordination of the event was led by Dr Debra Phillips.