Generally speaking, the issues relating to the physical environment will need to be dealt with in advance of the training session. Below are some points to consider when you're working out the physical arrangements for an upcoming session.

Number of participants and size of the location

If you only have one learner, your needs will probably be simple. But if you have a large group, you'll have to make sure that the training area is big enough, especially if you're planning to use a lunch room or office.

For outside training, such as on the factory floor or in a warehouse, you'll need to check that there's going to be enough room for everyone to stand around safely without getting in the way of other workers. This is particularly the case if there is mobile machinery or vehicles in the area.

Availability of the location

Lots of trainers have had the unfortunate experience of arriving at the training room only to find it has been double booked, or taking trainees out to a machine and finding it's already in use or being serviced. Always confirm in advance the availability of training areas and equipment with the people in charge of them.

Surrounding noise

If you're planning to carry out training in a production area, you need to take into account the noise from nearby machines or vehicles, and the fact that your learners are likely to be wearing hearing protection.

Some ways of dealing with noisy areas are:

• introduce the subject and discuss the details in a training room before you go into the production area
  
  
• arrange to do the practical training outside of normal work hours, when the workplace is quieter
  
  
• if the equipment and materials you need to use can be relocated easily, move them to a quieter area of the worksite.

Lighting

When you're training at odd hours or in a dark corner of a workplace, lighting may be an issue. Always think this through in advance, because you may need to have portable floodlights on hand, or an alternative area to go to after sunset.

Facilities

Depending on the type of training you're doing and the number of people involved, you may need to check on the availability of such facilities as:

• power points and extension leads
  
  
• white board
  
  
• table and chairs for all participants
  
  
• data projector, and a screen or clear wall area to project the image on
  
  
• nearby toilets.

WHS requirements

As the trainer, it's your responsibility to ensure that everyone under your supervision is complying with the company's safety policies and procedures, in addition to any WHS laws or regulations that might apply. We'll talk more about these in the next chapter.