(1) Wastes materials are dealt with in accordance with college’s policy and procedure whilst meeting local and national Health and Safety requirements (legislation/law)

(2) Personal protection equipment(PPE)is really strict. All protective equipment is provided by the college in line with Health and Safety legislation.

(Note: Eye cleaning station and First Aid are in support and does not replace a doctor or visit to the hospital)

(3) Tools for recycling waste oil further support legislation in relation to Health and Safety and should be recycled systematically. In the training, there is tool called oil drainer with a handle and small opening and the oil could flow out conveniently. In China, it is just a basin without any sound details.

(4) Equipment for cleaning is well prepared. Dirt or impurities will fall off each time when knocking on the chassis. There are special zones for brooms and mops, which will motivate people to clean the workshop. All tools and equipment should be stored correctly and in their preferred location.

Equipment for exhaust emission (exhaust gases) is neglected. It is only needed when the engine is started. This equipment is connected to the exhaust pipe and redirects the exhaust gases away from an enclosed area, (exhaust gases are poisonous and bad for the environment). In the UK this equipment conforms to legislation and removes the gases via extraction. The trainees are required to use it every time when they start the vehicle which is up the required standard.

(5) Storage and battery management is very careful. There are requirements for dealing with the correct storage of batteries in a well ventilated area. All the abandoned batteries are recycled in a regulated area. There is working benches specially made of rubber for insulation. Good batteries should be charged independently and adjust to the correct time in case of damage or explosion which may have pollution of the environmental issues.

(6) Equipment for fire protection is complete. There are 4 different types of fire-extinguisher Foam, Water, Powder and Carbon Dioxide (CO2), these are designed to deal with different types of fire, see below:

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(1) The assessors pay attention to details. IMI assessment places a priority on Health and Safety of the individual throughout their assessment and cares very much. For example, a big shout (CLEAR!) before using the vehicle lifts / ramps to warn other people in the vicinity of this dangerous piece of equipment being used.

Another good example of Health and Safety is to wear a hard hat and goggles whilst working under the vehicle, which is often ignored in China. Teachers usually don’t wear it when using the vehicle lift / ramp. It is considered not careful enough when they teach the students. If it could be cared, the passing rate would be higher. Besides personal experience, internet is useful. Suppose there is an assessment of chassis tomorrow, the candidates could collect information about the possible faults and have a discussion first for better diagnosis.

(2) The IMI has a high standard with a quality provision whilst adhering to the manufacturers specifications and technical data. For example, there is standard torque for nuts and bolts, this must be used in accordance and reflect real working practice.

(3) The candidates carryout assessments, reflecting real working practice, with real faults placed on the vehicle that represent a possible genuine customer fault.

Part of the IMI training is how to use the tools intelligently, correctly and for the correct purpose. It will make the job easier by using it smartly. The tool kit should be allocated in the same side when working on one side of the car. Details should be paid, like turn the torque wrench to zero after using it. Turn the steering a little bit outwards so there is more space when removing the brake disc. If it is too difficult to remove the bolt on the bottom, deal with the upper one first to make room for clearance. Try to think out of the box and break the mindset to remove the attaching parts. Put the frequently-used tools on the kit instead of wasting time in fetching them again and again. Push the torque wrench from top-down, not from bottom-up to save energy and take care of your back.

(4) Stay calm and be relaxed during the assessment process. In some cases, when the fault is complicated and it is possible to go astray. Keep calm and analyze the cause, and eliminate all the possible causes. The assessors of IMI are very friendly, while the assessors in China are high above. It is not easy to form an equal relationship. However, the candidates can discuss with the IMI assessor during the process, yet it will be serious arguing with the assessor in China.

(5) Make it real when setting the fault. The content of the IMI assessment is closer to the actual life. The type of the vehicle will change, too. In this case, the assessor of IMI is very positive about the diagnosis of the candidates. They will provide some enlightening indication in resolving the tension of the candidates. Faults that IMI set are reasonably common, more close to the actual fault that will occur, while the faults are very tricky in the competition of China.

(6) The IMI assessment focus on the process while we focus more on the result. Due to the different situation of the two countries, both have advantages and disadvantages. In China, the assessment is one-time procedure. The candidates have to complete all the items within one day. It is a great pressure for the candidates because the assessor is not only an invigilator, but also like a policeman. The candidates have to go through all the IMI’s assessment and make appointments with the assessor for each assignment. If one assignment is referred, the candidates can’t go to the next one. The characteristic of IMI is that the assessor is more like a mentor and a guide. He or she has the judgment. If it is up to IMI standard, it will be a pass. In China, we pay more attention to the knowledge. IMI is step by step.

(7) The assignment is displayed well in the task sheets. The assignment is very close to the assessment. By writing down the task sheets, a candidate can complete a practical task equivalently. Finishing the assignment is equal to completing an essay.

(1) Safety is priority. The assessors should be familiar with all the items and make sure the safety when the candidates operate in the workshop. If they put the tools freely, the assessor should realize that and remind them. The assessor should take sample. When the candidates do the wrong things, the assessor should take photos and display it in summary so as to reinforce the impression.

(2) Validation of the assessment must meet the IMI criteria and standards; this is confirmed by the assessors signature. In many places within China, stamp is related to qualification. However, IMI approves by signature. If it is up to the standard, the assessor makes the judgment there and then.

There is supervisor above the assessor an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA). The IQA will schedule a visit twice a year. The first one is a formative assessment checking the assessor’s decisions and associated documentation, half way through the program. The second one is at the end a summative assessment, again checking assessor’s work and associated documentation. At the same time, the IQA assesses the assessor who assesses the candidates. The IQA monitors the assessor and candidate’s progress and work. This is to ensure that the IMI standards and criteria are met and maintained with a quality provision and demonstrating best practice. If the candidates fail, the assessor should take responsibility and plan and schedule a new assessment.