ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
2009/2010

MENSWEAR NAME

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
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CONTENTS WELCOME 5 CHS DISSERTATION: FIRST TEXT 17
MA COURSE DESCRIPTION 5 INTERIM EXAMINATION REFERRAL 17
THE COURSE BACKGROUND 5 APPEALS 18
COURSE PHILOSOPHY 6 FINAL EXAMINATION 18
COURSE AIMS 6 DISSERTATION 18
COURSE OBJECTIVES 6 MEMBERSHIP OF THE EXAMINATION BOARD 18
COURSE STRUCTURE 7 EXAMINATION PROCEDURE 18
YEAR ONE 7 FINAL EXAMINATION BOARD: RETRIEVAL OF FAILURE 18

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YEAR TWO 8 APPEALS 19
MA COURSE CURRICULUM 9 MPhil/PhD PROGRAMME 19
CORE SUBJECTS 9 EXHIBITING YOUR WORK 19
INDUCTION COURSE 9 WORK IN PROGRESS EXHIBITION 19
FIBRES, FABRICS AND SOURCING LECTURES 9 THE SHOW 20
DYE LECTURES 10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 20
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 10 DEPARTMENTAL MONITORING AND FEEDBACK 20
COMPUTER WORKSHOPS 10 SCHOOL MEETING STRUCTURE 20
VISITING SPEAKER PROGRAMME 10 SCHOOL FORUM 20
GROUP SEMINARS 11 SCHOOL MEETINGS 21
CRITICAL AND HISTORICAL STUDIES 11 DEPARTMENT MEETINGS 21
SPECIALIST SUBJECTS 12 DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW MEETINGS 21
PRE-ENTRY PROJECT 12 STUDENT DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW MEETINGS 21
INTRODUCTORY PERSONAL PROJECT 12 COURSE FORUM 21
PATTERN CUTTING AND FITTING 12 STUDENT FEEDBACK 22
TECHNICAL COURSE (MENSWEAR) 12 DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW 22
TECHNICAL COURSE (MILLINERY) 12 VALIDATION EVENTS 22
TECHNICAL COURSE (ACCESSORIES) 12 OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION 23
TECHNICAL COURSE (FOOTWEAR) 13 SCHOOL MANAGEMENT 23
TECHNICAL COURSE (KNITWEAR) 13 STAFF CONTACTS 24
DESIGN AND PRESENTATION 13 TERM DATES 25
EXTERNAL PROJECTS 13 STAFF OFFICES 25
PERSONAL RESEARCH 13 MATERIALS 25
RCA ETHICS CHECKLIST 14 SCHOLARSHIPS/AWARDS/PRIZES 26
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES 14 COURSE EQUIPMENT 26
TUTORIALS 15 TELEPHONE/FAX/PHOTOCOPIER 26
WORK REVIEWS 15 SAFETY 26
CRITIQUES AND PRESENTATION 15 SMOKING 26
WORK EXPERIENCE 16 FIRE 26
MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS 16 THEFT 27
PERSONAL TUTORS 16 APPENDIX 28
ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATIONS 16 HEALTH AND SAFETY 28
COLLEGE-WIDE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 16
INTERIM EXAMINATION 16
MEMBERSHIP OF THE INTERIM EXAMINATION BOARD 17
INTERIM ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE 17
 WELCOME
It is our intention that you find your time at the College stimulating and rewarding.
This Handbook is designed to guide you through the Menswear course curriculum;
its philosophy, structure, teaching and learning methods, your personal progress and
the assessment process. We strongly recommend that you read it in conjunction with
the College-wide Handbook and the Regulations. If you would like clarification
successful businesses. Recent graduates include Carolyn Massey, David Long and
Katie Eary, and founding members of London’s new generation of young menswear
designers
COURSE PHILOSOPHY
The RCA Menswear course is the only practice-based postgraduate course in the
world that teaches menswear as a discipline. Its design ethos is a combination of
creative expression, technical excellence and high professional standards. Its

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regarding any of this information refer to your Personal Tutor or Head of Department.
strength is based upon a fearless approach to investigating and questioning the
The courses within the School of Fashion and Textiles are: boundaries of menswear. We believe that the core of innovation is based on the
WOMENSWEAR investigation and development of personal vision and inspiration, and that bringing
with Specialisms in: this into a valid context offers a position of confidence which enables our graduates
Accessory Design to direct an influential career path within the fashion industry.
Footwear
COURSE AIMS
Knitwear
Millinery • To provide a stimulating learning environment that enables the development of
creative, intellectual and critical potential
MENSWEAR
• To encourage new perceptions and innovative work
with Specialisms in:
• To direct and encourage the understanding of research and its application to
Accessory Design
design
Footwear
• To equip designers with an advanced technical knowledge of the specialist skills
Knitwear
and techniques required to translate their ideas into product
Millinery
• To develop students’ ability to communicate their ideas coherently and
TEXTILES intelligently
with Specialisms in: • To promote understanding and involvement with industry and design technology
Knitted Textiles • To develop students’ understanding of the cultural, sociological and economic
Mixed Media Textiles context of menswear
Printed Textiles
Woven Textiles COURSE OBJECTIVES

RESEARCH On completion of the course you will have:

All Departments recruit MPhil and PhD student
MA COURSE DESCRIPTION
THE COURSE BACKGROUND
The course maintains a close relationship with industry and has built an excellent
international reputation. RCA Menswear graduates are working in the world’s leading
fashion houses and corporations, including McQueen, Galliano, Dior, Vivienne
Westwood, Dries Van Noten, Gucci, Ferre, Ralph Lauren, John Varvatos, All Saints,
Nike, Umbro, Abercrombie and Fitch, Topman, and Adidas. Others, including Neil
Barrett, Charlie Allen, Aitor Throup and Marcus Wilmont, have established their own
• Advanced the discipline of menswear through your personal research
• A clear approach to your personal research and its potential
• Consolidated your identity and positioning within the fashion design industry
• Advanced design and technical skills acquired through experimentation and
research
• A high level of professionalism in terms of design, production of work and
communication
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Confidence in your ability to engage in written and verbal critical analysis
• The ability to influence and challenge the aesthetic, cultural and corporate
values of contemporary menswear
• Benefited intellectually and creatively from your involvement in the postgraduate
culture of the College.

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 COURSE STRUCTURE Professional Practice
Computer workshops
You will focus on Menswear or one of the Specialisms. Certain subjects are common
Seminars
to Menswear and Specialism students, including Critical and Historical Studies,
Contextual lectures
Seminars and Professional Practice. Your time will be allocated appropriately to the
Course-related visits
work you are undertaking and focused within the chosen Specialism. The course
Work Reviews
includes:
Tutorials
Personal research and design development Projects critiques

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A structured project programme Portfolio development
A specific technical programme
A lecture programme common to the School YEAR TWO
Prior to enrolment 4 weeks Dissertation preparation/work experience
YEAR ONE
Project/Personal research
Prior to enrolment 4 weeks Pre-entry project/Personal research
Autumn Term 12 weeks Taught programme
Autumn Term 12 weeks Taught programme
Christmas Vacation 1 week Open studios/Project/Personal research
Christmas Vacation 1 week Open studios/Project/Personal research
Spring Term 11 weeks Taught programme
Spring Term 11 weeks Taught programme
Easter Vacation 1.5 weeks Open studios/Project/Personal research
Easter Vacation 1.5 weeks Open studios/Project/Personal research
Summer Term 11 weeks Taught programme
Summer Term 11 weeks Taught programme
Summer Vacation 4.5 weeks Open studios/Independent practice
Summer Vacation 4.5 weeks Open studios / Work experience/Project/
Personal research/Dissertation preparation AUTUMN TERM SPRING TERM SUMMER TERM
Pre-Collection Work in Progress Exhibition Final Collection
AUTUMN TERM SPRING TERM SUMMER TERM
External Projects Final Collection Portfolio workshops
Induction Programme Work in Progress Exhibition Interim Exam Design Development Design Development & Presentation Final Examination
Personal Project Tailoring Project Personal Project Clothing in Context Specialist Technical processes Fashion Show
Group Seminars External Projects External Projects Group Seminars Fittings Show Part 2
Specialism Technical Course Drawing / illustration Fashion Show Professional Practice External Projects
Design & Presentation Design & Presentation Dissertation preparation Group Seminars
Fitting CAD Project
External Projects Group Seminars CORE ELEMENTS FOR YEAR TWO
Drawing & Illustration Personal research
Dye lectures Design and technical development
Fabric sourcing lectures Communication & Presentation
Yarn lectures CAD (optional)
Research Methods lectures Contextual lectures
Computer Workshop Course-related visits
Work Reviews
CORE ELEMENTS FOR YEAR ONE
Tutorials
Personal research
Project critiques
Design and technical development
Fitting
Fitting
Critical & Historical Studies

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 MA COURSE CURRICULUM •
•
Physical properties of all fibres and brand names of synthetic fibres
Reports from trade fairs, including trend information and fabric samples

The MA course curriculum is divided into two parts: DYE LECTURES

CORE SUBJECTS
This course is designed to familiarise you with dyeing and print procedures and
SPECIALIST SUBJECTS
facilities available.
The course is based on the development of your individual design profile and a
Course Outline
combination of personal- and industry-based projects, and common and specialist

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subjects in each area. The structure is intended to facilitate the monitoring and • Health and Safety in the Dye Lab and Process Areas
• Fibre identification in yarns and fabrics, including ways of testing; e.g. burn test
assessment of your ability and learning progress.
• Choosing the correct dye for different fibres
• Types of dyes, explanation of light wash and fastness scales, dye names and
CORE SUBJECTS
coding
Induction course Fibres, Fabric and Sourcing Lectures
• Recipes and methods of using dyes on all types of fabrics and yarns
Dye Lectures Professional Practice
• Use of equipment for dyeing
Computer workshops Visiting Speaker Programme
• Print inductions are available by arrangement with staff.
Group Seminars Critical & Historical Studies Programme
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
INDUCTION COURSE
The Professional Practice course is arranged to prepare you for setting up in
Year One. Induction into the workings of the Royal College of Art and the
business and working in industry. The series involves visiting staff who are practicing
requirements of the course via lectures and Departmental visits.
designers or managers. Aspects of business are integrated into work reviews and
• The Rector’s Welcome - Structure and organisation of the Royal College of Art tutorials.
and a brief history of the College
FuelRCA is the College-wide professional practice programme, which provides
• CHS Liaison Tutor for Fashion and Textiles - CHS lecture programme
further support for current students and recent graduates.
• Head of School - Structure and organisation of Fashion & Textile School
• Senior Tutor - The MA course timetable and course structure. Introduction to Course Outline
Course Handbook • Design and Project Management
• Head of Information & Learning Services - Learning support • Time Management
• Student Support Officer - Welfare and accommodation facilities • Introduction to Marketing
• SU President - The Students’ Union • Product Sourcing and Range Building
• Professional Practice Tutor - The Business Workshop • Legal Workshop - start-up problems, copyright, liability and contracts
You will all undertake the following Induction: • Finance - Production Costing
• Library Visits - A general tour with special reference to all Fashion and Textiles • Profit and Loss Account
resources • Cash Flow
• School orientation - A tour of the workshop facilities and studios • VAT
• You will all participate in the presentation of the Pre-entry project • Raising finance from the bank
• Business Plan
FIBRES, FABRICS AND SOURCING LECTURES • Curriculum Vitae
Lectures include: COMPUTER WORKSHOPS
• Description of the international Fashion and Textiles calendar and the sequence
An introduction to the equipment available in the School and College-wide. A CAD
of events and trade fairs
project is timetabled and completed within the first or second term.
• The structure of the Fashion and Textiles industry
• Sources of raw materials, fibre development and distribution, including social, VISITING SPEAKER PROGRAMME
economic and marketing conditions
During your first year, students attend a series of lectures, which relate cultural and

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 global issues to contemporary practice. Their aim is to provide a theoretical comprehensive brochure at the beginning of the autumn term.
framework and context for the studio work in relation to current design thinking and
other design disciplines. This programme of lectures is intended to give you a SPECIALIST SUBJECTS
valuable insight into the many professions associated with Fashion and Textile Pre-Entry Project Introductory Projects
design. Eminent designers and specialists are invited to speak about their Pattern Cutting Technical Course Menswear
professional experience. We aim to include journalists, photographers, stylists and Technical Course Millinery Technical Course Accessories
other retailing, design forecasting and marketing experts. Inviting speakers from Technical Course Footwear Technical Course Knitwear
abroad strengthens our international links. Design & Presentation External Projects

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GROUP SEMINARS Personal Research

In order to encourage critical appraisal and debate, and enhance presentation skills,
individual cross-discipline presentations of work are held in the first and second
year by students from the Fashion and Textiles courses. The seminar tutor will
timetable and conduct the seminar groups in a formal manner. Other tutors may
be invited to attend.
Seminar groups consist of 8 students. You will be invited to attend either a morning
or an afternoon session.
Presentations should demonstrate the development of ideas, contextual practice and
related current work.
Seminar Themes:
Personal Design, Research & Innovation
Communication & Portfolio Presentation
CRITICAL AND HISTORICAL STUDIES
The RCA provides a unique environment for postgraduate art and design students to
reflect upon their own practice, and to engage with students from their own and
other disciplines. The role of Critical and Historical Studies (CHS) is to support the
studio courses in enabling these critical engagements to take place. The courses
offered by CHS to first year studio-based MA students propose an intellectual
framework within which they can begin to establish a coherent relationship between
theory and practice.
In the Autumn and Spring terms there are a series of College-wide seminars and
lectures. The Autumn Term series will relate to your particular discipline (though it is
possible to elect to join a series being offered to other Departments) whereas the
Spring term series will be more broad-based and cross-disciplinary in nature.
In the Spring and Summer terms, a CHS tutor will give you individual tutorials to
support the development of a dissertation which is submitted at the start of the
second year. The dissertation should be between 6,000 – 10,000 words in length –
this is a major piece of work and you will be not be able to submit for the Final
Examination until you have passed this assessment.
More information about the CHS programme is provided in the College-wide
Handbook and information about the lecture series will also be distributed to you in a
PRE-ENTRY PROJECT
You are asked to complete a project during the Summer prior to entry onto the
course. A group presentation takes place at the beginning of the Autumn Term, to
introduce staff and peers to your work. This project creates the basis of the
Introductory Personal Project.
INTRODUCTORY PERSONAL PROJECT
This is a diagnostic project aimed at developing your identity, research ability and
working methods. The project is scheduled for the first term and teaching is by
Senior Tutors, Tutors, Specialism Tutors and Visiting Lecturers. A presentation with
staff and students as a group critique is timetabled for the end of the first term.
PATTERN CUTTING AND FITTING
Technical staff and tutors work closely with you to assist in the development of
individual knowledge and skills in pattern cutting, tailoring, draping, toiling, fitting
and construction. The understanding of the technical process as integral to design
forms a major part of your development.
TECHNICAL COURSE (MENSWEAR)
Technical workshops are timetabled during the first and second terms of the first
year, and aim to familiarise you with the Department’s specialist machinery and
varying methods and procedures of production and finish.
As part of the technical course we aim to prepare you with an understanding of
tailoring methods and construction. The ultimate aim is to build your confidence in
the development of your own techniques and processes. These workshops are
timetabled either as a block or individual days. When necessary, if you have
specialist interests, you are encouraged to work with industrial contacts outside of
College.
TECHNICAL COURSE (MILLINERY)
Workshops are integrated with projects throughout the two-year course. You will
research and advance your knowledge of millinery construction. When necessary, if
you have specialist interests, you will be encouraged to work with industrial contacts.
The technical staff organise workshops to develop skills in technique and processes.
TECHNICAL COURSE (ACCESSORIES)
The workshops are timetabled throughout the first and second year. If you have

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 specialist interests beyond the scope of the College facilities, you will visit industry to
support your studies. You will research and develop your knowledge of methods of
construction relating to accessories. The technical staff organise workshops to
develop skills in technique and processes.
TECHNICAL COURSE (FOOTWEAR)
The workshops are timetabled one day a week throughout the first and second year.
If you have specialist interests beyond the scope of the College facilities, you will visit
industry to support your studies. You will research and develop your knowledge of
RCA ETHICS CHECKLIST
The Royal College of Art aims for the highest possible standards within the
disciplines of art and design, and you are expected to demonstrate professional
integrity and discipline in all areas of your work. The College has a Code of Practice
for Research Ethics that equally applies to the work you will undertake as part of
your MA degree.

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footwear manufacture and construction. The technical staff organise workshops to Should any of the following elements be involved in your work, advice from the RCA
develop skills in technique and processes. Research Ethics Committee must be sought before the work is undertaken:
Active involvement of other participants
TECHNICAL COURSE (KNITWEAR)
Passive involvement of other participants
During the course you will explore yarn and develop fabric structures. Courses and
Colleagues and staff within other higher education institutions
workshops are organised for technical instruction in garment making, both fully
Members of the public
fashioned, cut and sew, and appropriate finishes. Staff and technicians with
Children, young and other vulnerable persons
specialist skills and experience, as well as practicing designers, demonstrate
Animals
techniques and discuss professional practice. Visits to workshops, factories and
External bodies.
archives are arranged when appropriate.
Potential influencing factors:
Workshops continue during the first term with instruction taking place on an
individual basis. You will be introduced to suitable yarn types and counts. You will Potential adverse impact on the environment
produce basic and advanced knit structures and finishes for a technical file using all Moral obligations
available types of machinery. A group critique takes place on completion of the Legal liabilities
technical files at the end of the first term. Insurance
Health and safety
DESIGN AND PRESENTATION
If any of the above elements are present in your work, you are required to complete
Design and the presentation of an individual, innovative and professional portfolio
the Research Ethics Checklist and Consent Form (RE1) (available on the RCA
continues as a focus throughout the course. You will define your skills in relation to
Intranet: http://intranet.rca.ac.uk/pages/research/researchrelated_forms_3325.html),
your personal research and vision, and are advised personally at tutorials, seminars
providing details. This form should be returned to the Research Office, where it will
and critiques. Presentation is assessed at work reviews and examinations.
in turn be submitted to the Research Ethics Committee for consideration.
EXTERNAL PROJECTS
The nature of these industry-based projects change from year to year and take into
account the students on the course. They are selected primarily to enable
experience of working professionally and are timetabled in both first and second
LEARNING AND TEACHING
years. The company setting the brief normally critiques these projects. You may be STRATEGIES
required to work on more than one project simultaneously.
Year one is based upon a taught programme of personal and industry projects aimed
PERSONAL RESEARCH
at bringing your research, design, technical abilities and thinking to postgraduate
Personal research informs and defines your main area of study and, if you choose,
level. In year two you will focus your personal work with guidance from the staff
also your dissertation. To support your application to the College, you are requested
team, visiting lecturers and industry contacts. The following learning and teaching
to outline an area of research which you will develop over the two years of study.
methods are used in the School:
Progress is monitored through presentation and discussion at tutorials, work reviews
Tutorials
and seminars.
Work Reviews
Lectures

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 Group Seminars vary in format from portfolio presentation and displays of work to presentation on a
Technical Workshops model.
Garment Fittings
Project Critiques and Presentations – individual and group WORK EXPERIENCE
First and Second Year Work in Progress Exhibition Years One and Two, optional. Appropriate work experience can be arranged to
Independent study and practice provide further knowledge of industry. Placements are normally arranged for the
Work Experience Summer vacation between the first and second years. You are expected to be pro-
active in organising your placements.

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TUTORIALS
Years One and Two. Tutorials may be one-to-one or group-based. They are the main
teaching method used on the course, and through investigation and debate aim to
guide you to identify personal learning requirements for the development of your
work. You may request tutorials from other staff in the School or College.
WORK REVIEWS
Years One and Two. To assess your progress, depth of learning and continued
development you make formal presentations of your current work to a Review Panel
of staff twice a term. This identifies areas of strength and those requiring focus and
expansion, providing you with clear guidance for future direction. The advice given in
agreement with you is a guide that you are responsible for following up. Your
progress will be taken into consideration at successive Work Reviews.
You will present new and continuing work completed between subsequent Work
Reviews, including research, design sketchbooks, toiles and finished garments. In
advance of the Review you need to prepare a Self-Analysis Form, which allows you
to consider your progress and steer the review itself. This is part of the reflective
process of self-development actively encouraged by the School.
You will receive a written report of the main points arising from the Work Review.
These forms, which you have access to, are kept on file in the office. The Work
Review Panel consists of at least two and usually three of the following:
Personal Tutor - mandatory
Head of School
Head of Department*
Visiting Professor
Senior Tutor / Tutors
Visiting Tutors / Specialism Tutor
Technician (as appropriate)
Member of the CHS staff
*Head of Department will attend at least one Review Panel per term.
CRITIQUES AND PRESENTATION
Years One and Two. Group or individual crits and presentations with staff and
external visitors from industry are arranged to encourage participation in critical
analysis and to enhance professional practice and communication skills. They may
MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS
PERSONAL TUTORS
At the start of the course you will be designated a Personal Tutor who oversees your
welfare and the development of your work, and where possible will remain informed
about your particular concerns. Personal Tutors may be changed at your request or
on the advice of the Head of Department. The Personal Tutor will attend each of your
Work Reviews.
ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATIONS
COLLEGE-WIDE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The College-wide assessment scheme (introduced for studio-based MA Interim and
Final Examinations in 2006) provides criteria for the evaluation of student
achievement which can be applied across all studio-based MA courses. The scheme
is intended to ensure consistency in assessment across the College and from year to
year. Details of the scheme are provided in the College-wide Handbook. It is very
important that students read these so that they understand the basis on which they
will be assessed at Interim and Final Examination.
While the assessment criteria used by Examination Boards will be common to all
studio-based MA courses, the actual procedures employed for Interim and Final
Examinations will vary to an extent from course to course. The sections below outline
our assessment procedures in Menswear.
Students are required to take a formal Interim Examination – normally at the
beginning of the third term of the first year. Students must pass the Interim
Examination to progress to the final year of the course.
The Final Examination takes place in the final term of the course.
INTERIM EXAMINATION
You are asked to present the work that you have completed while on the course to
the Examination Board. The assessment will take the form of a portfolio submission,

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 including sketchbooks, completed projects, garments and supporting work. Appeals
You must demonstrate that you have attended and successfully completed course The Student Appeals Procedure can be found in the College Regulations.
work, including the Critical and Historical Studies dissertation and Professional
Practice. FINAL EXAMINATION
The Final Examination is held in the Summer term. The student is required to
Membership of the Interim Examination Board
present:
The minimum composition of the Interim Examination Board will be as follows:
Head of Department (Chair) (A) Complete collection, comprising eight outfits - two presented fully accessorised

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Two Tutors/Senior Tutors from the course on a model
(B) Complete portfolio, to include final collection and at least five other projects,
Interim Assessment Procedure supported by sketchbooks and research material
The Board is responsible for the examination of each individual student. The
outcomes available to the Board are: Dissertation
Pass A dissertation will be submitted for Examination in the Autumn term. The submission
Fail shall be between 6,000 and 10,000 words.
Referral
Membership of the Examination Board
Where possible the Board should reach a unanimous decision. A report of the The minimum composition of the Final Examination Board is as follows:
Examination and the Board’s recommendations, signed by all members of the Board, Head of Department (Chair)
is sent to the Academic Board for Concessions and Disciplines for ratification. Only Two Tutors/Senior Tutors from the course
students whose progress is accepted as satisfactory by the Academic Board for The External Examiner(s)
Concessions and Disciplines will be permitted to enter the second year of the course. The Internal Moderator
The student record and performance on the course to date will be considered very The student’s Personal Tutor where he or she is not otherwise a member of
carefully and any extenuating circumstances will be taken into account. The decision the Final Examination Board
of the Academic Board for Concessions and Disciplines is final.
Not less than three members of the course staff must be present. Senate appoints
CHS Dissertation: First text the Internal Moderator and External Examiner.
For Interim Examination you are required to submit a piece of written work of no less
than 1,000 words (known as a First Text) together with a dissertation bibliography by Examination Procedure
a date given to you by the CHS Department. Details of this submission will be given The Board is responsible for the examination of each individual student. The
to you in the Autumn Term. You cannot proceed to the second year without outcomes available to the Board are:
completing this submission. Pass
Referral
Interim Examination Referral Fail
If a student’s work is not considered satisfactory, they will be referred for a re-
Where possible the Board should reach a unanimous decision. Any individual
examination. Normally these students will be set a special project to be completed
decisions will be noted. Each member of the Examination Board has an equal voice
(as well as on-going course work) by no later than 31 July of the year in which the
in the deliberations, oral examination and final discussion. A report of the
student should pass into the second year. The Senior Tutor or the Specialism Tutor
Examination Board’s recommendation, signed by all members, is sent to the
will be responsible for ensuring that the student has access to any facilities or
Academic Board for Concessions and Disciplines for ratification. Normally a pass or
contact that the work may require.
fail is recorded. Any extenuating circumstances that may have affected the student’s
The student will be asked to present all the work completed since the Interim performance in the period leading up to the examination should be put in writing to
Examination – this includes the special project. The re-examination will follow the the Head of School prior to the examination.
same pattern as the Interim with the same Board. If the work is still considered
unsatisfactory, the Board will recommend that the student’s place on the course Final Examination Board: Retrieval of Failure
should be terminated. A student who fails the final examination outright will not be allowed to re-submit. In

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 exceptional circumstances, a student who fails the Final Examination may be exhibition as a team. A private view is organised for staff and students, friends of the
permitted to resubmit work for re-examination within twelve months. Details of the courses and guests of the Royal College of Art.
resubmission requirements, including a precise timetable and whether any access to
College resources is to be allowed, will be provided in writing. Only one resubmission THE SHOW
is possible.
The Fashion courses produce a series of runway shows, culminating with the Gala.
These are a showcase for the collections submitted to the Examination Board but do
Appeals
not form part of the examination process.
There is an Appeals Procedure outlined in the College Regulations.

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
MPhil/PhD PROGRAMME You should be aware that the College owns the rights to the work created while you
study here. If you think your work is patentable or you are concerned about someone
The introduction of studio-based MPhil and PhD degrees more than a decade ago copying it, you should avoid disclosing it to anyone who is not a College member of
has led to an expansion and consolidation of a research culture in the School staff or a College student until after it has been protected. If you sell any work 15%
resulting in a well-established history of successful graduates now in industry and of the proceeds will go to the College’s Student Fund. This includes any work you
academia. The two modes of study towards an MPhil or a PhD are by project may sell during The Show. More information on how to protect your work is available
(primarily practice-based) or by theory (primarily text-based), with an emphasis on from InnovationRCA’s website
the design outcomes. The need for research at this level is intensified due to an (http://www.innovation.rca.ac.uk/PD/sw/IP/st_rights8_discl.html). Full details of the
upsurge in external requirements for expert knowledge of materials, related College’s Policy on Intellectual Property Rights can be found in the College
technologies and applications. Also the need to understand the interface between Regulations.
art, design and science and the significance of art and design interaction with
society and the environment is increasingly important.
MPhil and PhD students have a supervisor, a School-based Senior Tutor and in DEPARTMENTAL MONITORING
addition may be assigned specialist advisors from within or external to the College.
Researchers take part in regular seminars and in the College-wide Research AND FEEDBACK
Methods Course (RMC), which explore both the specifics and commonalities of
degree topics with experts and their peers. Research students are encouraged to SCHOOL MEETING STRUCTURE
The School currently runs separate forums for each course, reporting to a School
take on a pro-active and self-analytical role through the development of each
Forum as outlined below. This in turn reports directly to the Senate.
personal project and to make a series of presentations of their work to the School’s
MA courses.
SCHOOL FORUM
The presence of MPhil and PhD students has proved to be advantageous for the This is a meeting of the following group:
School as a whole, encouraging a culture of research, creativity and individualism Head of School (Chair)
across the courses and specialist areas of study. Visiting Professors (optional)
Heads of Department
All research students will also receive the Research Handbook which gives details of Senior Tutors
the research provision at the College. Tutors (optional)
Specialism Tutors (optional)
Two members of the Technical Staff (representatives)
EXHIBITING YOUR WORK Two students from each course (representatives)
The School Forum meets once a term to discuss general issues and matters arising
WORK IN PROGRESS EXHIBITION from Staff meetings and Course Forums. The School Forum remit includes:
Academic standards
Years One and Two. A public exhibition of the Fashion and Textiles courses is Monitoring and evaluation of the courses
organised at the beginning of the Spring term to exhibit current work and offer School issues
students the opportunity to view each others’ work. You are required to curate the Requirements of the courses and their content and structure

19 20
 Maintenance of good teaching practices The Course Forum remit includes:
Future planning Academic standards
Advance of research Management of the course
Health and safety Specific course issues
General issues regarding the College and School
SCHOOL MEETINGS
Issues proposed by the Senate or other boards
Comprising the following group:
Monitoring and evaluation
Head of School (Chair)
Student opinion
Visiting Professors (Optional)/Heads of Department
Health and safety

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
Senior Tutors/Tutors
Course Forums are held once a term and report directly to the School Forum.
Specialism Tutors
Technical Staff/Clerical and Support Staff
STUDENT FEEDBACK
School Meetings are held regularly to discuss general issues in the School and
College. Technical issues are also discussed. Matters of appropriate significance will Student feedback is made through the Course Forum, School Forum, Departmental
be referred to the School Forum. Review Meeting, and the Student Questionnaire.
Representatives for each year play a crucial role in this process and are elected by
DEPARTMENT MEETINGS the students. They are responsible for acting as the voice of their group, and attend
Comprising the following group: all Forums and Departmental Review Meetings.
Head of Department (Chair) The Representatives are also responsible for chairing and minuting the Student
Senior Tutors/Tutors Departmental Review Meeting - see Departmental Review, below.
Technical Staff/Clerical and support staff Students are requested to complete the Student Questionnaires, which are
Department staff meetings are held regularly to discuss general issues within the anonymous and are also taken into account in the Department Review process.
courses. Matters of appropriate significance will be referred to the School Forum. The Head of School is available to talk to students about any issues that may arise.
DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW MEETINGS The Head of Department will inform students of any actions taken in response to
Comprising the following group: student feedback.
Head of Department (Chair)
Senior Tutors/Tutors DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW
Technical Staff The School constantly reviews and appraises its courses, their content and structure.
Students Representatives This is carried out by means of a formal monitoring process on a pro forma provided
Department Administrator by the College.
Departmental Review meetings are held once a term to review academic and general
During each term the staff team of each course meet with the Student
course issues.
Representatives to hold a Departmental Review Meeting, which will consider the
STUDENT DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW MEETINGS progress made in reaching and sustaining the academic standards and overall
Comprising the following group: strategy of the course.
Students Representative (Chair)
All Students The students contribute to the Review process by completing questionnaires at the
end of each academic year and by attending a Student Departmental Review
Student Departmental Review Meetings are held once a year in the Summer term to
Meeting. This meeting is conducted in the total absence of staff and is chaired and
review academic and general course issues.
minuted by the first year Student Representative. Minutes of the meeting and the
COURSE FORUM questionnaires are considered by the Departmental Review team and form part of
Comprises the following group:
the Departmental Review submitted to the College each year.
Senior Tutors
Specialism Tutor/Tutors
Senior Technician VALIDATION EVENTS
Students On a periodic basis, at least once every six years, the Department will undergo a

21 22
 validation event. The purpose of the validation process is to ensure that the Each course has a Visiting Professor, who are in College for a minimum of nine days
standards of the College’s courses are maintained and enhanced and that the course each academic year.
content is relevant and appropriate. The process is based on critical and analytical
Visiting Professors for Textiles
peer review by a panel of professors or tutors, practising artists and designer, both
Orla Kiely, Karen Nicol
internal and external. As part of the process the Panel will meet privately with a
cross-section of the student cohort to hear their views on the content, delivery and Visiting Professors for Fashion
organisation of the course. Further details can be found in the College Regulations. Menswear - Peter Siddell
Womenswear - Sarah Mower

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION STAFF CONTACTS
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT NAME POSITION EXT. EMAIL DAYS PER WEEK
ARMSTRONG, ROSE SENIOR TECHNICIAN MENSWEAR 4378 rose.armstrong@rca.ac.uk
The Fashion & Textiles School is led by the Head of School, Professor Wendy BENNETT, IAN TUTOR MILLINERY 4377 ian.bennett@rca.ac.uk 1 WED
Dagworthy. Reporting directly to her are the Heads of Departments. Senior Tutors CASEY, DOMINIC TECHNICIAN FOOTWEAR 4379 1
who run the individual courses report to their Heads of Department. The Senior CLARK, SHEILA TECHNICIAN YARN STORE 4385 sheila.clark@rca.ac.uk 3 MON - WED
Tutors, Visiting Professors and Visiting Lecturers may relate across all courses. DAGWORTHY, PROF. WENDY HEAD OF SCHOOL, HEAD OF FASHION DEPT. 4381 wendy.dagworthy@rca.ac.uk 4 MON - THU
DALLAS, SARAH SENIOR TUTOR KNITTED TEXTILES/KNITWEAR 4363 sarah.dallas@rca.ac.uk 4 MON - THU
Head of School: Professor Wendy Dagworthy EDMONDS, PETER BOOK KEEPER 4372 peter.edmonds@rca.ac.uk 2 MON & WED
School Administrator: Hilary Laurence GILROY, DARLA TUTOR, FASHION ACCESSORIES 4373 darla.gilroy@rca.ac.uk 1 TUE & WED AM
HOLFORD, HEATHER TUTOR/PROJECT MANAGER 4366 heather.holford@rca.ac.uk 1 VARIED
FASHION DEPARTMENT TEXTILES DEPARTMENT HONMA, KIMINO TECHNICIAN PATTERN CUTTER WOMENSWEAR 4379 kimino.honma@rca.ac.uk 3
Head of Fashion Department Head of Textiles Department HUTTUNEN, ANJA SENIOR TECHNICIAN WOMENSWEAR 4375 anja.huttunen@rca.ac.uk 5
Professor Wendy Dagworthy Professor Clare Johnston JOHNSTON, PROF. CLARE HEAD OF TEXTILES DEPT. 4361 clare.johnston@rca.ac.uk 3 MON, WED, THU

Department Administrator Department Administrator LAURENCE, HILARY ADMINISTRATOR TEXTILES DEPT. AND SCHOOL 4362 hilary.laurence@rca.ac.uk 5
LEWIS, ROGER TECHNICIAN, WEAVE 4396 roger.lewis@rca.ac.uk 5
To be appointed Hilary Laurence
MACCALLUM, FIONA TECHNICIAN, COMPUTING 4383 fiona.maccallum@rca.ac.uk 5
working across both Departments PAJACZKOWSKA, CLAIRE SENIOR TUTOR RESEARCH 4370 claire.pajaczkowska@rca.ac.uk 4
Claire Pajaczkowska Senior Tutor Research PARKER, GARY TECHNICIAN KNIT 4389 gary.parker@rca.ac.uk 5

Sarah Dallas Senior Tutor Knitwear/Knitted Textiles POWER, RICHARD SENIOR TECHNICIAN, COMPUTING 4383 richard.power@rca.ac.uk 5
ROBINS, FREDDIE TUTOR MIXED MEDIA TEXTILES 4371 freddie.robins@rca.ac.uk 2 TUE & WED
Senior Tutor Womenswear Senior Tutor Printed Textiles & RUST, IKE SENIOR TUTOR, MENSWEAR 4365 ike.rust@rca.ac.uk 3 VARIED
Tristan Webber Deputy Head of Dept. SAUNDERS, SUE TUTOR, FASHION FOOTWEAR 4374 sue.saunders@rca.ac.uk 1 WED
Anne Toomey STACK, DEBBIE TECHNICIAN MIXED MEDIA TEXTILES 4388 2 MON & WED
THOMSEN, CHARLOTTE STOCKROOM TECHNICIAN WOMENSWEAR 4382 5
Senior Tutor Menswear Senior Tutor Woven Textiles
TOOMEY, ANNE SENIOR TUTOR PRINTED TEXTILES 4368 anne.toomey@rca.ac.uk 4 MON - THURS
Ike Rust Philippa Watkins
TRACY, DAVE TECHNICIAN ACCESSORIES 4379 1 THU
Tutor and Project Manager Tutor for Mixed Media Textiles VERHOEVEN, JULIE TUTOR, 1ST YEAR WOMENSWEAR 4373 julie.verhoeven@rca.ac.uk 1 VARIED
Heather Holford Freddie Robins VODREY, KARL TECHNICIAN PRINT 4389 karl.vodrey@rac.ac.uk 5
WALLINGTON, CLIO TECHNICIAN KNITWEAR clio.wallington@rca.ac.uk 5
Tutor Womenswear Tutor for Mixed Media Textiles
WATKINS, PHILIPPA SENIOR TUTOR WOVEN TEXTILES 4367 philippa.watkins@rca.ac.uk 2 MON & WED
Julie Verhoeven Julian Roberts
WEBBER, TRISTAN SENIOR TUTOR WOMENSWEAR 4364 tristan.webber@rca.ac.uk 3 VARIED
Tutor Millinery YARWOOD, JOHN SENIOR TECHNICIAN DYE LAB 4384 john.yarwood@rca.ac.uk 5
Ian Bennett
TBA ADMINISTRATOR FASHION DEPT. 3
Tutor Accessories
Darla Gilroy STUDIOS EXT
COMPUTER ROOM STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4383
Tutor Footwear DYE/KNIT/WEAVE AREA STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4386
Sue Saunders FASHION & TEXTILES FAX OFFICE 4360

23 24
 FASHION MENSWEAR
FASHION WOMENSWEAR 1ST YR
FASHION WOMENSWEAR 2ND YR
MILLINERY
MIXED MEDIA
RESEARCH STUDENTS
TEXTILE CONSTRUCTION - HOWIE STREET
TEXTILE STUDENTS DESIGN STUDIO
TEXTILE STUDENTS WORKSHOPS
WARPING ROOM
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4378 Scholarships/Awards/Prizes
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4380
There is a range of awards and prizes available to students in the School, which vary
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4379
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4377
from year to year. The scholarships are usually awarded to a student on the
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4388 recommendation of the Head of Department/Head of School.
5TH FLOOR OFFICE - RESEARCH ONLY 4395
Projects run in conjunction with companies often include an amount of prize money
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4464
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4392 for the winner or finalists.
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4393
STUDIO (INCOMING CALLS ONLY) 4397 Course Equipment

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
The School’s workshops and studios are equipped with a range of appropriate
The School of Fashion & Textiles is situated in the Darwin Building machinery. You will be introduced to this machinery and equipment during the
The full postal address is: induction courses and by arrangement with the appropriate technicians. Equipment
School of Fashion and Textiles within the School is available to all students regardless of their course area.
Royal College of Art Equipment elsewhere in the College may be available to you but you must discuss
Kensington Gore this first with your Senior Tutor or the Head of Department.
London
SW7 2EU Telephone/Fax/Photocopier
Pay phones are situated around the College buildings for students’ use. Incoming
School email: fashion_textiles@rca.ac.uk calls can be received on individual studio extensions. International calls may only be
made with prior permission from staff.
TERM DATES
There is also a fax machine, which is based in the School office. This may be used
Monday 28 September 2009 – Friday 18 December 2009
for College business only.
Monday 11 January 2010 – Friday 26 March 2010
Monday 19 April 2010 – Friday 2 July 2010 Photocopiers are located within the School and within the Library. Students wishing
to use the School’s photocopy machine must purchase copy cards in advance from
Students are expected to be in College during the hours 9.30 am and 5.30 pm.
the Bookkeeper.
College buildings are open during term times between 8am and midnight with no re-
entry to the College after 10pm. At weekends the College is open between 10am and Safety
6pm. It is also open on Bank Holidays between 10am and 6pm. It is not open at All students are asked to sign a Health and Safety instructions document, which will
weekends or on Bank Holidays during the Summer Vacation. be given to you separately from this handbook.

Staff Offices It is crucial that all health and safety regulations are followed properly. You are
All staff offices are on the seventh floor. Opening times: 9.30am-12noon; 2pm-5pm responsible, and if you do not follow these instructions the College is not responsible.

Materials & Allowances Smoking

Technicians and storekeepers will record charges for materials and services used There are very strict guidelines to smoking in the College. There are fire hazard areas
within the School, and you will have to pay for these from your own funds, unless it in all its buildings, particularly those that stock chemicals, and studios containing
is for a sponsored external project. inflammable materials. Vigilance is required from all students. Smoking is banned in
all areas.
We have a Yarn Store and Fabric ordering facility for students situated on the 5th
and 7th floor of the Darwin Building. Fire
Contacts: Yarn Store 5th floor - Sheila Clarke The College fire alarm is sensitive in order to protect everyone in the building. You
Fashion Stockroom 7th floor - Charlotte Thomsen must respond promptly to every alarm and keep all fire exits clear at all times. Fire
doors must be kept shut. If you detect a fire respond immediately by sounding the
alarm. Alarms are found on each floor on the landings of the two staircases. Lifts
must not be used.

25 26
 Theft APPENDIX
There have been a number of thefts of work and personal items over the past few
years. Everybody must be vigilant at all times. Please take this advice seriously it is
for the benefit of yourself and your fellow students.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. The main doors are fitted with security locks and must be kept closed at all
INTRODUCTION
times. The code is not to be given to anyone outside the School.
2. Guests invited into the College must be accompanied at all times. This information has been produced to promote and maintain a high standard of
3. All strangers are to be asked if they require help or must identify themselves. If safety within the School.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
in doubt, the School office or College Security should be informed. Comments for improvement and queries for additional information are welcomed.
4. Valuable items should not be left unattended. Such comments/queries should be made in writing to the College Health and Safety
5. All computer areas are to be kept secure at all times. Any areas left open should Officer. If you have any doubts about the safe operation of any plant or process, ASK
be closed immediately. the technical or academic staff. Do not proceed until any doubts have been cleared.
6. Anything discarded on the floor will be thrown away by the cleaners.
Your co-operation in the safe operation of the School is a legal requirement.
In the College-wide Handbook you will find relevant information about the College Wendy Dagworthy
including: Head of School of Fashion and Textiles
Support services Registry
Information and Learning Services Student Support 1 SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY - BY AREA
Academic provision Occupational Health
The areas listed below have been allocated to members of staff who hold
Development Students’ Union
responsibility for Risk Assessment, COSHH (as applicable), Supervision, and
AlumniRCA Imperial College Sports Centre
Housekeeping for those areas. The School Safety Officer is responsible for the School
as a whole and for overseeing implementation of Health and Safety regulations within
each area.

SCHOOL OF FASHION AND TEXTILES

SCHOOL SAFETY OFFICER - John Yarwood
Womenswear 1st Yr Studio 6 Floor - Anja Huttunen
Womenswear 2nd Yr Studio/Accessories 7 Floor - Kimino Honma
Menswear/Millinery 7 Floor - TBC
Fabric Store 7 Floor - Charlotte Thomsen
Staff Office 7 Floor - Sarah Dallas
Main Office/Kitchen 7 Floor - Hilary Laurence / TBC
Head of Textile’s Office 7 Floor - Professor Clare Johnston
Head of School & Head of Fashion’s office 7 Floor - Professor Wendy Dagworthy
Research Office 7 Floor - Claire Pajaczkowska
Research Studio 5 Floor - Claire Pajaczkowska
Textiles Studios 5 Floor - Anne Toomey/Philippa Watkins
Morat Knitting Area and Winding Area 5 Floor - Gary Parker

27 28
 Linking and Double Bed Knitting Area/
Domestic Knitting Area/Sewing Room
Mixed Media Sewing Room
Jacquard Loom/Hand Weaving Area/
Weave Technicians Room
Screen Printing Area
Exposure Room
5 Floor – Clio Wallington treatment given or to render additional treatment if required.
4 ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS
5 Floor - Debbie Stack
All accidents, however trivial that they may seem at the time, must be reported. The
5 Floor - Roger Lewis
Course Secretary keeps in the First Aid Boxes and accident report forms. First Aiders
who treat an accident will as a matter of course complete an accident report form
5 Floor – Karl Vodrey and send it to the College Health and Safety Officer. Reporting is necessary to allow
the College to fulfil its legal obligations.

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
Dye Lab / Dye Store / Processing room 5 Floor - John Yarwood
5 FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY
Yarn Store 5 Floor - Sheila Clark
ACTION TO BE TAKEN ON DISCOVERING A FIRE:
Computer Room 5 Floor - Fiona MacCallum & Richard 1 Sound the alarm
Power 2 Leave by the nearest available exit and go to the assembly point, taking anyone
Warp Making Room/Industrial Basement - Roger Lewis in your immediate vicinity with you.
Dobby loom shed
ACTION TO BE TAKEN ON HEARING THE ALARM:
In accordance with the College statement of Safety Policy, the Head of School is 1 Believe it
responsible for instituting and maintaining the necessary arrangements to ensure Leave by the nearest available exit and go to the assembly point, taking anyone in
compliance with the College Safety Code of Practice. This responsibility applies to all your immediate vicinity with you.
areas accepted by the School and also to authorised activities carried out, by or on
Do not stand around the entrances to College Buildings, You will obstruct others
behalf of the School, in the premises other than those of the College.
trying to leave and you may hinder the Fire Brigade and other emergency services.
2 COLLEGE HEALTH AND SAFETY STAFF
FIRE PREVENTION:
College Health & Safety Officer*Mike Alexander 4175 Fire and Smoke Check doors are clearly marked as such and must never be
Occupational Health Nurse Beverley Saunders 4145 obstructed or held open in any way except for the passage of equipment or floor
Building Services Manager* Simon Levine 4171 cleaning.
Security Manager (Day)* Keith Woodward 4173
Report any doors, which do not close properly to the Building Services
Security Manager (Evening)* Tim Stroud 4173
Manager (Ext. 4171).
Chief Engineer* Ray Martin 4172
There is no smoking in the building except in the designated areas.
*These members of staff carry radios and/or pagers. If the matter is urgent ring 4176
DO NOT ALLOW RUBBISH TO ACCUMULATE IN YOUR WORKING AREA.
and ask the Security Steward to contact the person you want.
Return all flammable liquids and the chemicals to the proper container when you
If there is no answer from the internal telephone extension dial 100 and ask the have finished with them.
College Operator to page the person you require.
FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES:
IN AN EMERGENCY, AT ALL TIMES DIAL 333 AND ASK THE OPERATOR TO SUMMON THE
Fixed and portable fire fighting equipment appropriate to the risks is sited in all
EMERGENCY SERVICE REQUIRED: FIRE, AMBULANCE OR POLICE.
locations. This equipment must not be recklessly or maliciously interfered with; it is
GIVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE INFORMATION REGARDING THE EMERGENCY AND THE dangerous and a criminal offence.
PRECISE LOCATION.
Only tackle a fire if it is necessary to make your escape.
3 FIRST AID The Head of Department is responsible for the provision of information on health and
All course offices, workshops and First Aid Boxes have details of the nearest First safety hazards and ensuring that staff and students are properly trained. The Head
Aider. All College First Aiders are qualified to give immediate First Aid treatment. The of Department and staff are responsible for the provision of information, instruction
Occupational Health Department will willingly see any casualty to check on the and training and the supervision of students. Students are reminded that they have a

29 30
 legal responsibility not to interfere with or misuse anything, which has been provided Domestic Bernina Machine
in the interests of health and safety. Four Thread Overlocker
Binding Foot Machine
6 WORKING ALONE/OUT OF HOURS Twin Needle Machine
Equipment that is coded red or orange must not be used unless a member of staff is Steam irons
present. Working alone can be hazardous. You are not to try out new processes or Millinery baker
techniques or bring in new equipment or substances before approval from the Safety Fur stitcher
Officer. You must inform the Security Staff if you intend to work alone, similarly you Zig Zag stitcher
Overlocking Machines
Cover Stitch Machine
Five Thread Overlocker
Walking Foot Machine
Stud machine
Hat steamer
Blind stitcher
Footwear equipment

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
must inform them that you have left the building.
COLOUR CODE TEXTILES EQUIPMENT
7 INFORMATION AND TRAINING
RED
The responsibility for providing safety information and training lies with the Head of Steam Boiler Mimaki Digital Printer
Department, who is also responsible for student supervision. Steamer Epson Digital Printer
Students are reminded that they have a LEGAL responsibility to: Large High Speed Mixer Powered Warping Mill
• work in such a manner that their acts or omissions will not cause a hazard to Computerised Jacquard Power Brother PR 602 Digital
Loom with APSO software Embroidery Machine
those working nearby or in the same building.
Morat MKII Knitting Machine Shima Seiki SE122s
• co-operate with all College staff in all matters relating to health and safety. This
includes attending any training sessions regarding health and safety matters. ORANGE
• Not to interfere with any equipment which has been supplied by the College in Digital Multi-Head Tufting Machine
Embroidery Machine
the interests of safety and health (e.g. fire extinguishers are not to be used to
Irish Embroidery Machines Industrial Bernina Sewing Machine
prop open the doors).
Omnistitch Machine Cornely Machines
8 MACHINERY Cone Winding Machines Pyrography Machine

The School complies with the College’s colour coding of machinery and posters GREEN
detailing the system are prominently displayed in all working areas Steam Heated Dye Vats Small Transfer Press
Small, Medium & Large Large Transfer Press
RED For use by competent academic and technical staff ONLY Dye Winches
ORANGE For use by students under the direct supervision of members of the Extraction Bench Filter Cabinet
academic or technical staff. COLLEGE WORKING HOURS ONLY. Baking Cabinet High Pressure Wash Unit
Hydro Extractor (Spinner) Screen Exposure Unit
GREEN For use by all staff and students at all times, subject to the availability of Domestic Front Loading Light Boxes
the equipment and School staff approval after having been shown the Washing Machine
safe operation. Tumble Dryer Fan Heaters
Industrial Spin Dryer Light Exposure Box
The following equipment is available within the School: Aqua Vac Hand Dyeing Machine
COLOUR CODE FASHION EQUIPMENT Gas Rings Dobby Hand Looms
Computerised Hand Looms Dobby Power Looms
RED Hand Warping Mills Powered Yarn Winders
Bar Tack Machine Brother Exedra sewing machine Bernina Domestic Sewing/ Princess Pleater
Straight Buttonhole Machine Key Buttonhole Machine Embroidery Machines
Baby Lock Embellishers Heat Gun
ORANGE (Needlepunching Machine)
Manual Fusing Press Automatic Fusing Press Domestic Knitting Machines Dubied Knitting Machines
GREEN Automatic Fusing Press Hank Winding Machine
Flat Machines (lockstitch) Industrial Bernina Machine Steam Press

31 32
 GENERAL RULES FOR OPERATING MACHINERY
• A student may NOT use any equipment until they have been instructed in its
safe use, and the academic or technical supervisor is satisfied as to the
student’s competency and understanding. This applies to other Schools that you
may wish to visit.
• Never leave any equipment running when not actually in use, other than to
reach the desired operating speed or temperature.
DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
• Make sure that you know the locations of any emergency stop switches and how
to stop the equipment you are using.
• Do not attempt to operate any equipment outside of its designed operating
parameters.
• All guards and safety devices where fitted must be in position and used. Safety
guards and devices must not be interfered with in any way.
• Report any defect or damage IMMEDIATELY to a member of staff.
• Long hair and loose clothing MUST be secured when using any rotating
machinery.
• Sensible shoes should be worn; sandals and trainers offer no protection.
• Keep the area around equipment free from clutter at all times. Clean up as you
go.
• Certain equipment/machinery requires the wearing of safety equipment e.g.
when using the Hydro-Blitz, the Residual Current Device (RCD) MUST BE
TESTED as per the instructions on the unit. The RCD will cut the current off in
the event of a short circuit.
• EAR DEFENDERS AND EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
• Students must not bring into the School, kettles, percolators, cafetieres, filter
machines or similar drink making equipment.
• It is a legal requirement that all portable appliances on College premises are
inspected and tested at regular intervals to ensure that they are electrically safe
to use in a working environment.
• If electrical equipment is required as part of the course, you must have the item
tested by the College staff. Any untested item found will be removed.
• College staff will remove any electrical appliance which in their opinion is unsafe
to use which they find whilst carrying out safety inspections.
• If College equipment is found to be unsafe or not tested inform the Technician.
9 CHEMICALS
The School has carried out Risk Assessments as required by the Control of
33
Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988, on the dyes and chemicals used
within the School. Copies of these assessments are held by the Course Office and
the Technical Staff, and are available for consultation by the students during normal
hours. Students are required to comply with all safety procedures which are detailed
in the assessment and with any other written or verbal instructions give to them by a
member of the School or College safety staff regarding the safe handling, storage or
use of chemicals.
GENERAL RULES
• The written procedures for handling and disposing of chemicals must be
followed exactly as detailed. DO NOT ALTER RECIPES without the express
approval of a member of the technical or academic staff.
• Protective clothing, aprons, gloves, goggles, safety glasses, ear defenders,
disposable masks are available from the technical staff and must be worn when
handling chemicals or dyes marked as requiring their use.
• Where you have been instructed that safety equipment must be used or there is
a sign displayed specifying that safety equipment will be worn, IT MUST BE
WORN.
• All containers MUST be labelled as to their contents.
• DO NOT USE FOOD CONTAINERS FOR CHEMICALS OR DYES UNLESS THE
ORIGINAL LABEL HAS BEEN REMOVED.
• Clear up all spills or leaks immediately.
• Students are not permitted under any circumstances to bring dyes or chemicals
into the School unless a Safety Data Sheet has been placed on file with the
School and the College Health and Safety Officer. The chemical/dye must not be
used until a risk assessment has been carried out, and approval has been given
for its use.
• Disposal procedures are given at the end of each process for the safe disposal of
excess or unwanted material. Do not dispose of any chemicals or dyes without
first consulting the technical or academic staff.
10 SAFETY MONITORING
The over all responsibility for monitoring and safety performance lies with the College
Health and Safety Committee. Officers of the College including the Council are kept
informed of Health and Safety Matters.
• At the start of each term, School staff and the Head of School are required to
carry out formal inspections of all areas under their control.
• A copy of the report is sent to Union Representatives and the College Health and
Safety Committee. Area Representatives also submit a report, usually verbal, at
each meeting of the Safety Committee.
• Students are asked to co-operate in the monitoring of safety standard by raising
questions or problems with the area representative, Head of School, Student
President or the College Health and Safety Officer.
34
DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK