THE APPLIED INSPECTION
NEWSLETTER

Issue No. 112 - December 2003

FROM THE EDITOR

Mobile Phones
The new regulations about mobile phone use by drivers come into effect on 1st December. The RAC Foundation (www.racfoundation.org) claims there is some confusion and ignorance over this legislation. They state that using hands-free phones will not be an offence, but if any aspect of making these calls adversely affects driving behaviour - or leads to accidents - the result could be anything from fines, or disqualification, to imprisonment. In addition, AA Insurance services have stated that drivers who have an accident whilst breaking the new law on mobile phones could have their insurance invalidated.

The company policy is clear in relation to the use of mobile phones in company vehicles. They must not be used in the vehicle unless the vehicle is in a safe location, stationary and the keys removed from the ignition. Calls must not be made under any circumstances whilst driving. If a call is received, allow the answer phone to take a message, and then return the call when it is safe to do so.

Theft from Company Vehicles
Staff are reminded not to leave anything on view inside the vehicle when parked. There have been a number of instances recently where vehicle windows have been smashed by thieves to access items inside.

Joke of the Month

Husband: "We had a break-in last month. My wife's credit card got stolen."
Husband's friend: "Have you reported it to the police?"
Husband: "No. The thief's spending less than my wife did."

Clive Millard

PERSONNEL

Christmas Cards
As per last year, rather than give Christmas cards to staff this year from the company, the directors will make a donation to the CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA charity equivalent to the cost of the cards. Dawn Andrews at Chesterfield is selling CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA 'Grand Draw' tickets at £1.00 each. Any members of staff who wish to buy ticket in place of sending cards should contact Dawn. Appraisals
Appraisals are currently being carried out by management. If you require a face-to-face meeting for your appraisal please contact your manager before 12th December 2003 to arrange a mutually convenient appointment.

Congratulations
To Dean Bradshaw (Brad) who passed PCN Level 2 Magnetic Particle Inspection.

To Steven Wilkes who passed ASNT Level 2 in Ultrasonic Testing - Forgings.

To Ian Donaldson who passed his PCN RT Level 2 (Welds) 10 year recertification examination.

To Richard Johnson who passed his PCN MT and PT Level 2 (General) 10 year recertification examinations.

To Ivan Hutson who passed his PCN MT and PT Level 2 (General) 10 year recertification examinations.

Welcome
To Joanne Skinner who started in the office at Chesterfield during November.

To Larry Tubey who started at Burton during November.

The National Lottery
Dawn Andrews at Holmewood and Keith Dashper at Ossett run the Applied Inspection lottery syndicate. There are currently 33 members who each pay £1.00 per week (stopped at source) which is put on the Saturday lottery. Anyone who is not a member, and who would like to join, should contact Dawn or Keith.

Our winnings to date are as follows:
1995 - £160.00 (40 weeks)
1996 - £297.00 (52 weeks)
1997 - £220.00 (52 weeks)
1998 - £251.00 (52 weeks)
1999 - £290.00 (52 weeks)
2000 - £270.00 (53 weeks)
2001 - £382.00 (52 weeks)
2002 - £330.00 (52 weeks)
January to June 2003 - £90.00 (26 weeks)
July - £30.00 (4 weeks)
August - £30.00 (5 weeks)
September - £10.00 (4 weeks)
October - £30.00 (4 weeks)
1 November - £20.00
8 November - £0.00
15 November - £10.00
22 November - £0.00
Any errors in the above list will be corrected as soon as possible.

QUALITY & TRAINING

Standards and Specifications
BS EN ISO 5817: 2003 - Welding - Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam welding excluded) - Quality levels for imperfections, has superseded BS EN 25817: 1992 which is now withdrawn.

BS EN 13261: 2003 - Railway applications - Wheelset and bogies - Axles - Product requirements, has superseded BS 5892-1: 1992 which is now withdrawn.

NIGHT OUT IN SHEFFIELD

SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2003

MEET AT BAR 69 IN CHESTERFIELD AT 7.15 PM
(FANCY DRESS OPTIONAL)

PLEASE RING KELLY, STEVE OR IVAN AT CHESTERFIELD IF YOU WANT ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, OR JUST TURN UP AT BAR 69 AT THE DATE AND TIME ABOVE FOR A GOOD NIGHT OUT.

NDT Training
The answers to the questions on Radiographic Testing in last month's NEWSLETTER are as follows:

1) D     2) B      3) C     4) C     

Here are some more questions, this time on Magnetic Testing:

1. "Magnetic particle" is a nondestructive examination method used for:

     A. Locating surface discontinuities.
     B. Near surface discontinuities.
     C. Both A and B.
     D. Material separation.

2. Ferromagnetic material is:

     A. Strongly attracted by a magnet.
     B. Capable of being magnetized.
     C. Both A and B.
     D. Not capable of being magnetized.

3. The permeability of a material describes:

     A. The ease with which it can be magnetized.
     B. The depth of the magnetic field in the part.
     C. The length of time required to demagnetize it.
     D. The ability to retain the magnetic field.

4 The retentivity of a material describes:

     A. The ease with which it can be magnetized.
     B. The depth of the magnetic field in the part.
     C. The length of time required to demagnetize it.
     D. The ability to retain the magnetic field.

Quote of the month

"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."

Marie Curie

Quality at Applied Inspection
Applied Inspection has a number of statements relating to its position on that subject. They are Vision, Mission, Quality, Training, Health & Safety, Environmental, Equal Opportunities and Alcohol & Drugs.

These statements are contained in the Company Rules booklet, available at each site on the Notice Board, and the Health & Safety booklet, issued to all employees. In addition, from time to time we also publish the statements in the NEWSLETTER. Here is our Alcohol and Drugs Policy Statement. We welcome comments and/or suggestions from staff in relation to any company policy statement. Please contact any director or e-mail us through the company web site.

Alcohol and Drugs Policy Statement
1. The Applied Inspection policy on alcohol and drugs at work is designed to promote safe and sensible attitudes. Drinking at work is not therefore encouraged and the use of drugs is only permitted when prescribed by a doctor. Keeping either alcohol or drugs on the premises for consumption at work is strictly forbidden, as is being under the influence of drink or drugs whilst at work, or travelling to and from sites.

2. This policy applies to all levels in the organisation, and to any visiting contractors.

3. The company recognises that both alcohol and drug problems may be an illness and, as such, will be treated in the same way as other illnesses. In addition, it will take measures wherever possible to prevent misuse through education and raising awareness about their effects on work performance and health.

4. Any employee who has a problem, or thinks he may be developing one, should discuss it with his or her superior at the earliest opportunity so that appropriate action can be taken. For example, action can be taken to avoid situations where alcohol or drugs are available, or arrangements for counseling or treatment can be agreed. Failure to take action can result in exposure of other employees to unacceptable health and safety dangers, and disciplinary action in accordance with the company rules may be taken.

5. All managers and supervisors are required to ensure that strict confidentiality is maintained.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Danger from overhead cranes
An incident occurred recently on site where Tom Donegan was carrying out ultrasonic examination whilst 17 metre lengths of pipe were being loaded onto a flatbed trailer for removal from the works. The pipes swung towards Tom who was unaware of the pipe movement. He received a warning shout and was able to take immediate evasive action. No damage or injuries were sustained. However the incident highlights the dangers of pendant operated overhead crane suspended load movements. Immediate remedial action was implemented by the site manager to ensure better visibility and to ensure that all operators not directly involved in loading operations are cleared from the area.

CONTACTS

Holmewood, Derbyshire: Tel: 01246 851864 (4 Lines) Fax: 01246 852243
Burton, Staffordshire: Tel: 01283 515163 (4 Lines) Fax: 01283 539729
Ossett, W Yorks: Tel/Fax: 01924 270006 (2 lines)
Glasgow, Scotland: Tel/Fax: 0141 3355191
Internet Website: www.appliedinspection.co.uk

Published by: Applied Inspection Ltd., Holmewood, Chesterfield, UK. Editor: D K Thomas 26/11/2003

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