THE APPLIED INSPECTION
NEWSLETTER

Issue No. 97 - September 2002

FROM THE EDITOR

Leadership
Leadership is important in a growing company such as Applied Inspection, and we have excellent leaders at every level in the organisation. Everyone will have his or her own ideas about what makes a good leader; some may stand out as clearly displaying leadership skills, but staff members at any level who take on the responsibility for a job, and see it through to a successful conclusion, are the leaders that make Applied Inspection the success that it is. They lead by example.

Perween Warsi, the driving force behind S&A Foods, described a good leader as someone who uses the skills learned from life. She points out that where a manager manages the workload efficiently and cares for their team, a leader inspires their team.

Dr Meredith Belbin, author and former Cambridge academic, says that there isn't much difference between strong leaders and tyrants. Real leaders are less likely to turn the spotlight on themselves, but prefer to change the climate of opinion and find new ways of getting things done.

Not everyone is a natural leader, but everyone can lead by example.

QUOTATION
True leaders are hardly known to their followers.
Next after them are the leaders the people know and admire;
after them, those they fear;
after them, those they despise.

To give no trust, is to get no trust.

When the work's done right, with no fuss or boasting, ordinary people say, "Oh, we did it."

Lao-Tzu
Chinese philosopher (Sixth century BC)

PERSONNEL

Congratulations
To John Morris, QHS&E Manager, who passed the NEBOSH certificate examination in August. The NEBOSH National General Certificate is a professional qualification designed to help those with health and safety responsibilities to discharge their duties effectively.

To Graham Stapleton who passed PCN Level 2 Radiographic Testing (Welds), including Interpretation. Graham has now obtained certification in MT, PT and RT, and will help provide the necessary flexibility in the NDT service from Chesterfield laboratory.

To Ian Donaldson who passed PCN Level 2 Ultrasonic Testing (Welds), categories 3.2 and 3.8 (Pipes and nozzles). This will help the company to meet the current high level of demand for ultrasonic testing. He already holds category 3.1, plate.

To Steve Wilkes who passed his 10 year PCN level 2 Radiography (Castings) recertification and Basic Radiation Safety examinations.

Finally, congratulations to Kim Sharp who passed his 10 year CSWIP Senior Welding Inspection (Cat. 3.2) re-sit.

Welcome
To Daniel Chester and Steven Johnson who both started at Burton during August.

Overseas
Alan Bartlett has carried out a two weeks training course in Nigeria, and Angie White has carried out NDT in Hong Kong.

Goodbye
To Laura Moorcroft and Carol Witham who left the company during July and August respectively. We wish them well.

Joke of the Month
An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying United." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment.

Finally everyone had got off the plane except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sonny, mind if I ask you a question?" "Why no Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land or were we shot down?"
From Jeff Thomas
(To see many other similar true airline stories from Jeff, see www.appliedinspection.co.uk/entertain9.html).

The National Lottery
Dawn Andrews at Holmewood and Keith Dashper at Cleckheaton 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)
January 2002 - £30.00 (4 weeks)
February 2002 - £10.00 (4 weeks)
March 2002 - £60.00 (5 weeks)
April 2002 - £80.00 (4 weeks)
May 2002 - £40.00 (4 weeks)
June 2002 - £30.00 (5 weeks) 6 July 2002 - £0.00
13 July 2002 - £0.00
20 July 2002 - £0.00
27 July 2002 - £10.00
3 August 2002 - £20.00
10 August 2002 - £10.00
17 August 2002 - £0.00
24 August 2002 - £0.00
Any errors in the above list will be corrected as soon as possible.

QUALITY & TRAINING

Standards and Specifications
The following ASME code sections have recently been updated (Pink sheets):

ASME V : 2001 - ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V - Nondestructive Examination - 2002 Addenda issued, and Interpretations Volume 50.

ASME V : 2001 - ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX - Qualification Standard for Welding and Brazing Procedures, Welders, Brazers, and Welding and Brazing Operators - 2002 Addenda issued, and Interpretations Volume 50.

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

1) C     2) C      3) A     4) B     

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

1. Fluorescent intensifying screen will:

     A. Transform x-ray energy into visible or ultraviolet light to which a photographic emulsion is sensitive.
     B. Result in reticulation.
     C. Decrease in graininess of the image when using gamma rays.
     D. Increase the definition in a radiograph.

2. The three main steps in processing a radiograph are:

     A. Developing, frilling, and fixation.
     B. Developing, fixation, and washing.
     C. Exposure, developing, and fixation.
     D. Developing, reticulating, and fixation.

3. Lead foil screens are used in radiography:

     A. To improve the quality of the radiograph by preferentially reducing the effect of scatter radiation.
     B. To reduce the exposure time.
     C. Both A and B are reasons for using lead foil screens.
     D. Neither A nor B are reasons for using lead foil screens.

4. Kilovoltage, exposure time, and source-to-film distance are three of the most important x-ray exposure factors that can be controlled. A fourth such exposure factor is:

     A. Focal point size.
     B. Temperature.
     C. Filament-to-focal spot distance.
     D. Milliamperage.

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

Injury on site
An incident occurred recently on site where a heavy test piece fell off the rollers that the client had placed it on for inspection. The engineer suffered a major injury of a broken foot resulting in an absence from work of at least six weeks, but clearly the resultant injury could have been much more serious.

This incident illustrates the fact that we cannot take for granted that items presented for inspection on site are safe to manipulate and commence work.

Always inspect the manipulating equipment carefully for correct operation and suitability and if there is any doubt ask the client to demonstrate the operation of the equipment whilst observing from a safe distance.

CONTACTS

Holmewood, Derbyshire: Tel: 01246 851864 (3 Lines) Fax: 01246 852243
Burton, Staffordshire: Tel: 01283 515163 (3 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 28/08/2002

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