THE APPLIED INSPECTION
NEWSLETTER

Issue No. 121 - September 2004

FROM THE EDITOR

This month's NEWSLETTER includes a new section entitled 'Transport' which will be a regular feature from the Fleet Controller, Pat Slater. The company currently operates a mixed fleet of 69 vehicles.

All drivers were issued with a 'Company Vehicle Policy and Driver Information' document in May 2004, and the new Transport section will reinforce the contents of this document through reminders, and will keep drivers up to date with any new developments. This month's article relates to vehicle security.

Joke of the Month

I went to the local supermarket and said, "I want to make a complaint; this vinegar's got lumps in it." He replied, "Those are pickled onions."

(David Slater)

PERSONNEL

Congratulations
To Ian Donaldson who passed his PCN 10 year Level 2 re-certification examination in Penetrant Testing (General).

Goodbye
To Jordan Barnett who left the company during August. We wish him all the best for the future.

The National Lottery
Dawn Andrews at Holmewood and Keith Dashper at Ossett run the Applied Inspection lottery syndicate. There are currently 31 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)
2003 - £230.00 (52 weeks)
2004 - £90.00 (26 weeks, January to June)
2004 - 3 July - £10.00
2004 - 10 July - £0.00
2004 - 17 July - £0.00
2004 - 24 July - £0.00
2004 - 31 July - £0.00
2004 - 7 August - £10.00
2004 - 14 August - £0.00
2004 - 21 August - £10.00
Any errors in the above list will be corrected as soon as possible.

QUALITY & TRAINING

Standards and Specifications
ASTM A703/A703M-04, Standard Specification for Steel Castings, General Requirements, for Pressure-Containing Parts, has been withdrawn and replaced by ASTM A703/A703M-04a.

Quote of the month

"People don't seem to realise how often you have to come in second in order to finish first. I've never met a winner who hadn't learned how to be a loser."

Jack Nicklaus

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

1) A     2) B      3) D     4) A     

Here are some more questions, this time on Radiation Safety:

1 Which of the following materials has the thinnest half value layer?

     A. Lead.
     B. Steel.
     C. Concrete.
     D. Aluminium.

2. Which of the following isotopes has the shortest half-life?

     A. Iridium.
     B. Thulium.
     C. Ytterbium.
     D. Cobalt.

3. When a body tissue cell is damaged by radiation:

     A. The cell may lose its ability to reproduce.
     B. The cell may die.
     C. Damages caused by knocking an electron out of the orbit of its parent atom.
     D. All of the above.

4 Which cells in the human body are most affected by Ionising Radiation?

     A. White blood cells.
     B. Red blood cells.
     C. Plasma cells.
     D. Lens of the eye.

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 Environmental Policy Statement, which has recently been changed to include reference to the Disability Discrimination Act. 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
The Company is committed to the implementation and maintenance of an Environmental Management System in accordance with BS EN ISO 14001, with emphasis placed on prevention of adverse environmental effects rather than on detection and amelioration after occurrence.

We shall strive for continual improvement of our environmental performance at all levels in the organisation through:
  1. Ensuring that all employees understand the policy of the Company, receive sufficient motivation and possess the necessary skills to carry out their tasks efficiently.
  2. Ensuring all employees are consulted and informed on all matters affecting the environment.
  3. Carrying out non-destructive tests so as to minimise environmental effects
  4. Reducing waste and consumption of resources such as materials, fuel and energy.
  5. Reducing or eliminating the production of polluting releases to the environment.
  6. Meeting all regulatory and legislature requirements relating to the environmental effects of the business operation.
  7. Ensuring that, whenever possible, our purchasing of materials/services encourages suppliers to minimise environmental effects.
  8. Minimising the environmental effects of new developments through strategic planning.
  9. Committing to continual improvement by assessing the risks, aspects and impacts, and setting appropriate objectives and targets.
Applied Inspection Limited will carry out regular monitoring, auditing and management review of the Company's activities against this policy and the environmental management system.

TRANSPORT

Security
Drivers are expected to take reasonable precautions to safeguard the vehicle in their possession. Where a vehicle is left unattended, please ensure that all doors, windows and sunroof are secured and that any valuables are locked in the boot. Where they are fitted, alarms and immobilisers must be activated.

It is a mandatory requirement that the vehicle must be locked whenever the driver leaves the vehicle, even to pay for petrol. The Insurers will not insure for vehicles stolen when the vehicle is left unattended whilst unlocked.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Drugs and Alcohol Testing
Applied Inspection operates a random drugs and alcohol screening procedure. Employees may be requested to attend a test with only 8 hours notice. Certain prescribed and non-prescribed medication may adversely affect the results of the test. Therefore before taking prescribed or non-prescribed medication always ask the prescribing Doctor or pharmacist if any ingredients may affect a drugs and alcohol test. In addition always inform your manager or supervisor of any medication you are taking and maintain a record of dates to inform the screening officer.

Working with Ladders
ALWAYS:

NEVER:
  • Carry heavy or bulky items
  • Work from a ladder without using one hand to hold onto the ladder
  • Work for long periods from a ladder
  • Lean from the ladder
  • Rest loose items on the ladder - remember operatives working below

    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 25/08/2004

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