Despatches February 08 - News, views and case studies

Programmable Logical Controllers

The use of very expensive, sophisticated electronic controllers to control big, elaborate refrigeration systems once meant several large cubicles of control gear to manage a system. Any changes to the design of such a complex arrangement meant large scale surgery.

Programmable Logical Controllers (PLC) have been around since the early 1970s, but they have only become commonplace in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry in recent years. They are designed to be robust and reliable, to work in adverse environments and to be capable of easy programming by software with a good graphical interface. They are found on many units, which means that service staff are now coming into contact with them regularly.

The terminology used in PLCs is different to that in older systems, and maintenance personnel need to be familiar with some new concepts like hexadecimal number systems and ladder programmes. Training competent and confident staff is vital, and must include this new terminology. However, training programmes should continue to be practical, allowing participants to have access to actual software and hardware and use the equipment for real.

Techtrain Associates (See advertisement on page 45) have developed a PLC training course using one of the most common types of PLC found on the market – the Mitsubishi FX series. Trainees have individual access to laptops with Melsec GX developer software and the ability to connect to FX3 PLCs with external hardware simulation. Trainees will need to download essential pre-course material and questions which must be read and submitted to the tutor before starting the course.

The two-day programme may be held at Techtrain’s Doncaster centre or can be delivered on-site provided that appropriate facilities are available. For further details of course content and availability contact Techtrain on www.techtrain.co.uk or call 08706090075.

Thames Ambulance Service announce changes to first aid courses and procedures

It is likely that, at some stage in the future and possibly within the next two years, changes will take place to the way that first aid training is delivered. Although no definitive date has been given, it is proposed that the existing four-day first aid at work course will change to three days (18 hours) initial training which will be followed by annual three-hour practical update training days. These update programmes will take place during years 1 and 2 of the period of validity of the certificate. In the third year, a two-day (12 hour) renewal course will be required so that the validity of the original certificate is maintained.

Readers may be aware that the procedure for the administration of cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has changed and is now following the UK resuscitation council guidelines of 2005. The principal change to the technique is that the ratio has changed from 2 breaths and 15 compressions of the chest to 30 compressions of the chest to 2 breaths in. The fundamental difference is that 2 initial breaths of air in are no longer given but the first aider should go straight into 30 compressions. It is also no longer necessary to measure for the landmark position for the heel of the hand around the base of the breast bone. You should merely use a rough guide to the centre of the casualty’s chest; this is all designed to save vital time. (See advertisement on page 11)

Professional investigator training at Longmere Consultants

Becoming a professional investigator is not easy. It is much more than a person with a trilby hat, long coat who hides behind bushes so beloved of screenwriters. Longmere Consultants (See advertisement on page 20) offer franchised businesses in this field, with in-house training as well as other professional courses. They say that: ‘Without a doubt candidates from police or HM Forces backgrounds have a head start. However we have seen that most people who are prepared to work hard and give 100% effort produce excellent results.’

Jobs can vary ‘from tracing someone, serving legal documents upon a respondent, surveillance enquiries or carrying out enquiries regarding a fatal traffic accident, maybe boarding a plane to carry out enquiries in a foreign country.’ The company offers ‘full support and assistance, ‘promising that’ no two days will be the same and that this is an excellent interesting and exciting career, where the rewards can be high.’

Franchised private investigators are their own bosses and can select what enquiries suit them best. They can work from home or from a furnished office – the choice is theirs. However, the company invites anyone who might be interested to call their office for a chat on 0870 300 4141 before making any decisions.