Digital Mileage Correction

http://dashfix.co.uk/

The website looks like it could be useful if as a tech courier you have had electrical/power problems your vehicle or after having your vehicle serviced the mileage is incorrect.

Is it legal?                                                                          
Yes, adjusting a cars odometer is not a criminal offence so long as you have permission from the owner of the car. It only becomes a criminal offence if you knowingly sell a vehicle that has had it's mileage altered without informing any potential new owner. If we suspect that you might intend to defraud a third party by using are services we will refuse to recalibrate the vehicle.

What the website notice omits to mention is that the mileage recorded in the vehicle's MOT Certificate could have a different reading, so keeping records about the service history or electrical/power problems with the vehicle seems to be sensible.

Various Route Planner Websites

http://www.drivingrouteplanner.com/

http://routes.tomtom.com/#/map/?center=54%2C-2&zoom=9&map=basic

http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp

https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/products/mastermap-products.html

http://www.bing.com/maps/?cc=gb

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/

http://www.mapquest.co.uk/

https://www.google.co.uk/maps

Other online route finder websites will be updated in due course.

BT Phonebook Finder

http://www2.bt.com/edq_resnamesearch

Royal Mail Postcode Finder

http://www.royalmail.com/find-a-postcode

Fuel Calculator

Fuel Cost Per Mile Calculator

  Fuel Consumption (MPG)

  Fuel Cost Per Litre (eg £1.12)

 

 

Parking Penalty Charge Appeal

Worth knowing if you do not know your way around the parking penalty charge system.

"In the UK, a parking ticket (or Penalty Charge Notice – PCN) is issued every 5 seconds reaping local councils, boroughs and parking contractors more than £1billion a year in revenue. Because of the enormous profits available, the number of PCNs issued increase dramatically each year. Commercial vehicles, especially delivery/service vans and lorries, are prime targets although they are, more often than not, legitimately delivering goods or providing services at the time of receiving a PCN. There is not enough space in our towns and cities, particularly inside the M25, for all the necessary deliveries to be made without being at risk of getting a parking ticket."

http://www.pcn-appeals.co.uk/index.html

Dashboard Cameras

Dashboard cameras provide a solution to road safety and accidents. Insurance companies find these types of vehicle gadgets as an indication of a driver's responsibility and some insurance companies offer lower rates because of their use.

Several useful sites to visit:

http://www.smartwitness.co.uk/

http://dashboardcamerareviews.com/dod-ls300w/

http://www.halfords.com/technology/dash-cams/dash-cams

Expenses Tracker Apps

As a self-employed tech courier keeping track of your day-to-day running costs and expenses is essential to keep cash flow under control and remain operational. Here is a useful website that identifies several apps that can be downloaded for Android, iPhone and Windows smartphones.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/best-expense-tracking-apps-for-iphone-android-and-windows-phone/

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Injury to persons
There are numerous ways in which personal injury may be caused, two common electrical induced injury are:

1. Shock
Electric shock is the effect produced on the body, particularly the nervous system, by an electrical current passing through it. Its effects depend on the current strength which in turn depends on the voltage, the path the current takes through the body, the surface resistance of the skin (much reduced when wet) and several other factors. A voltage as low as 15 V can produce discernible shock effects and 70 V has been known to cause death. Generally speaking fatalities occur from the use of normal domestic and industrial voltages of 230 V a.c. and above, causing currents of greater than 30 milliamps to flow through the body for longer than 40 milliseconds.

The most common cause of death from shock is suffocation and accordingly, it is highly desirable that those dealing with electricity should be trained in resuscitation. Minor shocks in themselves may not be serious but they can lead to serious consequences; for example, the associated muscle contraction may lead to falls from working platforms or ladders.

2. Burns
These are caused by the passage of heavy current through the body or by direct contact with an electrically heated surface. They may also be caused by the intense heat generated by arcing from a short circuit. Electrical burns are a very unpleasant form of burn and require immediate medical attention.

Tech Couriers are required to understand the risks associated with dealing with electricity when on call outs for installations, repairs and decommissioning equipment.

Comms/Server Room Racking

There are occasions when a tech courier may need to visit a Comms or Server Room to carry out an install and exchange and there is racking in the room that holds numerous devices. Not every organisation does so, but a good IT manager should have a photo illustration or diagram informing IT Engineers of the details of the relevant devices placed on the racking.

Tech courier should ask for a copy of this photo illustration/diagram prior to starting any work. The reason for this is very simple. Devices may have their wiring interconnected. It is possible to dislodge a device from the racking that may fall onto the ground and the tech courier, firstly, needs to know where to put it back. Secondly, as the wiring looms and plugs might also become disconnected knowing how to put them back in place will be very important.

Tech courier work doesn't have to be difficult and overly complicated; tech couriers just need to know what and where the part is to be installed and exchanged and how to recover from an accident. Pre-planning before starting work is well worth the effort in cases of dealing with rack mounted devices.

Take a look at the photo below and compare the tidy cabling with the photo in the post about Untidy Cabling: http://deviceengineer.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/untidy-cabling.html?zx=f3e261303f26b775

Untidy Cabling

Customers or the customer install instructions (scripts) rarely reveal the reality of the state and untidiness of their installs. Instead tech couriers are left to discover the cabling issues upon arrival at site. The photos below hopefully will reinforce the idea to the tech courier how important it is to take photos of the equipment cabinet on site BEFORE starting any work replacing cables and/or devices. 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Access Denied

In common, couriers find, from time to time, access to a site is denied. This can be because some shopping centres do not allow couriers to use trolleys carrying freight into the main shopping precinct etc.

Two reasons given in the past is

(1) The experience the retail outlet wants for its customers is one of shopping in pleasant surroundings and not shopping in a warehouse; so retail shopping appearance is important to them.

(2) Large freight may knock into customers who are shopping, trolley wheels may rollover a customer's foot or displays may get knocked or damaged; so retails outlets want to avoid risk.

In these situations couriers are required to know where the Service areas are located and gain entry to the site from that access point.  However, there are occasions when access via the Service area may seen not possible.

In these circumstances, an appropriate (any maybe obvious) course of action to confirm whether access is possible or not:



A) Ring the Service door bell. If no answer or no Service door bell....
B) Call the Service contact number. If no answer or no Service contact number....
C) Call the Customer contact number (see script/call sheet). If no answer or Customer contact number...
D) Call the helpdesk stating reasons for no access. If helpdesk has no out-of-hours service.....



False call the call and take a photo of what restriction to site is preventing the courier from gaining access. When false calling remember to including in your notes to show the procedures the courier followed to attempt to gain access to site:

i) No answer from service door or bell
ii) No answer from contact telephone numbers
and
iii) No access to site
or
iv) Contact not available

For a false call menu option the courier may select either Access Denied or Contact Not Available depending which option is relevant.

Damaged Part

If the courier finds after the part has been removed from the delivery box that it is damaged. DO NOT proceed with the swap out but contact the helpdesk for advice.

There are practical reasons for calling in:

1) The damage has not been caused by the courier or customer at the store.
2) If the courier passes the damage goods off as delivered to the customer, the customer may late complain and blame the courier.
3) The store customer wont want to take the blame for damaged goods being delivered.
4) If a device is damaged, for some devices this can lead to the customer being exposed to live electrical parts. 
5) Take a photo of the damaged product as proof. It is surprising how many couriers forget to do this.

 

 



iPAD Exchange Calls

 

Recording the serial numbers (s/n) during device exchange calls can be a bit of a nightmare at times, and no where is this more acutely noticed than with iPAD exchange calls. This is because the s/n is printed onto the rear of the iPAD, usually in a light colour printed on a silvery/gold/metallic background.

As the s/n is connected to the mac address it is important to record the correct s/n. The best way to get a good look at the s/n is to take a photo on your mobile phone and enlarge it to get a clear view of the s/n.

Problem with Site Access - take a photo

For new couriers, but as a refresher for experienced couriers, too, remember to cover yourself and take a photo if access to site is blocked and you have to give a false call reason. Photos are always helpful if you need to prove that it was not possible to gain access to site.

 

 

PURGING DATA HDD

The rapid growth in memory media developments have in turn generated a variety of methods to sanitize data. An organisation’s adopted policy for sanitization can be decided based upon a wide range of consideration with respect to the media type, the coercivity (magnet force) designed for the media, the level of importance of the data recorded to the memory device and so on.

Physical HDD destruction methods
Drilling through a designated location on the HDD and logic chip can disable the HDD but is not 100% fail proof. This approach can be applied to HDDs that are later to be destroyed but need to be safely transported to the location where the destruction is to take place. 

 

 Photo 1 - drill hole damaging a particular memory chip

Photo 2 - hole where drill bit aligns with memory chip on the other side

Clients may not be in favour of the above approach as it does not meet the organisation’s sanitization policy; additionally the sound of a screeching drill attempting to disable numerous HDDs may not be suitable for office environments.

Degaussing Wand
Some other organizations prefer the method of using a degaussing treatment directed to the HDD platter. The courier disassembles the HDD first:

 

Photo 3 - disassembled HDD

A degaussing wand is applied by wiping the wand across the face of the platter.

Photo 4 - degaussing wand

Degaussing, commonly called erasure, leaves the domains in random patterns with no preference to orientation, thereby rendering previous data unrecoverable. There are some domains whose magnetic alignment is not randomized after degaussing. The information these domains represent is commonly called magnetic remanence or remnant magnetization. Proper degaussing will ensure there is insufficient magnetic remanence to reconstruct the data.

Due to the process involved with degaussing the local client may have concerns that there is no actual proof the degaussing paddle has administered any treatment to sanitize the data resident on an HDD magnet media. On the face of it this a natural and fair observation. 

The courier can offer several helpful observations to assist the client understand the treatment being used. One observation is to suggest to the client when the degaussing wand throws the data on the recorded on the platter into random patterns making the data unreadable, is a bit like messing around with a magnets and iron filings producing domains with random patterns that have no meaning:

 

Photo 5 - Iron filing domains with preference patterns

Photo 6 - Random patterns with no preference

Some customers like observations that give them an imagery in their mind as to how things work. However, for the non-scientific mind, the tendency is towards rules, regulations, standards, and examples of authorities using the degaussing technique.

Engineers are reminded and can inform the client:

(a)    The engineer’s attendance at site is due to the management responsible for data protection and safe data handling and destruction requesting engineer assist.

(b)   The degaussing paddle is an accepted approach and identified in specific standards e.g. NIST SP 800-88 Rev 1 2014, and used by UK Government, NSA, FBI etc.

(c)    The degausser is calibrated and a certificate of conformity accompanies the paddle.

(d)   The degauss paddle technical specification meets the requirement for degaussing the HDD e.g.

 

Degauss Paddle Specifications
Power Weight Dimensions (L x W x D) Construction Typical Peak Flux Maximum Flux Minimum Flux	None required 5.5 oz. 7" x 1.5" x .25" One piece aluminium containing high-energy magnetic assembly 8,000 + gauss 12,000 gauss 6,000 gauss

Should the above examples not assist the client, then there is the obvious statement that why would the courier be using the degaussing wand tool if their organisation had not approved its use in the first place?

Lastly, if local client still is unsure then enquiries should in the first instance be referred back to the client management who are aware of the standards to be applied as defined by the organisation’s policy.

Data Wiping Software Tools
As a reminder regarding data wiping software tools, there are numerous standards that also define the number of erase overwrites that the erasure software tools apply during data wiping. (see erase overwrites below). 
 

Program a card terminal

As a refresher for experienced couriers or for newcomers to the industry; the tech courier undertakes customer calls requiring programming of data, via the terminals keypad, into the specific fields identified in the call details by the terminal vendor. An example of call details is shown below in Photo 1.

Photo 1 - Call Details Screen

At first glance the courier will notice fields have been blanked out. This has been done to hide the data recorded in those fields. Also, it can be seen there are two types of blanked out fields. The all white boxes are merely for hiding data the courier will use for identification purpose only. The white with red-outline boxes represent those field where the courier will enter specific programming.

Overall, the courier will note there are four separate blocks of data in the call details that will be explained.

1) The block marked FAULTY PTID represent the details of the faulty card terminal device allocated for collection from the customer.

2) The block marked SETUP PIN represent the fields a courier will input the access code to enter the programming level for the card terminal. Entering also the secure ID and encryption protocol to be used for the Wi-Fi signalling from/to the card terminal.

3) The block marked BILL MANAGER represent the fields a courier will input the unique channel and broadcast details to be used by the card terminal when actioning commands or receiving responses to and from the Wi-Fi network.

4) The block marked LOGIN ID represents the fields a courier will input log-in IDs and PINs into the card terminal in order the card terminal can validate itself as an authorised terminal to be using the Wi-Fi network.

Below are examples of some of the specific programming screens where data are actually entered by the courier. It should be noted that if any or all digits entered into the SSID, WPA Key, Terminal IP, Subnet Mask and/or IP Gateway are wrong then fundamentally the card terminal will be unable to communicate to the Wi-Fi network. Couriers should pay particular attention to ensuring accuracy in entering data supplied by the terminal vendor.

Photo 2 - SSID Screen

Photo 3 - WAP Key Screen

Photo 4 - Terminal IP Screen

Photo 5 - Subnet Mask Screen

Photo 6 - IP Gateway Screen

Appliance Power Rating

The appliance power ratings shown in the table represents at an example noted from a random selection of devices available in the retail outs, offices and homes.

Electrical power is measured in watts, W, a unit of power. Electrical current is measured in amps, A, the rate at which electricity flows.

Domestic Portable Appliance	Amps Used	Watts Used
Laptop	<0.5	65 - 100
Mobile phone charger	<0.5	<12
Kettle	13	3000
Satellite TV box	<0.5	30
Printer	<0.5	50
Radio	<0.5	40
Radiator	8.5	2000
DVD player	<0.5	28
Hair dryer	10.0	2200
Landline cordless telephone charger	<0.5	10
Computer monitor	<0.5	100
Desktop computer	3.0	700
Television 42" HD	0.5	120
Games console	0.86	<200
Washing machine	10	2200
Toaster	9.0	2000
Tumble dryer	11.0	2500
Dishwasher	10.0	2200
Iron	12.5	2800
Microwave	4.5w	1000
Vacuum cleaner	9.0	2000
Radiator (oil filled)	13.0	3000

- The fuse in a plug is a safety device designed to protect the lead rather than the appliance. It is a deliberate weak link in a circuit which will 'blow' if an electrical appliance or extension lead draws too much current due to either an overload or a fault. The blown fuse cuts off the electricity to stop the lead and appliance from overheating and causing a fire.

- Appliances meeting the relevant product safety standards will always be fitted with a plug having a correctly-rated fuse. If you have to replace a fuse, it's essential, having checked and corrected the reason for the fuse blowing, to replace it only with another of the same rating.

- As a rule of thumb, fuses are rated according to the power rating of the appliance. Plugs for appliances rated up to about 700 watts should have a 3 amp fuse (coloured red).  Plugs for appliances rated between about 700 watts and 3000 watts (the maximum rating of a wall socket) should be fitted with a 13 amp fuse (coloured brown). (Some older appliances were fitted with 5 amp fuses (coloured black), which are still available to buy.)

Overloading Socket

Avoid overloading sockets and risk of fire by following this simple advice:

•Check the current rating of the extension lead before plugging appliances into it. Most are rated at 13 A, but some are rated at only 10 A or less - the rating should be clearly marked on the back or underside of the extension lead. If not, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

•Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire.

•Use our overload calculator (below) to check if you’re exceeding the maximum load.

•For an indication only of the current ratings of commonly-used domestic appliances - check out our information about Amps and Watts above.

•Only use one socket extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.

•Use a multi-way bar extension lead rather than a block adaptor, as this will put less strain on the wall socket. Some block adaptors do not have a fuse, which increases the risk of overloading and fire.

•Consider having additional sockets installed if you regularly rely on extension leads and adaptors - and use a registered electrician to carry out the installation work.

•Check regularly for the following danger signs:
 - a smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket
 - sparks or smoke coming from a plug or appliance
 - blackness or scorch marks around a socket or plug, or on an appliance
 - damaged or frayed leads
 - coloured wire inside leads showing at the plug or anywhere else
 - melted plastic on appliance casings or leads
 - fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that operate for no obvious reason

HAVE A GO AT THIS SOCKET OVERLOAD TEST

An easy to follow and useful website for couriers to checkout to gauge socket overloading
http://www.twothirtyvolts.org.uk/socket-overload/

General Vehicle Checks

Item	Requirement	Measurement	Y/N Check	Reasoning
Tyres	Legal Limit	Minimum 1.6mm Check across ¾ /75% (image A)		Braking wet roads takes extra 8 metres to stop at 50mph. Even greater braking distances apply in snow/icy conditions.
Tyres	Legal duty to check vehicle risk	Check inflate levels vehicle handbook(image B)		Can impair steering and road hold. Illegal to use different construction of tyres on opposite sides of same axle.
All Lights	Legal duty to check vehicle risk	Check vehicle handbook		Visibility and braking.
Engine OIL/ Coolant	Legal duty to check vehicle risk	Check vehicle handbook		Avoid engine seizing up. Avoid engine overheating.
Windscreen wipers/wash	Legal duty to check vehicle risk	Check vehicle handbook		Duty to ensure windscreen does not impair driver’s vision - road/traffic.
Vehicle Mirrors	Legal duty to check vehicle risk	Check vehicle handbook		Mirrors should not impair driver’s vision - road/traffic.