You have just returned from some very good training for that new infrared camera sitting in your supervisor’s office. The next inspection does not hit the schedule for four months, what do you do? Let the camera sit there in the office for the next four months and just go about your normal job? The answer should be NO!
The problem with just letting that infrared camera sit is that the valuable skills you have just learned will fade quickly. Not to mention, the investment the company has made will seem to have gone to waste. There is a way out of this and you can easily keep your new skills fresh. Try to get a few hours each week to use the camera. Look around the office getting the type of images that were taught in class. Good focus, good level and span, and perspective. Here’s the trick, don’t use the “auto” mode at all and get acclimated to the way the buttons work. The images do not have to be of equipment in the plant. You can look at anything, coffee cups, computers, co-workers, cars in the parking lot or anything that has thermal contrast to practice operating the camera’s functions. Remember to work within the limitations or abilities of your infrared camera.
If you and a co-worker were both sent to a course together, set up your own “thermal hunt” challenge. Hide hot and cold packs on each other around the office to replicate thermal anomalies that must be found. Also, spend some time walking about the plant and look at stuff (does not need to be on a route) that you normally would not. If you “see” something that does not make sense to you get the best image that you can and see if someone in the shop can answer your questions.
The main point is, use the skills that you have just learned and try to make them second nature to you. After all, you did not learn to ride a bike, drive a car, throw a ball accurately, or shoot a basketball on your very first try. Like any skill, you have to work on your infrared camera skills and practice, practice, practice. You want to get to the point where you don’t have to think about how you must do something, but rather you just do it!
With enough practice, when that inspection rolls around in four months, your skills will be fresh and you will be able to accurately and successfully identify any thermal anomalies on your inspection route.