Merry Christmas and Thank you From RT Training Services.

It has been a busy year here at RT Training Services! We have delivered more than 1,000 training courses to almost 11,000 candidates since the start of the calendar year.
 
The feedback from our customers and candidates on courses has been invaluable, and has helped us to make further improvements to our provision.
 
Here are some of the notable highlights from 2010:
 
·         Changes to the Door Supervisor qualification were successfully implemented, resulting in a streamlined course.
·         We were awarded 3 new Public Sector contracts during the year.
·         Child Protection Awareness training was rolled out, with significant support from our customers in the Public Sector.
·         We increased the breadth of our Food Safety qualifications.
·         Our Training Officer team increased by 1.
·         We developed some new and exciting partnerships with other training providers.
 
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the fantastic support of our customers and strategic partners.
 
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
 
Our opening hours for Christmas and New Year can be found on our website here - http://www.rttrainingservices.co.uk/news.php?article_id=62
 
 
Turkey tips for Christmas
The Food Standards Agency has some excellent advice on Food Safety, for those of you who eat turkey at Christmas.
 

• If you buy a frozen turkey make sure it’s completely thawed before you cook it by checking there are no ice crystals in the cavity. Also, use a fork to test the thickest parts of the meat. A larger turkey can take up to two days to defrost entirely.
• Don’t wash your turkey before cooking. Washing is more likely to splash food bugs on to worktops, dishes and other foods. Proper cooking will kill bugs.
• Plan your cooking time properly. Follow the cooking times and other instructions on the label or, as a general guide, for a turkey weighing less than 4.5kg, allow 45 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes; for one weighing between 4.5kg and 6.5kg, allow 40 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes; and for those over 6.5kg, 35 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes. All turkeys should be cooked at 180ºC, 350ºF, Gas Mark 4 (after the oven has preheated).
• Check the turkey is cooked properly by cutting into the thickest part of the meat. None of the meat should still be pink and any juices that run out should be clear. Finally, the meat should be steaming hot all the way through.

 
Source: Food Standards Agency
 
Safety when clearing snow and ice
There is a lot of misinformation about this topic but here are some useful tips, from the Directgov website.
 
The snow code - tips on clearing snow and ice from pavements or public spaces
Prevent slips
Pay extra attention to clear snow and ice from steps and steep pathways - you might need to use more salt on these areas.
If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.
Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively.
Clear the snow or ice early in the day
It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.
Use salt or sand - not water
If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear.
Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may cause them damage.
If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as well as salt, but will provide good grip under foot.
Take care where you move the snow
When you’re shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared firs, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides.

Source: www.direct.gov.uk