The test they will be training people to carry out is 30-40 minutes long and involves testing the pressure and air flow through the ventilator while it inflates/deflates a set of steel “lungs”. It is important for the STFC to ensure that all testers understand the strictness of the method and the clear boundaries that need to be followed when testing.
Mark Anderson, RAL Space ‘super trainer’ said, “This has been a daunting but very rewarding task. To be invited to be part of a team of people and businesses that have been able to redesign and develop a ventilator that will be used to save lives is fantastic. For me it goes to show that with a common goal the UK can pull its business skills together to overcome a challenge. To mass produce thousands of ventilators in weeks is totally unbelievable. My team and many other STFC technicians will be able to do their bit fighting this outbreak and saving people’s lives.”
Training this many people this quickly is always challenging, but the team are having to ensure they maintain social distancing while doing so, to make sure they stay safe and well. This restricts the number of people who can be trained as trainers at one time. There is also currently only one prototype that they can use for this training: one is with the NHS, and another will be arriving at Penlon on Wednesday and then they should be able to speed up the rollout of this training.
Prof Chris Mutlow, RAL Space Director, said: “Working from home is harder for the technicians who usually work in our labs, workshops and cleanrooms at RAL. So I’m proud to see them adapt their skills and contribute their expertise and attention to detail as part of the national effort to support the NHS.”
