On 5 June 2024, we had the opportunity to welcome the Holzappel Volunteer Fire Brigade (FFW) to our company premises. The fire brigade approached us with the request to carry out an exercise under realistic conditions on our premises. After a brief consultation with our responsible safety officers, we gladly agreed and the exercise could begin at 6.30 pm.
Exercise scenario: Hazardous goods accident with trapped person
The scenario of the exercise was challenging and realistic: an intermediate bulk container (IBC) with hazardous goods had tipped over during loading work, trapping a person and causing the hazardous material to spill. The emergency services of the Holzappel fire brigade had the task of dealing with the situation under strict safety conditions and sometimes using special protective suits.
Challenge successfully mastered
The firefighters rose to the challenge with the utmost commitment and professionalism. Within an hour, they managed to free the trapped person and control the leakage of hazardous materials. The exercise clearly showed how well prepared the Holzappel fire brigade is for such scenarios and how important such realistic exercises are for safety in our region.
Manoeuvre critique and joint debriefing
Following the exercise, a manoeuvre critique took place in which both the fire brigade management of the Holzappel fire brigade and our team from Ursa-Chemie GmbH (UCM) analysed the exercise. Strengths were emphasised and potential improvements discussed. This open and constructive debriefing showed the high level of ambition on both sides to continuously work on improving their own skills.
Further training in the field of dangerous goods and hazardous substances
The exercise was then discussed again informally in the relaxed atmosphere of a small snack and cold drinks. These discussions gave rise to the idea of offering special training in the area of hazardous goods and hazardous substances for the members of the Holzappel fire brigade. We are pleased that we were able to successfully conduct this training in Holzappel on 3 July 2024. This collaboration not only strengthens safety in the region, but also mutual trust and professionalism in dealing with potentially dangerous situations.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Holzappel fire brigade once again for their commitment and excellent cooperation and look forward to future joint exercises and training sessions.
