- The Elizabeth Fire Department recently conducted confined space rescue drills at APM Terminals Port Elizabeth, part of their annual training program.
- This collaboration, driven by APM Terminals’ Global Safety Day, enhances readiness for high-risk industrial rescues.
- Firefighters practiced navigating confined spaces in an industrial setting, improving their skills for both terminal and broader community emergencies.
- The partnership highlights APM Terminals’ commitment to ongoing safety and preparedness in dynamic work environments.
During the week of October 21, 2024, the Elizabeth Fire Department (City of Elizabeth, NJ) partnered with APM Terminals Port Elizabeth for essential confined space rescue drills, a key part of the department’s annual training to prepare for high-risk scenarios. This collaboration, encouraged by APM Terminals’ Global Safety Day, underscores the critical importance of preparedness and coordination in industrial safety.
Realistic Training in Confined Space Rescues
Deputy Chief William Vignali and Battalion Chief Gary Haszko led the department’s confined space rescue exercises, navigating limited access points and hazardous conditions within spaces like sewers, tankers, and port cranes. This year’s drill utilized APM Terminals’ crane, adding a realistic dimension to the training and simulating conditions that rescuers might face in actual emergencies.
Partnership Originating from Global Safety Day
The collaboration between APM Terminals and the Elizabeth Fire Department developed from discussions held during Global Safety Day, an event APM Terminals organizes to prioritize safety across the port community. “Confined spaces are particularly high-risk but low-frequency incidents, so we must train for them constantly,” Deputy Chief Vignali said. APM Terminals Port Elizabeth’s HSSE Director, Candice Revill, explained, “We hope this training is never needed in real life, but if it is, familiarity with our equipment could make a life-saving difference.”
Adapting to Dynamic Safety Challenges in the Port
APM Terminals’ complex environment—with its heavy equipment and tight schedules—demands proactive safety measures. The company’s philosophy emphasizes safety as a continuous journey, where readiness and adaptability are essential to keeping up with changing conditions. The annual Global Safety Day message reinforces the importance of vigilance and ongoing learning, fostering a proactive approach among employees and collaborators alike.
Community Benefits of Specialized Rescue Training
The training prepares firefighters not only for port-related emergencies but for various incidents throughout Elizabeth, from window-washing rescues to elevator extrications. The specialized skills developed through these drills enhance the fire department’s readiness across the community, extending the benefits of this partnership city-wide.
Safety as an Ongoing Journey
Both APM Terminals and the Elizabeth Fire Department view safety as an evolving commitment. “Safety isn’t a destination; it’s a journey that requires curiosity, collaboration, and constant care,” Revill stated. Through this partnership, APM Terminals and the fire department reinforce their shared dedication to safety, preparing for emergencies in the terminal and the broader community, and ensuring readiness to protect lives and prevent incidents.
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Source: APM Terminals
