Umicore and emergency services successfully train together

On Tuesday evening, a regular exercise took place at Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH's Plant 1 with the fire department and, for the first time, with the Malteser service. This annual exercise is designed to test cooperation with the emergency services and optimize the effectiveness of the company's internal emergency plans.

This year's exercise scenario simulated a chemical leaking in the electroplating and testing center with two people missing. Forty-three firefighters with nine emergency vehicles were on site, including the hazardous materials unit from Schwaebisch Gmuend with the decontamination component from the Bettringen department. Six members of the Malteser service also took part in the exercise with two ambulances. This allowed the interaction between technical rescue and medical care to be practiced in a realistic setting.

The scenario was developed by the company in collaboration with experienced commanders Achim Kiefer (town centre department commander) and Thomas Waibel. Both accompanied and evaluated the exercise together with Holger Wolf (deputy fire chief of the Schwäbisch Gmünd fire department), who was responsible for the training. Afterwards, he confirmed the high level of professionalism and efficiency of the measures implemented. The structured cooperation between the emergency services and those responsible on site was particularly praised.

Karl Hieber, site manager at Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH, was very satisfied overall with the smooth running of the practice, which lasted just under two hours. “The training once again demonstrated how important it is to work closely with the local emergency services. The local knowledge gained during the subsequent tour of the new electroplating rooms was particularly valuable – a decisive advantage for both sides in the event of an emergency.”

Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH attaches great importance to comprehensive safety management. Regular coordination with the fire department is a central component of this. The evening ended with the traditional snack in the company canteen, where initial findings and experiences were exchanged. Ideas for next year's exercise scenario were also discussed enthusiastically.