Ports of Auckland Scenario 2011

Background

Regular practicing of emergency scenarios helps businesses to ensure that they have trained, coordinated and appropriate responses to emergency events and to ensure staff are well prepared to respond to a real life event.  Another key benefit to emergency scenario testing is that a business can tick off some of the regulatory requirements under HSNO and ACC WSMP.

QEC ran a competition to win a disaster and the Ports of Auckland won the team training exercise which included a spill and first aid response with real (and very bloody) “victims” from their own site.     

Scenario

A forklift carrying an IBC of flammable toxic liquid “accidently” knocks a person to the ground, spilling an unknown amount in the process. Three staff members were injured as a result. Two seriously injured with “head wounds” and in a semi conscious state and another that slipped and hit his head causing him to be ‘difficult’.  First Aiders were called to the incident to attend to the “victims” and other staff members to manage the spill of ‘oil’.

Action

Staff members took control of the situation and called ‘Harbour Control’ who were responsible for calling emergency services. Additional staff came to assist with the spill, providing assistance and support to the first aiders. While staff did attend to the spill, the focus was on the injured, making sure everyone was ok.

An unknown amount of substance spilled from the IBC prior to the spill kit being utilised, which included the use of a drain mat preventing oil from entering the storm water system. The spill was reported to be “a really good test of our spill kit and the bunding when used was really effective”.

The team at Ports of Auckland handled the scenario well, despite the “victims not helping at all”, and some of the injured consistently being difficult by trying to turn on equipment and walking and splashing around in the spilt chemical. The first aiders also had to contend with presence of blood.

Overall


A debrief was conducted post event and recommendations for improvements were identified. All participants dealt with the event in a fast and efficient manner and it was a valuable learning experience for all who were involved.  

If you would like a similar emergency scenario at your place of work to use as a learning exercise, to test your first aid and or spill response procedures or just for fun, our specialist scenario organisers will be more than happy to make it as realistic as possible. Contact us: training@qec.co.nz or on 07 827 0075.