Transnet gears up for emergencies
According to spokesperson for Transnet, Ms Nothemba Dlali, there was no reason to panic as the exercise was not the company's way of reacting to past incidents but to make sure the crew knew how to handle an incident, especially one involving hazardous material.
WHITE RIVER – To test its readiness should a life threatening accident occur during operation, Transnet Freight Rail conducted a simulation exercise at the Rocky Drift level crossing on Thursday.
The simulation, which took place over two days, included training and a practical exercise in order to identify gaps in the handling of and response to an emergency situation.
The workshop, attended by 63 people included a theoretical phase which comprised of a lecture and a desktop exercise, followed by the practical phase.
According to spokesperson for Transnet, Ms Nothemba Dlali, there was no reason to panic as the exercise was not the company’s way of reacting to past incidents but to make sure the crew knew how to handle an incident, especially one involving hazardous material.
“We are concerned about the safety of our crew and the public that is why we do not first wait for an incident to happen to teach them what to do should unpredictable things happen,” she said.
Partnering with Transnet Engineering and the Mbombela Rescue Services, the freight company rendered lessons to delegates from Swaziland and Mozambique railways.
During the practical exercise, a scenario of a derailed tanker transporting hazardous material was used.
Upon the derailment, a list of all necessary departments within Transnet Freight Rail as well as the relevant municipality and provincial departments who should to attend to the disaster where drawn up.
These included the ambulance services, fire department, hazardous material handling unit and the re-railing team from Transnet.
Time taken to respond and the management of the site where lives could be threatened due to any number of things, ranging from a derailed train, fumes of leaking hazardous material, injuries and the protection of the general public, was assessed.
“As part of the on-going quest for safe railways, gaps that were identified will be given focus and more training will take place, at the right levels, to ensure business continuity,” concluded Dlali.
