Training Exercise helps Fire Service Stay Green

West Midlands Fire Service continues to enlist the specialist support from Envirosol, part of the Environmental Resource Group (ERG) (UK) to undertake an environmental training exercise at the Chasewater Country Park. This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) spans 360 hectares is usually home to birds and wildlife rather than the local fire brigade. On this occasion the park enabled ‘Blue Watch’ to stage a controlled exercise and simulate an illegal dumping of chemicals into the reservoir which, if real, would have had a devastating impact on life and the environment.

Station Commander David Hilton commented, ‘We struggled when searching for a partner that could offer us the appropriate level of specialist support. We needed an organisation that could not only stage and host our exercises but also provide the appropriate level of bespoke training needed in such situations. We were delighted to find Envirosol with their full scale facilities at the ERG national headquarters. Their specialist expert knowledge of the hazardous waste industry enables us to perform a variety of mock exercises in a realistic environment backed up with training aids and information.’ Hilton went on to say, ‘Without the good relationship we have built over the last four years, we would be unable to perform this in-depth training which ultimately protects people, life and the environment.’

Using their fully functional transfer site, Envirosol are able to provide a unique service to clients and simulate emergency situations that incorporate all type of hazards. Previous exercises simulated the danger to life with people being trapped within the vicinity of pierced chemical drums containing noxious gas. Using the technical back up of ERG’s own chemists Envirosol can bespoke the scenario to even fill the transfer station with smoke!

Aside from the fire service, Envirsol offer nationwide support to a variety of clients including the effective clean-up of fly tipping, spillages on transport roads as well as helping councils, small business owners and major corporates to safely dispose of their hazardous waste.