The Elizabeth Fire Department has conducted critical confined space rescue drills at APM Terminals (APMT) Port Elizabeth as part of its annual training to maintain readiness for high-risk scenarios.
Led by Deputy Chief William Vignali and Battalion Chief Gary Haszko, the training focused on confined space rescues – a particularly complex type of emergency response. In confined spaces like sewers, tankers, or atop towering port cranes, rescuers must navigate limited access points and hazardous conditions, making these rescues especially challenging.
According to APMT, the training not only prepared the firefighters for confined space rescues in an industrial setting but these same skills can be applied in various scenarios throughout the community.
From rescuing window washers to handling elevator emergencies, the skills honed in these drills are reportedly critical across the city of Elizabeth.
READ: APMT Elizabeth introduces new Super Post-Panamax cranes
“Confined spaces are areas where people aren’t meant to be for long,” said Vignali.
“They’re tough to access, often hazardous, and when something goes wrong, it’s serious. These incidents are low frequency, but very high risk, which is why we train for them constantly.
“This year, we had the opportunity to use the crane at APM Terminals, the height and size of which added a layer of complexity to our drill. We conduct confined space training every year, but practising in this industrial setting really helps simulate real-world conditions where time, access, and safety risks are heightened.”
Earlier in the summer, APMT Elizabeth reported good progress on its $5 million Electrification Pilot Project.
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