Behind the Smoke: Selmers' fire drill saga

Nothing strikes fear quite like a fire breaking out in a company. Just a few weeks ago, our neighbors got a taste of a hefty blaze. At Selmers, we've got everything sorted for emergencies. It's only natural; safety is one of our top priorities.

Yearly exercise at Fort Marken Binnen

Every year, besides our regular ERT training, we participate in a refresher course at FORTtreffelijk training grounds, a historically rich location that sparks the imagination. But Richard Ooteman, our technical expert and Emergency Response Team (ERT) member, suggested taking things up a notch and trying it out 'for real.'

Real Fire Brigade exercise

And so, we found ourselves in talks with the Dutch fire brigade Brandweer Kennemerland as part of the regional safety organisation Veiligheidsregio Kennemerland, about staging a real-life exercise. It was an opportunity for everyone, even the firefighters, to learn a thing or two. Typical for Selmers, always choosing a joint venture in close collaboration.

Creating the scene

Picture this: the fire scenario unfolds in our assembly workshop. The fire department approached the situation with utmost seriousness, complete with smoke machines and 'flame lamps.' You know the ones with those waving red cloths in a lamp. And, of course, what's a drill without a 'victim'? Thus, a dummy was part of our theatrical ensemble.

Faking it - hoping we don’t ever have to make it

You might think it's all make-believe, but it was so convincing that we barely stopped a bystander from dialing the Dutch 911! He had the phone in hand, ready to act. Talk about a comedy of errors!

 How does such an exercise go?

1. Step 1: Where does the alarm detect the fire?

2. The ERT determines the conditions and limitations for this location.

3. The team lead, accompanied by two ERT members, rushes to the scene to assess the severity of the situation.

4. A quick inventory follows: can we tackle the fire ourselves or do we need backup? In this scenario, we definitely needed backup (of course...).

5. Cue the firefighters! Luckily, they were nearby, with three vehicles at the ready!

6. On-site, the firefighters assess the situation and take charge.

7. The building is evacuated, and we count heads (which is why all Selmers employees clock in and out daily).

8. Now for the real deal - extinguishing the fire. Hoses are rolled out, and even the firefighters get their hands dirty.

9. Observers keep a keen eye on proceedings, providing feedback to both teams.

Lessons learned

We quickly realized that those first few minutes are critical, especially when it comes to communication. Sending people where, who does what, and when? Despite having everything meticulously planned, it all comes down to those immediate actions. What to tell the firefighters, do we have all the phone numbers handy, etc.? There's always room for improvement; after all, this isn't our daily routine, and practice makes perfect!

So, we went for a round two, and it went off without a hitch! That's why they say practice makes perfect.

Considering a safety assessment?

We aren’t just a provider of machines; we see ourselves as a partner in a shared vision of a safer industrial world Whether you need a safety assessment, training, or safety equipment for your production in the pipe, tube or wind industry, we’re here to assist. Reach out to us at +31 (0)251 211 999, send an email to sales@selmers.com or fill in the contact form.