Volunteer fire fighters ready for anything
“The hazmat suits are particularly difficult to move in, but is essential for medical or emergency personnel to wear when responding to scenes where there are chemical spills and other toxic elements.”
Volunteer fire fighters recently received more training to respond not only to fires but chemical disasters as well.
The Sinoville Firefighters Association (SBBV), a non-profit organisation, trained a number of its members in handling and wearing protective equipment.
SBBV spokesperson Zenobia Loock du Plessis said it is important that all members be prepared for any disaster that could occur.
“At the weekend, the volunteers trained with hazmat suits in case they would ever need to respond to chemical spill scenes or work in toxic environments.”
Loock du Plessis said the hazmat suits are particularly difficult to move in and the volunteers had to go through an obstacle course as part of the training.
“A hazmat suit is a form of personal protective equipment (PPE), which is often used by firefighters, emergency medical crews, paramedics, researchers, personnel responding to toxic spills, specialists cleaning up contaminated facilities and workers in toxic environments,” she explained.
Loock du Plessis again urged communities to help prevent disasters such as fires during winter.
SBBV previously imposed a fire ban in its precinct, which started on 1 May and will last until 31 October.
The association had warned that anyone caught making open fires would be prosecuted.
“With the change of season, open fires are especially dangerous, and that is why the ban was imposed in the SBBV and Apies river area,” said Loock du Plessis.
She said winter time in Gauteng, with its strong winds and dry conditions, was particularly prone to veld fires.
“No fire pits or garden refuse may be burned. If anyone has to burn refuse during this time, they will need to get a permit.”
Loock du Plessis reminded that applications for permits could be made with the SBBV.
Applicants may visit their website at www.sbbv.co.za for more information.
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