Atofina: Downriver firefighter training boosted

Date: 27 June 2002
Source: Atofina

Date: 27 June 2002

After last summer's explosion at ATOFINA Chemicals Inc., Downriver fire departments are beefing up training in industrial fires and upgrading local emergency warning systems.

Officials from the chemical plant will send eight firefighters from the Riverview Fire Department to the Texas A&M Fire School this fall to learn more about extinguishing industrial flames. "When you get into a facility like that, it's a whole new world," said Riverview Fire Marshal Tim Bosman, who received training in April.Among other issues, the firefighters will be taught how to push a chemical fire away from valves in order to shut them down.Pipe systems inside an industrial plant also are used to fight fires instead of trucks.

"As a result, the pressure is a lot higher than what we are use to and it takes a lot more manpower, so it's crucial that we know how to handle ourselves," Bosman said.

The Riverview Fire Department was chosen for the training because ATOFINA is in the community, and the agency will be the first called if an accident occurs. Safety officials from the plant also will be trained to use the fire department's equipment.

"It's a joint effort so that if God forbid another accident happens, everyone will be able to handle things better," Bosman said.

The July 14, 2001, explosion at the plant that makes products used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and paints killed three ATOFINA employees.

The incident happened when a valve on a rail car separated, releasing 74 tons of methyl mercaptan and 13 tons of chlorine into the air. Methyl mercaptan is a foul-smelling gas used in the manufacturing of additives for chicken feed and pharmaceutical products.

ATOFINA has agreed to a $6.2-million settlement, which includes money to train the Downriver firefighters. The company has given a total of $200,000 to the communities that were affected -- Riverview, Grosse Ile Township, Trenton and Wyandotte. The communities are using the bulk of the funds to upgrade their emergency response systems and bolster safety education programs.

Officials in Riverview and Grosse Ile agreed to install a new community alert siren system that includes an AM radio station for announcements, and the use of FirstCall Interactive Network Emergency Response Inc., which can make 600 emergency calls to residents' homes at once alerting them of an incident.

600450 Atofina: Downriver firefighter training boosted glassonweb.com

See more news about:

Others also read

Apogee Enterprises Inc. reported level sales but an increase in earnings for the third quarter of its fiscal 2003. Bloomington-based Apogee, which makes glass products and services, said the earnings increase was mainly the result of improvements in its architectural glass business.
William A. Wulfsohn, vice president and general manager of Nylon System for Honeywell International, has been named vice president of European coatings for PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) and managing director of PPG Europe. "Bill will play a vital role in helping our European coatings businesses achieve their full potential," said Michael A.
Bystronic is to take over Armatec Vierhaus GmbH with effect from 1 January 2003. For Bystronic, a global supplier of system solutions for the manufacture of architectural and automotive glass, the takeover of Armatec, which specialises in laminated safety glass and handling systems, ideally complements the Bystronic portfolio.
The butterflies at Melbourne Zoo have gone upmarket with a new accommodation wing featuring Pilkington glass.
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Owens-Illinois, Inc., (NYSE: OI) announced today that is has closed on the sale of $175 million principal amount of its 8-3/4% Senior Secured Notes due November 15, 2012.
Southwall Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SWTX), a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of thin-film coatings for the automotive glass, electronic display and architectural markets, has named Michael E.

Add new comment