Media Release - Esperance emergency exercise

There were flashing lights, lots of high viz and plenty of action recently, as Water Corporation staged an emergency exercise at its Esperance water treatment plant.

Great Southern Regional Manager Adrian Stewart explained the exercise involved Water Corporation, the local Volunteer Fire and Rescue Brigade, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Area Officer and St John’s Ambulance. 

“We regularly carry out these types of exercises, either at one of our facilities, or back in the office, so we all have the opportunity to test our training, processes and equipment in different situations,” Mr Stewart said.

“This particular exercise at Esperance involved a simulated chemical leak and an injured worker who was trapped inside one of the rooms.

“Thankfully the actual chain of events is highly unlikely to occur as we have emergency shut down devices at our facilities but the aim was to allow the exercise participants to respond in a complex, worst-case scenario.”

DFES Area Officer Stephen Petersen agreed the training was invaluable for both the volunteers and the professionals involved.

“By challenging our volunteers to respond in real time, they can see where they need to improve, whether it’s with their radio communication, suiting up with breathing apparatus, or assisting an incapacitated patient into the hands of the paramedics,” Mr Petersen said.

“This type of exercise gives us the chance to work closely with a range of agencies and develop a greater awareness of the range of challenges they face in different situations while building stronger working relationships.”

Water Corporation’s next exercise is scheduled for May in Williams.