LyondellBasell Clinton Complex Firefighters Offer and Attend Extensive Fire Training
October 06, 2017
CLINTON, Iowa – Oct. 6 2017 – Firefighters at LyondellBasell’s Clinton Complex understand the benefits of fire training, collecting over 100 hours of individual annual emergency responder training.
“We have to be prepared to respond at any time to resolve a wide variety of potential emergency situations that could occur,” said Bruce Ferguson, emergency response coordinator at the Clinton Complex.
October 8-14 is National Fire Prevention Week, but the firefighters at LyondellBasell train all year round.
The 69 Emergency Response Team members at the Clinton Complex are specially trained on plant processes and equipment. In addition to onsite training, a group of LyondellBasell responders attends offsite live fire training every year at Texas A&M, home to a comprehensive training facility used to train over 81,000 firefighters a year. Live fire training opportunities are also hosted annually at the Clinton Complex for LyondellBasell’s sister plant in Morris, Illinois.
“The relationships we have with local fire departments and other area response agencies assure we will get the help we need if a situation tests the limits of our on-site team,” said Ferguson. “It is important that we are prepared to all work together to protect plant personnel, the environment, and plant equipment.”
To help initiate readiness and synergy between LyondellBasell responders and local department responders, the Clinton Complex periodically offers the use of their fire training field to local fire departments.
“Clinton County Emergency Management continues to build a strong relationship with LyondellBasell through interactive training,” said Chance Kness, EMA Coordinator. “Sharing information and collaborating for the benefit of Clinton County is appreciated and welcomed and LyondellBasell does just that.”
In addition to fire, EMS, HazMat and rescue training, LyondellBasell’s fire team also frequently practices their fire safety skills, focusing their attention on safe and efficient use of their mobile response equipment to assure proper operation in an emergency.
“When you don’t use your training you lose some of the skills and knowledge, so it is very important for us to continue to keep our skills sharp and ready to mitigate any situation,” said Ferguson.
With over 16 years of plant experience, Ferguson is proud of the time, effort and energy the firefighters of LyondellBasell dedicate to advancing training for both their team and the community.
“Our professional team is dedicated to the safety of site personnel, along with the environment and plant equipment, and we know training proactively makes that possible,” said Ferguson.
Media Contact: Megan Borchers O: 815-942-7474 C: 815-210-1980 megan.borchers@lyb.com