During the week of October 21, 2024, the Elizabeth Fire Department  conducted critical confined space rescue drills at APM Terminals Port Elizabeth, part of their annual training to maintain readiness for high-risk scenarios. This collaboration between the fire department and the terminal’s staff highlights the importance of preparedness in dealing with emergencies in industrial environments .

Led by Deputy Chief William Vignali and Battalion Chief Gary Haszko, the training focused on confined space rescues – a particularly complex type of emergency response. In confined spaces like sewers, tankers, or atop towering port cranes, rescuers must navigate limited access points and hazardous conditions, making these rescues especially challenging.

“This year, we had the opportunity to use the crane at APM Terminals, the height and size of which added a layer of complexity to our drill,” said Deputy Chief Vignali. “We conduct confined space training every year, but practicing in this industrial setting really helps simulate real-world conditions where time, access, and safety risks are heightened.”

Collaboration Sparked by APM Terminals’ Global Safety Day

The relationship between APM Terminals and the Elizabeth Fire Department goes beyond just providing a training location. As part of APM Terminals’ commitment to safety, the collaboration was born out of discussions during the terminal’s Global Safety Day when it brings together stakeholders from across the port community to focus attention on keeping employees safe.

“Confined spaces are areas where people aren’t meant to be for long. They’re tough to access, often hazardous, and when something goes wrong, it’s serious. These incidents are low frequency, but very high risk, which is why we train for them constantly.”
Deputy Chief William Vignali

“The fire department approached us about doing some training on confined space during our Global Safety Day,” explained Candice Revill, APM Terminals Port Elizabeth’s HSSE Director. “We really rely on them. We hope they never have to use this training in a real situation, but their familiarity with our operation and equipment could save someone’s life.”

Proactive Safety Measures in a Dynamic Environment

The terminal’s dynamic environment – where heavy loads are moved, and powerful equipment operates under tight deadlines – presents unique safety challenges. APM Terminals emphasizes a proactive safety mindset, recognizing that safety is not just about following procedures, but also about staying curious and vigilant in an ever-changing workplace. This philosophy, central to the company’s own “Global Safety Day” message, underscores the need for ongoing learning, collaboration, and readiness.

“Our work conditions constantly change,” said Revill. “With changing conditions, safety risks also change. Having the fire department out here getting familiar with our equipment and operations helps them stay one step ahead and potentially save lives.”

Community-Wide Impact of Specialized Training

The training not only prepared the firefighters for confined space rescues in an industrial setting, but these same skills can be applied in various scenarios throughout the community. From rescuing window washers to handling elevator emergencies, the skills honed in these drills are critical across the city of Elizabeth.

As part of the terminal’s broader commitment to safety, Global Safety Day serves as a reminder that safety is an ongoing journey.

“Safety is not a destination; it’s an ongoing journey driven by curiosity, collaboration, and constant care,” said Revill. “It’s been a humbling experience to see the fire department’s work up close, and I’m really proud of the team for supporting this effort.”

Through this relationship, APM Terminals Port Elizabeth and the Elizabeth Fire Department are ensuring they are ready for any emergency, reinforcing their shared commitment to safety for both the terminal and the broader community.