In their commitment to safety, brigade members from the El Teniente Plant Management joined the first-line firefighting course organized by Machalí Firefighters. This valuable initiative arose from the close relationship between both entities, supported by the General, Plant and Sustainability and External Affairs management of the Division.
Cristian Soto, commander of the Machalí Fire Department, reported that “the Machalí Fire Department proposed inviting the Brigade to participate in the activity. This strengthens ties with the company and provides training in the management of structural emergencies, which benefits the brigade members in their daily work in El Teniente.”
The course, with theoretical-practical methodology, focused on providing the necessary tools so that firefighters, firefighters and brigade members had enough experience to face any type of incidents in structural emergencies.
Mauro Pantoja Rivera, head of the Plant Management Brigade, explained that “we not only seek to incorporate these techniques, but also involve the participants in the process. When we replicate this type of teaching, they are also able to organize work teams, such as incident command. Thus, we teach and train a greater number of brigade members.”
During the different days, carried out in the Sauzal camp sector, five fire simulations were carried out, in which they faced conditions similar to those of a real fire. In addition, techniques were taught for rapid evacuation of water and for maintaining constant protection of emergency teams during the extinction of the incident.
Axel Vásquez, lead instructor of the training organization “La Primera Línea”, explained that “the balance is positive. Trained people have applied the techniques in simulations that closely resemble reality. “We are satisfied to see how this knowledge will benefit both the Machalí firefighters and the Codelco brigade members.”
Continuous training in emergencies
With a total of four emergency brigades in the Division (Mines, Plants, Foundry and Sewell Pit), continuous training is a priority. Brigade leaders regularly undergo level one training, while brigade members participate in periodic training sessions.
Ricardo Vega, head of the Critical Risks unit of the Security Management, pointed out that “for us, the transversal learning of firefighters who are constantly in emergency activities is important. In this way we seek to acquire skills and knowledge that they transmit within El Teniente, ensuring that we are prepared to deal with any emergency that may arise.”
With a total staff of 60 brigade members, including three women, Plant Management’s coverage covers a wide range of emergencies, from vehicle rescues to fires, chemical emergencies and weather events.
Rubén Guajardo, brigadier, assured that “we are happy to be included in this collaboration since it gives us the opportunity to share new techniques with our colleagues. The experience of collaborating with the Firefighters has been enriching. It was very pleasant to compare ourselves with them at the emergency level and see that we are quite even.”
For his part, Víctor Maturana, brigade member and seminar participant, added that “this process is significant because it reinforces our knowledge and provides new techniques. With the current instructors, we have learned completely new and more efficient approaches. A different and much more comfortable and agile way to work.”
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