Chesterfield College Group will be working closely with the Chesterfield Fire & Rescue Service on 12 August 2021 when they will carry out a vital training exercise in our landmark South Block tower.
The college has, over the past few years, worked in partnership with the local fire service to ensure they have access to buildings and environments which simulate a range of different scenarios.
The exercise in August will include a simulated fire in the lift room on the ninth floor, where two ‘people’ (mannequins) will be trapped. We expect three or four fire engines to arrive at our main campus on Infirmary Road to rescue them and put out the fire.
For those of you who live close to the college, please don’t be concerned – this is just a practise scenario.
What will the Fire & Rescue Service do when they arrive?
They will meet with a controlling person from the college to ascertain details about building such as where power can be switched off and whether it has been evacuated. They will then formulate a plan and begin the exercise. A rescue crew wearing breathing apparatus will enter the building, carry out the rescue and put out the fire.
Why is the exercise taking place at college?
We have welcomed the request for training as this provides a significant benefit to us and our health and safety plans. In the unlikely event of a real fire in South Block (which is the highest building in the town), we can be confident that the Fire & Rescue Service are familiar with the building and how to operate within it – as well as identifying any potential unforeseen issues with gaining access. Ultimately this makes the college a safe learning environment for our students, apprentices and staff.
The exercise also benefits the Fire & Rescue Service who are able to undertake vital training in a high tower block which would otherwise be difficult to replicate or simply be unavailable to them.
Messages on social media will be posted in the run up to the 12 August to remind local residents that this is a training exercise only.