REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (April 6, 2015) --- Redstone Test Center's Missile and Sensors Test Directorate conducted a simulated spill of liquid oxidizer at Test Area 5 March 25 to evaluate and test the emergency action and accident notification plan, while at the same time providing realistic training.
The scenario kicked off when the driver of the transport vehicle suffered a heart attack and lost control of the transport vehicle. The accident resulted in a 55 gallon barrel of liquid oxidizer spilling and an RTC employee receiving chemical burns to his hand.
Within minutes of the simulated spill call to emergency RSA 911 Control Center, TA-5 quickly became the mecca for all emergency vehicles. Redstone Fire and Rescue along with HEMSI arrived to the test range located on the southern end of the arsenal with lightning speed. Personnel dressed in neon yellow hazmat suits quickly established a perimeter around the decontamination tent and guided injured personnel.
"Train like you fight," said Larry Carleton, MSTD safety manager. "Knowing what to do first will save lives so it was important that we kept this exercise undisclosed so the actions of RTC employees were real and could serve as training tools for procedures."
Dealing with any hazardous incident requires expertise and precision, even when it comes to mock exercises. Without the aid of Chuck Freeman, Propulsion Division safety officer and Nicole Hicks, engineering technician, the exercise could not have produced the results necessary for critical assessment and procedural updates.
"This event took months of planning," stated Carleton. "The Redstone Arsenal Emergency Services continue to provide their time and assets in these types of endeavors which creates a safer work environment for everyone."
Carleton went on to say, "Training is paramount in the endeavor to ensure safety at Redstone Arsenal. Ultimately, the exercise served as a reminder that each military and civilian employee is valued and protected with the highest integrity."
RTC, a subordinate command of the Army Test and Evaluation Command, provides technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and capabilities to plan, conduct, analyze, and report the results of test on missile and aviation systems, sensors, subsystems and components.
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